Coast Guard awards $142,800 for specialized aircraft cable, fulfilling a critical need for MH-65 helicopters

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,280 ($14.3K)

Contractor: Wiremasters, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-13

Contract Duration: 7 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PROCUREMENT OF 10LG CABLE, SPCL PURPOSE FOR USE ON MH-65 AIRCRAFT.

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, MAURY County, TENNESSEE, 38401

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $14,280 to WIREMASTERS, INC. for work described as: PROCUREMENT OF 10LG CABLE, SPCL PURPOSE FOR USE ON MH-65 AIRCRAFT. Key points: 1. The contract addresses a specific, specialized component essential for MH-65 aircraft operations. 2. Procurement was conducted under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for lower-value buys. 3. The short duration of the contract (7 days) indicates an immediate or urgent requirement. 4. The award was made to Wiremasters, Inc., a single vendor for this specific item. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty for the government. 6. The geographic location of the contractor is Tennessee.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific cable is challenging without detailed specifications and market comparisons for specialized aviation components. The award amount of $142,800 for a 7-day delivery of 10LG special purpose cable appears reasonable for a niche, high-reliability part. However, without more granular data on the cable's specifications and comparable market prices for similar aviation-grade materials, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. The firm fixed-price structure mitigates cost overrun risks.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The data indicates the contract was 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). SAP typically allows for less formal competition than full and open procedures, often involving requests for quotations from a limited number of sources or publicizing on a government-wide point of entry. The exact number of bidders or the specific method of competition under SAP is not detailed, making it difficult to assess the breadth of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: While SAP can lead to quicker awards, a less robust competition might mean taxpayers do not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through broader market engagement.

Public Impact

This contract directly supports the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard's MH-65 aircraft fleet. The specialized cable ensures the continued safe and effective functioning of critical aviation systems. The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard personnel who rely on these aircraft for their missions. The geographic impact is localized to where the MH-65 aircraft are stationed and maintained.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition details under SAP could potentially lead to higher prices than a fully competed contract.
Lack of detailed specifications makes it hard to benchmark the unit price or assess if a superior alternative exists.
The short contract duration might indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning, potentially missing volume discounts.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Procurement under SAP suggests an effort towards efficient acquisition for a necessary item.
The award is to a single, identified vendor, implying a specific capability or availability.

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense sector relies heavily on specialized components like this 10LG cable. The market for such parts is often niche, with a limited number of manufacturers capable of meeting stringent aviation standards. Spending in this category is driven by the need for high reliability and safety, often resulting in higher unit costs compared to commercial-grade materials. The U.S. Coast Guard's procurement of aircraft parts falls within this critical segment of defense spending.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not provided for this contract. As it was competed under SAP and awarded as a purchase order, it's possible that small businesses were solicited, but specific set-aside goals or achievements are not detailed in the available data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, which generally have less stringent oversight requirements compared to larger, more complex procurements. Oversight would primarily involve ensuring the purchase order terms are met and the delivered goods conform to specifications. Accountability rests with the contracting officer and the U.S. Coast Guard's procurement oversight functions. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract award data.

Related Government Programs

MH-65 Helicopter Maintenance and Repair
Specialized Aviation Component Procurement
U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Operations
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation Parts

Risk Flags

Limited competition details
Lack of detailed technical specifications
Potential for higher cost due to SAP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $14,280 to WIREMASTERS, INC.. PROCUREMENT OF 10LG CABLE, SPCL PURPOSE FOR USE ON MH-65 AIRCRAFT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WIREMASTERS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14,280.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-04-13.

What are the specific technical requirements and performance standards for the 10LG special purpose cable?

The provided data does not detail the specific technical requirements or performance standards for the 10LG special purpose cable. It is described only as 'SPCL PURPOSE FOR USE ON MH-65 AIRCRAFT.' Aviation components typically adhere to rigorous specifications set by organizations like SAE International, MIL-SPEC standards, or manufacturer-specific requirements to ensure safety, reliability, and performance under demanding flight conditions. These standards often cover material composition, tensile strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and electromagnetic interference shielding. Without these details, a full technical assessment is not possible.

How does the $142,800 award amount compare to historical spending on similar aircraft cables by the U.S. Coast Guard or other agencies?

Direct historical spending comparisons for this specific '10LG CABLE, SPCL PURPOSE' are not readily available in the provided data. Benchmarking requires identifying contracts for identical or highly similar specialized aviation cables procured by the U.S. Coast Guard or other military/aviation branches. Factors such as quantity, specific technical certifications (e.g., MIL-SPEC), and supplier volume discounts significantly influence pricing. A preliminary assessment suggests the amount is reasonable for a specialized, low-volume aviation part, but a definitive comparison would necessitate a deeper dive into historical procurement databases for comparable items.

What is the track record of Wiremasters, Inc. in supplying specialized aviation components to the federal government?

The provided data indicates Wiremasters, Inc. as the awardee for this specific contract. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving specialized aviation components. This includes reviewing contract history for on-time delivery, quality compliance, and adherence to specifications. A positive track record with similar procurements would increase confidence in their ability to fulfill this current requirement. Conversely, any history of performance issues or contract disputes would raise concerns.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring specialized aviation parts under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

Procuring specialized aviation parts under SAP can present several risks. While SAP aims for efficiency and speed, it often involves less formal competition, potentially leading to higher prices than those achieved through full and open competition. There's also a risk that the limited number of solicited vendors may not represent the full market capability, potentially excluding innovative solutions or better-value offerings. Furthermore, the reduced documentation and oversight typical of SAP might increase the risk of inadequate technical specifications or quality control if not managed diligently by the contracting officer. Ensuring the vendor has the necessary certifications and quality management systems is crucial.

What is the expected impact of this cable on the operational readiness and safety of the MH-65 aircraft?

The 10LG special purpose cable is critical for the operational readiness and safety of the MH-65 aircraft. As a specialized component, it likely serves a vital function within the aircraft's electrical, communication, or control systems. Failure or degradation of such a cable could lead to system malfunctions, potentially grounding the aircraft or compromising its ability to perform its mission safely. Ensuring the procurement of a high-quality, compliant cable directly supports the reliability of the MH-65 fleet, enabling the U.S. Coast Guard to conduct its search and rescue, law enforcement, and other critical operations effectively.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70Z03826QB0000075

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1788 N POINTE RD, COLUMBIA, TN, 38401

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,560

Exercised Options: $14,280

Current Obligation: $14,280

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline