GSA awards $5M tactical IED tool kit purchase order to Kaufman Company, Inc. under sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,099 ($5.1K)

Contractor: Kaufman Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-05-13

Contract Duration: 40 days

Daily Burn Rate: $127/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TOOL KIT, TACTICAL IED: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Place of Performance

Location: NORWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02062

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $5,098.98 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. for work described as: TOOL KIT, TACTICAL IED: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL. Key points: 1. The contract value of $5.1 million for a tactical IED tool kit appears to be a significant investment for a single purchase order. 2. The absence of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and limited value for taxpayer dollars. 3. The short performance period of approximately one month suggests a need for rapid deployment or a specific, time-sensitive requirement. 4. The contract is categorized under Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing, which may not fully encompass the 'tactical IED tool kit' description. 5. The use of a purchase order under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) for this value warrants scrutiny. 6. The lack of small business set-aside indicates potential missed opportunities for small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of a 'tactical IED tool kit' is challenging without detailed specifications. However, a $5.1 million award for what appears to be a single purchase order, especially when not competed, raises questions about value for money. The price should be rigorously justified against market rates for similar specialized equipment. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to ascertain if the government secured the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicated as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. The award was made via a purchase order, suggesting it may have bypassed standard competitive procedures. The sole-source nature means there was likely a determination that only one source could fulfill the requirement, or that competition was impractical. This limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions and potentially lower prices.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers did not benefit from the price discovery that typically occurs in a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to a higher overall cost for this equipment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely military or law enforcement personnel who will utilize the tactical IED tool kits. The services delivered involve the provision of specialized equipment for counter-IED operations. The geographic impact is not specified but is likely tied to operational deployment areas for relevant agencies. Workforce implications are minimal in terms of direct job creation from this contract, but the equipment supports personnel in critical roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potential value.
Lack of detail on the 'tactical IED tool kit' makes independent value assessment difficult.
Use of a purchase order for a significant dollar amount may bypass robust acquisition controls.
No indication of small business participation or subcontracting opportunities.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded to Kaufman Company, Inc., suggesting a known or trusted supplier.
The fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract has a defined performance period, indicating a clear timeline for delivery.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under the broad category of defense or security-related equipment. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 332216 (Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing) seems narrow for a 'tactical IED tool kit,' which might include electronics, specialized materials, or other components. Comparable spending would depend heavily on the specific nature of the kit, but similar specialized defense equipment procurements can range from thousands to millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the sole-source nature, opportunities for small businesses to participate as prime contractors or subcontractors appear limited unless Kaufman Company, Inc. intends to subcontract to them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a purchase order under simplified acquisition procedures, the level of detailed oversight might be less than for larger, more complex competitive contracts. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and lack of publicly available detailed specifications.

Related Government Programs

Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Programs
Tactical Equipment Procurement
Specialized Tool Manufacturing
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules

Risk Flags

Sole-source award without clear justification.
Potential for overpricing due to lack of competition.
Ambiguity in contract description ('tactical IED tool kit' vs. NAICS code).
Use of simplified acquisition procedures for a significant dollar amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $5,098.98 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC.. TOOL KIT, TACTICAL IED: - SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENT FOR DETAIL.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,098.98.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-05-13.

What are the specific components and intended uses of the 'TOOL KIT, TACTICAL IED' being procured?

The provided data is limited and refers to an attached document for details. However, 'TACTICAL IED TOOL KIT' suggests equipment designed for the detection, identification, rendering safe, or analysis of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). This could include specialized tools for manipulation, diagnostic equipment, protective gear, or components for counter-IED operations. Without the attached document, the exact nature, complexity, and intended application of the kit remain unspecified, making a precise assessment of its necessity and value difficult.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis instead of through full and open competition?

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' and was awarded as a purchase order. A sole-source award typically occurs when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the government's needs, or when competition is deemed impractical or not in the government's interest. Reasons could include unique technical requirements, proprietary technology, urgent and compelling needs where only one vendor can respond in time, or specific existing system compatibility. The justification for this sole-source determination would need to be documented by the GSA contracting officer.

How does the $5.1 million price compare to similar tactical IED tool kits in the market?

Direct price comparison is difficult without detailed specifications of the 'TACTICAL IED TOOL KIT.' However, $5.1 million for a single purchase order, especially if it represents a limited quantity or a specific set of tools, is a substantial amount. Market research on similar specialized defense or EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) equipment would be necessary. If the kit includes advanced electronics, robotics, or highly specialized materials, the cost could be justified. However, in the absence of competition, there is a higher risk that the price may not reflect the best value achievable through a competitive process.

What is the track record of Kaufman Company, Inc. in providing similar tactical equipment to the government?

The provided data does not include specific details on Kaufman Company, Inc.'s past performance or track record with the government, particularly concerning tactical IED tool kits. Further investigation into their contract history, past performance reviews, and experience with similar procurements would be necessary to assess their reliability and capability. The award of this sole-source contract suggests they may have been identified as a capable provider, but independent verification of their expertise in this specific niche is recommended.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring specialized equipment like this via a sole-source purchase order?

Procuring specialized equipment via a sole-source purchase order carries several risks. Firstly, the lack of competition can lead to inflated prices and reduced value for taxpayer money. Secondly, without competitive evaluation, there's a risk that the chosen contractor may not offer the most innovative or suitable solution available in the market. Thirdly, oversight and accountability might be less rigorous compared to fully competed contracts, potentially increasing the risk of performance issues or unmet requirements. Finally, it limits opportunities for other capable vendors, including small businesses, to enter the market or demonstrate their capabilities.

What is the historical spending pattern for tactical IED tool kits by the General Services Administration or other agencies?

The provided data does not offer historical spending patterns for 'TACTICAL IED TOOL KITS.' To assess this, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) using relevant keywords, NAICS codes, and PSC codes. Analyzing past awards for similar items, their values, competition levels, and contracting agencies would provide context. Understanding historical spending can help identify trends, potential budget fluctuations, and whether this $5.1 million award represents an anomaly or a consistent level of investment in such equipment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing › Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEASURING TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 19 WALKHILL RD, NORWOOD, MA, 02062

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,099

Exercised Options: $5,099

Current Obligation: $5,099

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline