GSA awards $3.3M BPA Call for CamelBak hydration systems, highlighting fixed-price with economic adjustment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,320 ($3.3K)

Contractor: Camelbak Products, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2026-05-01

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $111/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE WITH ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT

Sector: Other

Official Description: HYDRATION SYSTEM2 LITERS) 18''L X 8.5''WX3''D, BLACK; ADJUSTABLE, QUICK-RELEASE SHOULERSTRAPSSTRAPS

Place of Performance

Location: PETALUMA, SONOMA County, CALIFORNIA, 94954

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3,320 to CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC for work described as: HYDRATION SYSTEM2 LITERS) 18''L X 8.5''WX3''D, BLACK; ADJUSTABLE, QUICK-RELEASE SHOULERSTRAPSSTRAPS Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.3 million for hydration systems. 2. Procurement method: Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call under full and open competition. 3. Contract awarded to CamelBak Products, LLC. 4. Duration of 30 days for the specific call. 5. Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) contract type. 6. Product specified: 2-liter hydration system, 18"L x 8.5"W x 3"D, black, with adjustable straps.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.3 million for hydration systems appears reasonable given the product's nature and the supplier. While specific unit pricing is not provided, the fixed-price with economic adjustment structure aims to manage cost fluctuations. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for tactical gear or hydration solutions would provide a clearer picture of value for money, but the established brand suggests a certain quality and market acceptance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded via a BPA Call, which is typically established under full and open competition. This implies that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid on the underlying BPA, and subsequent calls are made against that established agreement. The level of competition for the initial BPA is not detailed here, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust bidding process, which generally leads to better price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process for the BPA likely resulted in competitive pricing, benefiting taxpayers by ensuring the government secured the hydration systems at a favorable rate.

Public Impact

Military personnel and other government agencies requiring hydration solutions. Delivery of durable and functional 2-liter hydration systems. Primarily impacts users within California, where the contract is registered. Supports the operational readiness of service members and field personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) introduces potential for cost increases beyond initial fixed price.
Short 30-day duration for this specific BPA call may indicate urgent or specific need, requiring rapid fulfillment.

Positive Signals

Award to CamelBak Products, LLC, a well-known and reputable brand in hydration systems.
Use of a BPA mechanism streamlines future procurement of similar items.
Fixed-price component provides a baseline cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the broader defense and tactical equipment sector. The market for hydration systems is competitive, with numerous manufacturers offering a range of products. Government spending in this area is consistent, driven by the needs of military, law enforcement, and other field operations. Benchmarking against similar contracts for tactical gear would place this $3.3 million award in context, likely representing a moderate-sized acquisition for specialized equipment.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides for this BPA Call. CamelBak Products, LLC is a known entity, and the contract was awarded under full and open competition. Further analysis of the underlying BPA and any subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine the impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight is typically managed through contract administration, performance monitoring, and adherence to the terms of the BPA and the specific call. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Tactical Gear Procurement
Military Equipment
Hydration Solutions
General Services Administration (GSA) Contracts
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Risk Flags

Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause introduces cost uncertainty.
Short contract duration (30 days) may pose logistical challenges.
Limited scope of product details provided in the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3,320 to CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC. HYDRATION SYSTEM2 LITERS) 18''L X 8.5''WX3''D, BLACK; ADJUSTABLE, QUICK-RELEASE SHOULERSTRAPSSTRAPS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3,320.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2026-05-01.

What is the historical spending pattern for hydration systems by the General Services Administration?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for hydration systems by the GSA requires access to detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. Typically, GSA procures such items through various mechanisms, including BPAs, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and direct solicitations. Spending can fluctuate based on agency needs, operational tempo, and budget allocations. A review of past contracts would reveal the volume, value, and types of hydration systems acquired, as well as the primary awardees. This specific $3.3 million BPA Call represents a snapshot of recent activity, but a broader trend analysis would involve aggregating data from multiple similar awards over time to identify consistent demand and potential shifts in procurement strategies or product specifications.

How does the fixed-price with economic price adjustment (EPA) clause impact the final cost to taxpayers?

The Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause allows for adjustments to the contract price based on specified economic factors, such as inflation or changes in raw material costs. For taxpayers, this means the final cost could be higher than the initially quoted fixed price. The 'economic' aspect is crucial; adjustments are tied to objective indices or formulas outlined in the contract, not arbitrary increases. While EPA clauses can protect contractors from unforeseen cost escalations and ensure supply continuity, they introduce an element of cost uncertainty for the government. Effective oversight involves monitoring the triggers for EPA adjustments and ensuring they align with the contract's stipulated conditions, thereby mitigating excessive price increases and safeguarding taxpayer funds.

What is CamelBak Products, LLC's track record with government contracts, particularly with GSA?

CamelBak Products, LLC has a significant track record of supplying hydration systems and related gear to various government agencies, including the Department of Defense and GSA. Their presence in the federal marketplace is well-established, often through competitive solicitations and existing contract vehicles like BPAs. Awards to CamelBak typically reflect their brand recognition, product quality, and ability to meet stringent military and operational requirements. Analyzing their contract history with GSA would reveal the frequency of awards, contract values, and performance ratings, if available. Generally, established brands like CamelBak are frequent awardees due to their proven performance and market position, suggesting a reliable, albeit potentially premium, supplier for government needs.

What are the performance risks associated with this specific hydration system contract?

Performance risks for this hydration system contract are relatively low given the nature of the product and the established supplier. Key risks could include potential delays in delivery if the 30-day call duration is tight for production and logistics, although CamelBak's experience likely mitigates this. Product durability and functionality are generally high with CamelBak products, but field use can reveal unforeseen issues. The Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause introduces a financial risk, as costs could increase. Ensuring the systems meet all specified technical requirements and are delivered on time without defects are the primary performance considerations. The GSA's oversight and the contractor's established reputation suggest these risks are well-managed.

How does the 'Textile Bag and Canvas Mills' North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code relate to this procurement?

The NAICS code '314910 - Textile Bag and Canvas Mills' is assigned to establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing textile bags (except thức ăn gia súc) and industrial canvas products. While hydration systems are not exclusively textile bags, they often incorporate durable, water-resistant fabrics and construction techniques common to this industry. The primary components might include fabric reservoirs, straps, and external casings, all of which can fall under the purview of textile manufacturing. This classification suggests that the manufacturing process for the hydration system's fabric components aligns with the activities covered by this NAICS code, indicating the industrial sector relevant to its production.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Textile Product Mills › Textile Bag and Canvas Mills

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

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

Parent Company: Vista Outdoor Inc.

Address: 16752 ARMSTRONG AVE, IRVINE, CA, 92606

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,320

Exercised Options: $3,320

Current Obligation: $3,320

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSWA24A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline