Air Force awards $3.9M for flight refueling nozzles, bypassing competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,921 ($3.9K)

Contractor: Kaufman Company, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-03

End Date: 2026-07-02

Contract Duration: 90 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: WRENCH, FLIGHT REFUELING NOZZLE: IAW U.S. AIR FORCE MATERIAL COMMAND DRAWING X55C9332 REVISION A EXCEPTION(S) TO DRAWING: 1) ASTM-B26/B26M-2001 FOR ALUMINUM-ALLOY SAND CASTINGS IN LIEU OF FED. SPEC QQ-A-601. 2) ASTM-B36/B36M-2001 FOR BRASS PLATE, SHE

Place of Performance

Location: NORWOOD, NORFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02062

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,921.12 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. for work described as: WRENCH, FLIGHT REFUELING NOZZLE: IAW U.S. AIR FORCE MATERIAL COMMAND DRAWING X55C9332 REVISION A EXCEPTION(S) TO DRAWING: 1) ASTM-B26/B26M-2001 FOR ALUMINUM-ALLOY SAND CASTINGS IN LIEU OF FED. SPEC QQ-A-601. 2) ASTM-B36/B36M-2001 FOR BRASS PLATE, SHE Key points: 1. High value contract for specialized aerospace component. 2. Sole-source award raises concerns about price discovery. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to lack of competition. 4. Sector: Defense/Aerospace, with IT implications for maintenance systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $3.92M for 90 days is substantial for specialized tools. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is fair market value compared to similar aerospace components or if it reflects inflated costs due to limited sourcing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. This method, especially when not fully open, can lead to less aggressive pricing and potentially higher costs for the government as the full market may not be explored.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds may be used inefficiently due to the lack of competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher overall defense spending.

Public Impact

Ensures critical refueling capabilities for Air Force operations. Supports a specific defense contractor, potentially impacting supply chain resilience. Lack of transparency in pricing could set precedents for future sole-source awards.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Potential for price gouging
Lack of transparency

Positive Signals

Ensures critical equipment availability
Supports defense industrial base

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically for aircraft components. Spending in this area is often characterized by high unit costs, long development cycles, and a reliance on specialized manufacturers. Benchmarks are difficult without specific part comparisons, but significant R&D and stringent quality control are typical.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC. and does not specify if they are a small business. The limited competition approach may also exclude smaller businesses that could potentially offer competitive pricing or alternative solutions.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was processed through the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service, suggesting adherence to established procurement pathways. However, the 'NOT COMPETED' status warrants further scrutiny to ensure proper justification and documentation for bypassing competitive procedures.

Related Government Programs

Saw Blade and Handtool Manufacturing
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited transparency in award process
Dependency on a single supplier
Questionable cost-effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,921.12 to KAUFMAN COMPANY, INC.. WRENCH, FLIGHT REFUELING NOZZLE: IAW U.S. AIR FORCE MATERIAL COMMAND DRAWING X55C9332 REVISION A EXCEPTION(S) TO DRAWING: 1) ASTM-B26/B26M-2001 FOR ALUMINUM-ALLOY SAND CASTINGS IN LIEU OF FED. SPEC QQ-A-601. 2) ASTM-B36/B36M-2001 FOR BRASS PLATE, SHE

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 $3,921.12.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-03. End: 2026-07-02.

What is the justification for not competing this contract, and how does it align with FAR regulations for limited sourcing?

The justification for not competing this contract is not explicitly provided in the data. However, FAR regulations allow for limited competition under specific circumstances, such as when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. A thorough review would be needed to confirm if the 'NOT COMPETED' status was appropriately justified based on technical requirements, existing contracts, or urgent needs.

How will the government ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent overpayment given the lack of competitive bidding?

To ensure cost-effectiveness without competition, the government typically relies on robust price analysis techniques, including comparing the proposed prices to historical prices for similar items, catalog prices, or independent government cost estimates. Negotiation strategies and strict contract oversight are crucial to identify and mitigate any potential overpricing.

What are the long-term implications of awarding such a critical component through limited competition on the broader defense supply chain?

Awarding critical components through limited competition can potentially stifle innovation and reduce the number of qualified suppliers in the long run. It may create dependency on a single source, making the supply chain vulnerable to disruptions and potentially increasing costs for future procurements if competition is not re-established.

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: $3,921

Exercised Options: $3,921

Current Obligation: $3,921

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline