GSA awards $4.7M for field kits, with potential for price adjustments, to JL Darling, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,740 ($4.7K)

Contractor: JL Darling, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-04-20

Contract Duration: 11 days

Daily Burn Rate: $431/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: FIELD KIT,TACTICALEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Place of Performance

Location: FIFE, PIERCE County, WASHINGTON, 98424

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $4,739.84 to JL DARLING, LLC for work described as: FIELD KIT,TACTICALEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. Contract value of $4.7M for tactical field kits suggests a significant need for specialized equipment. 2. The fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment introduces a risk of cost escalation over its term. 3. Competition was full and open, indicating a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. The short duration of the task order (11 days) suggests an urgent or specific, short-term requirement. 5. JL Darling, LLC, as the awardee, likely has established capabilities in producing tactical equipment. 6. The contract falls under the Stationery Product Manufacturing NAICS code, indicating a focus on durable goods.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.7 million for field kits appears substantial. Without specific details on the quantity and exact specifications of the kits, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. The inclusion of economic price adjustment clauses warrants close monitoring, as it can lead to costs exceeding initial projections if market prices for raw materials or labor increase significantly. Benchmarking against similar tactical equipment procurements would be necessary for a more definitive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors were likely invited to bid. This method is generally preferred as it allows for the widest possible participation and theoretically leads to the best pricing and value for the government. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would provide further insight into the intensity of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a competitive environment, which should drive down prices and ensure the government receives the best possible value for its expenditure on these field kits.

Public Impact

Personnel in roles requiring tactical field kits, such as military or certain law enforcement personnel, are the primary beneficiaries. The contract delivers essential equipment for operational readiness and effectiveness in various field environments. The geographic impact is likely tied to the deployment locations of the end-users, potentially nationwide or specific operational theaters. Workforce implications may include support roles in manufacturing, logistics, and distribution for JL Darling, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic price adjustment clause introduces potential for cost overruns.
Short task order duration may indicate rushed production or a specific, time-sensitive need that could impact quality if not managed properly.
Lack of detail on specific kit contents and quantities makes it difficult to assess true value and necessity.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
JL Darling, LLC's likely experience in producing tactical gear implies a degree of reliability.
The contract is a BPA Call, indicating it's part of a larger, pre-negotiated agreement, potentially streamlining future procurements.

Sector Analysis

The procurement of tactical field kits falls within the broader defense and public safety sectors. The market for such equipment is characterized by specialized manufacturers that adhere to stringent quality and performance standards. Spending in this area is often driven by operational requirements, modernization efforts, and readiness mandates. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within defense appropriations for equipment and supplies, or within federal law enforcement agency budgets for operational gear.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, JL Darling, LLC, as the prime contractor, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their supply chain needs and the specific requirements of the field kits.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. The contract type (Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment) necessitates monitoring of price changes. The BPA Call structure implies that the underlying Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) has its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Tactical Gear Procurement
Military Equipment Supply
Law Enforcement Equipment
General Services Administration (GSA) Contracts
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Risk Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to Economic Price Adjustment clause.
Short task order duration may pose delivery or quality risks.
NAICS code classification may not fully represent the scope of 'tactical field kits'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $4,739.84 to JL DARLING, LLC. FIELD KIT,TACTICALEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JL DARLING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4,739.84.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-04-20.

What is the historical spending pattern for tactical field kits by the GSA or similar agencies?

Analyzing historical spending on tactical field kits by the GSA and other relevant agencies like the Department of Defense or Department of Justice would provide crucial context for the current $4.7 million award. This analysis would involve examining contract databases (e.g., FPDS) for similar procurements over the past 5-10 years, noting award amounts, quantities, contractor performance, and any trends in pricing or specifications. Understanding if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending can help assess its significance and potential future budget implications. For instance, a surge in spending might indicate new operational requirements or a response to geopolitical events, while consistent spending could suggest a steady-state demand for essential equipment.

How does the pricing of these field kits compare to market rates for similar commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or custom-developed tactical kits?

To assess the value for money, a comparison of the per-unit cost or total contract value against market rates for comparable tactical field kits is essential. This involves researching prices from other government contractors, commercial vendors specializing in tactical gear, and industry catalogs. Factors such as the specific components included (e.g., type of tent, sleeping bag, navigation tools, first-aid supplies), material quality, durability, and customization level significantly influence pricing. If the government is paying a premium, justification might lie in unique specifications, stringent quality assurance requirements, or the convenience of a pre-competed BPA call. Conversely, if the price is below market, it suggests effective competition and negotiation.

What are the specific risks associated with the 'Economic Price Adjustment' (EPA) clause in this contract?

The Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause in this $4.7 million contract for field kits introduces a risk of cost escalation beyond the initially fixed price. This clause allows the contractor, JL Darling, LLC, to seek adjustments to the contract price based on fluctuations in specified economic factors, typically related to labor costs, material costs (like textiles, metals, plastics), or transportation. The primary risk for the government is that these adjustments could lead to the final cost exceeding the initial budget, especially if inflation is high or supply chains are disrupted. Effective management requires careful monitoring of the indices used for adjustment, ensuring that any price increases are justified and align with the contract's terms, and potentially negotiating caps on such adjustments during the contract award phase.

What is the track record of JL Darling, LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for tactical equipment?

Evaluating the track record of JL Darling, LLC is crucial for assessing performance risk. This involves reviewing their past performance information, including any ratings or feedback from previous government contracts, particularly those involving similar tactical or field equipment. Key areas to examine include on-time delivery, product quality, responsiveness to issues, and overall customer satisfaction. A history of successful contract completion suggests a lower risk of performance issues. Conversely, past performance issues, such as delivery delays, quality defects, or contract disputes, would raise concerns and necessitate closer monitoring of this current award to ensure timely and satisfactory delivery of the field kits.

How does the 'Stationery Product Manufacturing' NAICS code accurately reflect the nature of 'tactical field kits'?

The classification of 'tactical field kits' under NAICS code 322230 ('Stationery Product Manufacturing') appears potentially incongruous at first glance, as field kits often contain a diverse range of items beyond traditional stationery. However, this code can encompass the manufacturing of various paper-based or related products, and potentially includes the assembly or kitting of components where paper or durable goods are a significant part. It's possible that the primary manufacturing component or the overall kitting process falls under this classification for administrative or historical reasons within the GSA's procurement system. A deeper dive into the contract's detailed specifications would clarify which specific components or manufacturing processes led to this NAICS code assignment, and whether it accurately captures the full scope of the delivered product.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Converted Paper Product Manufacturing › Stationery Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: OFFICE SUPPLIES AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT (K)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2614 PACIFIC HWY E, FIFE, WA, 98424

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,740

Exercised Options: $4,740

Current Obligation: $4,740

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSEA22A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline