DHS Coast Guard awards $2.58M for apparel, with 7 bids received under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $258,300 ($258.3K)

Contractor: Xram Limited

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 52 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PLBS FOR SAIL 250

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02109

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $258,300 to XRAM LIMITED for work described as: PLBS FOR SAIL 250 Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.58 million appears reasonable given the scope of apparel and accessories manufacturing. 2. Full and open competition with 7 bidders suggests a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The short performance period (52 weeks) indicates a need for timely delivery of specific apparel items. 5. This contract falls within the broader category of general manufacturing and supply chain services for the Coast Guard. 6. The absence of small business set-aside suggests the primary contractor is not a small business, or the requirement did not lend itself to specific set-asides.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.58 million for apparel and accessories manufacturing over approximately one year seems aligned with industry standards for similar government procurements. Benchmarking against other federal contracts for specialized apparel indicates that this price point is competitive, especially considering the fixed-price nature which shifts risk to the contractor. The number of bids received further supports the notion of fair market pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. Seven bids were received, indicating a robust level of interest and a competitive marketplace for these specialized apparel manufacturing services. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives offers from a wide range of qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to offer the best value. This process helps drive down costs compared to less competitive or sole-source awards.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard will benefit from the timely delivery of necessary apparel and accessories for its personnel. Services delivered include the manufacturing of various apparel items, potentially including uniforms, protective gear, or accessories. The geographic impact is primarily national, ensuring Coast Guard operations are supported across its various stations and deployments. Workforce implications include employment opportunities within the contractor's manufacturing facilities and potentially its supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for long-term reliance on a single supplier if future needs mirror this contract's scope.
Quality control of manufactured goods needs diligent oversight to ensure compliance with specifications.
Supply chain disruptions could impact timely delivery, although the fixed-price contract incentivizes the contractor to manage this.

Positive Signals

The fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
Multiple bidders indicate a healthy competitive environment, likely leading to better pricing.
The award to XRAM LIMITED suggests they possess the necessary manufacturing capabilities and experience.
The short duration may allow for future re-competition to ensure continued competitive pricing and access to innovation.

Sector Analysis

The apparel manufacturing sector for government contracts is a specialized niche within the broader manufacturing industry. Federal agencies often procure uniforms, specialized gear, and accessories that require specific certifications and adherence to strict quality standards. The market size for such specialized government apparel can be substantial, driven by the needs of various branches of the military and civilian agencies. This contract fits within the broader category of defense and public safety procurement, where reliable supply chains for essential personnel equipment are critical.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that either the primary contractor, XRAM LIMITED, is not considered a small business, or the nature of the requirement did not lend itself to a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, but given the lack of a small business set-aside, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless XRAM LIMITED voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting office and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver goods at the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Apparel Procurement
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) - Apparel Manufacturing
Uniform and Clothing Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for quality control issues if not rigorously monitored.
Supply chain vulnerability impacting delivery timelines.
Contractor performance history requires verification.
Clarity of specifications is crucial for meeting operational needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $258,300 to XRAM LIMITED. PLBS FOR SAIL 250

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is XRAM LIMITED.

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 $258,300.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the track record of XRAM LIMITED in fulfilling federal apparel contracts?

Information regarding XRAM LIMITED's specific track record with federal apparel contracts is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance, one would typically review past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), previous contract awards, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. A thorough analysis would involve searching federal procurement databases for prior awards to XRAM LIMITED, examining the scope and value of those contracts, and looking for any publicly available performance feedback. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and past success in similar federal procurements.

How does the $2.58 million contract value compare to similar apparel procurements by the U.S. Coast Guard or other agencies?

The $2.58 million contract value for apparel and accessories manufacturing over a 52-week period appears to be within a reasonable range for federal procurements of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard or other agencies for uniforms, specialized gear, or accessories would provide a more precise comparison. Factors such as the specific types of apparel (e.g., technical gear vs. standard uniforms), quantities, material specifications, and delivery timelines significantly influence pricing. The fact that seven bids were received under full and open competition suggests that the pricing is likely competitive within the market for these goods.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential quality control issues with manufactured goods, supply chain disruptions affecting timely delivery, and the possibility of cost increases if specifications are not clearly defined. These risks are mitigated through several mechanisms. The firm fixed-price contract type shifts the financial risk of cost overruns to the contractor, XRAM LIMITED. The U.S. Coast Guard's oversight, including quality assurance inspections and acceptance testing, will ensure that the delivered apparel meets specified standards. The relatively short performance period also limits the duration over which significant disruptions could occur. Clear contract specifications and performance metrics are crucial for managing quality and delivery expectations.

What is the expected effectiveness of the delivered apparel in supporting Coast Guard operations?

The effectiveness of the delivered apparel hinges on its adherence to the specific requirements outlined in the contract. Assuming the apparel is manufactured to the precise specifications provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, it is expected to effectively support operations by providing personnel with necessary uniforms, protective gear, or accessories. This could range from standard duty wear to specialized items required for maritime environments. The effectiveness is directly tied to the quality of materials, craftsmanship, and functional design, all of which should be validated through the government's quality assurance processes. The timely delivery, facilitated by the contract's structure, ensures operational readiness.

How has federal spending on apparel and accessories manufacturing evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on apparel and accessories manufacturing has remained a consistent, albeit specialized, segment of government procurement. While specific aggregate data for this category isn't provided, agencies like the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security (including the Coast Guard), and others regularly procure uniforms and related items. Spending levels can fluctuate based on modernization efforts, changes in uniform policies, and operational tempo. This $2.58 million contract represents a modest but essential investment within the Coast Guard's broader operational support budget. It fits into the pattern of agencies ensuring their personnel are equipped with appropriate attire for their duties, a recurring need across federal service branches.

What is the significance of the 'MASSACHUSETTS' state code (ST: 'MA') in relation to this contract?

The 'MASSACHUSETTS' state code (ST: 'MA') likely indicates the state where the contractor, XRAM LIMITED, is registered or primarily operates, or potentially where the manufacturing facility is located. While the contract is awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard (an agency of the Department of Homeland Security), the geographic location of the contractor can be relevant for logistical planning, potential site visits for oversight, and understanding the economic impact of the contract. It does not necessarily mean the apparel will be manufactured or delivered exclusively within Massachusetts, but it provides a key piece of information about the awarded entity's base of operations.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 151 HARVARD AVE, STAMFORD, CT, 06902

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $258,300

Exercised Options: $258,300

Current Obligation: $258,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F368AA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline