DHS awards $540K for Border Patrol firing range, bypassing competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $54,000 ($54.0K)

Contractor: 520 Tactical LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-04-15

End Date: 2027-04-14

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $74/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: INDOOR FIRING RANGE FACILITY USAGE IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED STATES BORDER PATROL TUCSON SECTOR

Place of Performance

Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85711

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $54,000 to 520 TACTICAL LLC for work described as: INDOOR FIRING RANGE FACILITY USAGE IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED STATES BORDER PATROL TUCSON SECTOR Key points: 1. Contract awarded for indoor firing range usage, indicating a need for specialized training facilities. 2. Sole-source award suggests potential limitations in market availability or specific contractor capabilities. 3. The duration of the contract (729 days) points to a medium-term operational requirement. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but competition dynamics are key to value. 5. Geographic focus on Arizona highlights the operational needs of the Tucson Sector. 6. Lack of competition raises questions about achieving the best possible price for taxpayers.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $540,000 for indoor firing range usage over two years appears to be a reasonable investment for specialized training. However, without competitive bidding, it is difficult to benchmark the pricing against market alternatives or assess if it represents the best value for money. The fixed-price nature of the award provides cost certainty for the government, but the absence of competition limits the ability to verify cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, or in cases of urgent need. The lack of competition means that potential savings from a bidding process were not realized, and it limits the government's ability to explore a wider range of solutions or pricing structures.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there is no market pressure to drive down prices. This limits the government's purchasing power and potentially diverts funds that could be used for other critical services.

Public Impact

Border Patrol agents in the Tucson Sector will benefit from access to a dedicated indoor firing range for essential training. The services provided will enhance the operational readiness and proficiency of law enforcement personnel. The geographic impact is concentrated in Arizona, supporting federal law enforcement activities along the border. This contract supports the operational needs of federal law enforcement, indirectly impacting the workforce by ensuring they have adequate training facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in inflated pricing.
Sole-source awards can indicate a lack of market research or vendor consolidation.
Dependence on a single provider could create future risks if the vendor's capabilities change.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Award supports critical training needs for border security personnel.
Contract duration aligns with anticipated operational requirements.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Amusement and Recreation Industries' sector, specifically related to specialized training facilities. While not a massive sector in terms of federal spending, it is crucial for agencies requiring physical training infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific details on range capacity and services, but federal investments in law enforcement training facilities are common.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed and there is no indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Therefore, it is unlikely to have a direct impact on the small business ecosystem in this instance.

Oversight & Accountability

As a purchase order issued by the Department of Homeland Security, this contract is subject to internal agency oversight and potentially audits by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG). Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract award data is publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Training
Border Security Operations
Law Enforcement Equipment and Facilities

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competition
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition
Limited transparency on vendor selection rationale

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $54,000 to 520 TACTICAL LLC. INDOOR FIRING RANGE FACILITY USAGE IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED STATES BORDER PATROL TUCSON SECTOR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is 520 TACTICAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $54,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-15. End: 2027-04-14.

What specific capabilities does 520 TACTICAL LLC possess that necessitate a sole-source award for indoor firing range usage?

The provided data does not specify the unique capabilities of 520 TACTICAL LLC that led to a sole-source award. Typically, sole-source justifications are based on factors such as proprietary technology, unique expertise, extreme urgency, or the unavailability of other sources. Without further documentation from the agency, it is impossible to determine the precise reasons for bypassing the competitive bidding process. This lack of transparency is a common concern with sole-source contracts, as it prevents the public from understanding the rationale behind not seeking multiple offers.

How does the $540,000 contract value compare to similar indoor firing range contracts awarded by federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $540,000 contract for indoor firing range usage is challenging without more detailed information on the scope of services, duration, and capacity. Federal contracts for firing ranges can vary significantly based on whether they involve construction, maintenance, or simply usage fees. For a two-year usage contract, $540,000 suggests a moderate level of service. However, without comparative data on per-day or per-user costs for similar facilities, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents a competitive price. The sole-source nature further complicates direct comparison, as competitive bids often drive prices down.

What are the primary risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source award include potential overpayment due to the lack of price competition, limited innovation from a single provider, and a potential lack of flexibility if the government's needs evolve. Taxpayers may not be receiving the best value for their money. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of adequate market research or a reliance on a single vendor, which can create future dependencies and risks if that vendor's performance or business viability changes. The government also misses out on the potential benefits of diverse solutions and approaches that a competitive process might uncover.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational effectiveness of the U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Sector?

This contract is expected to positively impact the operational effectiveness of the U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Sector by providing essential access to an indoor firing range. Regular and proficient use of firearms is critical for law enforcement officers, especially those operating in high-risk environments like the border. Access to a dedicated training facility allows agents to maintain and improve their marksmanship, tactical skills, and overall readiness. This, in turn, contributes to their safety and their ability to effectively carry out their duties in enforcing immigration laws and interdicting illicit activities.

What has been the historical spending pattern for indoor firing range facilities by the Department of Homeland Security or its components?

Historical spending data for indoor firing range facilities by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is not readily available in this dataset. However, it is common for federal law enforcement agencies to invest in training infrastructure, including firing ranges, to ensure personnel proficiency. Spending patterns can fluctuate based on agency needs, budget allocations, and the lifecycle of existing facilities. Without access to historical contract databases or agency budget reports specifically detailing such expenditures, a precise analysis of past spending trends is not possible.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation › Other Amusement and Recreation Industries › All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT FACILITIES › LEASE/RENTAL OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 20149669

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5051 E 29TH ST, TUCSON, AZ, 85711

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $270,000

Exercised Options: $108,000

Current Obligation: $54,000

Actual Outlays: $22,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline