DHS Awards $3.4M for Officer Safety Reflective Placards to Atlantic Diving Supply

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,415,546 ($3.4M)

Contractor: Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-05-15

End Date: 2025-09-24

Contract Duration: 132 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE AWARD PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT REFLECTIVE PLACARDS ON AGENCY ISSUED BODY ARMOR FOR OFFICER SAFETY AND IDENTIFICATION FOR THE ICE- OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS AT FORT BENNING, GA.

Place of Performance

Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA BEACH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23452

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.4 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC. for work described as: THE AWARD PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT REFLECTIVE PLACARDS ON AGENCY ISSUED BODY ARMOR FOR OFFICER SAFETY AND IDENTIFICATION FOR THE ICE- OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS AT FORT BENNING, GA. Key points: 1. Award focuses on officer safety and identification for ICE. 2. Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Spending is for apparel accessories, a niche manufacturing sector. 4. The contract type is a Firm Fixed Price delivery order.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The unit cost of $25,875 for 132 units (placards) appears high for reflective material. Benchmarking against similar law enforcement equipment or custom apparel orders is needed to confirm value.

Cost Per Unit: $25,875 per unit (for 132 units)

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process was intended. However, the specific reason for excluding other sources needs clarification to ensure true price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential officer safety equipment, but the value for money needs further scrutiny due to the high per-unit cost.

Public Impact

Enhances officer safety and identification for ICE personnel. Supports a specific law enforcement program within DHS. Procurement of specialized apparel accessories.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High per-unit cost for reflective placards.
Limited detail on the specific nature of the 'placards'.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical officer safety needs.
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing sector. Spending benchmarks for similar law enforcement equipment or custom tactical gear would provide better context for the $3.4M award.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., is not identified as a small business. There is no indication that small businesses were specifically solicited or considered for this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting some level of pre-existing oversight. However, the specific justification for the high unit cost and the exclusion of sources warrants further review.

Related Government Programs

Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

High per-unit cost.
Potential for limited competition despite 'full and open' designation.
Lack of small business participation.
Need for detailed justification of cost and source exclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.4 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC.. THE AWARD PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT REFLECTIVE PLACARDS ON AGENCY ISSUED BODY ARMOR FOR OFFICER SAFETY AND IDENTIFICATION FOR THE ICE- OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS AT FORT BENNING, GA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-15. End: 2025-09-24.

What is the justification for the high per-unit cost of the reflective placards, and how does it compare to industry standards for similar safety equipment?

The high per-unit cost of $25,875 for reflective placards is a significant concern. Without detailed specifications of the placards, it's difficult to benchmark accurately. However, typical reflective materials and custom fabrication for law enforcement gear are generally much lower. Further investigation into the materials, technology, and any unique features is required to understand this cost and ensure it represents fair market value.

What specific risks are associated with the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method, and how might it impact price discovery?

This procurement method, while aiming for competition, carries risks if the exclusion of sources is not well-justified. It could limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially leading to higher prices than if all qualified sources were allowed to compete. The government must demonstrate a clear and compelling reason for excluding specific sources to ensure that the chosen method truly facilitates effective price discovery and achieves the best value for taxpayers.

How effectively does this award contribute to the overall mission of the ICE Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs, and what is the measurable impact on officer safety?

The award directly addresses officer safety and identification, which are crucial for law enforcement operations. The reflective placards are intended to improve visibility and recognition of officers, potentially reducing risks in dynamic situations. The measurable impact on officer safety would ideally be tracked through incident reports, officer feedback, and potentially reduced safety-related events, though quantifying this specific impact from placards alone can be challenging.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 621 LYNNHAVEN PKWY, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, 23452

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,415,546

Exercised Options: $3,415,546

Current Obligation: $3,415,546

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70CMSW24D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline