HHS awards $121M for NIOSH-approved PAPR kits, accessories, and filters to Airboss Defense Group

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $120,986,588 ($121.0M)

Contractor: Airboss Defense Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2020-07-06

End Date: 2021-02-01

Contract Duration: 210 days

Daily Burn Rate: $576.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS FIXED PRICE SUPPLY CONTRACT IS TO PURCHASE NIOSH-APPROVED POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR (PAPR) KITS WITH ACCESSORIES, HE/P FILTERS AND SPARE HOODS WITH CAPES.

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30341

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $121.0 million to AIRBOSS DEFENSE GROUP, LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS FIXED PRICE SUPPLY CONTRACT IS TO PURCHASE NIOSH-APPROVED POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR (PAPR) KITS WITH ACCESSORIES, HE/P FILTERS AND SPARE HOODS WITH CAPES. Key points: 1. Significant award for critical personal protective equipment (PPE). 2. Sole-source award to Airboss Defense Group, LLC. 3. Contract duration of 210 days. 4. Focus on respiratory protection equipment manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract is a firm fixed-price award for PAPR kits. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $120.9M price represents fair market value compared to similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a large contract value raises concerns about potential overspending of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential respiratory protection for healthcare workers and first responders. Supports the supply chain for critical medical equipment during public health emergencies. Addresses the need for NIOSH-approved PAPR kits, filters, and accessories.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for inflated pricing
Sole-source award

Positive Signals

Addresses critical need for PPE
Firm fixed-price contract structure

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing sector. The award value is substantial for this category, especially given the sole-source nature.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Airboss Defense Group, LLC, which is not indicated as a small business. There is no information on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the government received the best possible value and that the process was justified.

Related Government Programs

Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Health and Human Services Contracting
Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks transparency.
Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition.
Limited visibility into cost breakdown.
Contract duration may not align with long-term needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $121.0 million to AIRBOSS DEFENSE GROUP, LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS FIXED PRICE SUPPLY CONTRACT IS TO PURCHASE NIOSH-APPROVED POWERED AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR (PAPR) KITS WITH ACCESSORIES, HE/P FILTERS AND SPARE HOODS WITH CAPES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AIRBOSS DEFENSE GROUP, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $121.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-06. End: 2021-02-01.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves a unique capability, urgent need, or lack of available sources. Without further documentation, it's impossible to determine the specific reason. However, the significant value suggests a thorough review should have occurred to ensure no competitive alternatives existed.

How does the unit price of these PAPR kits compare to market rates for similar equipment?

Without competitive bidding data, a direct comparison is challenging. The $120.9M award for an unspecified quantity of PAPR kits, accessories, filters, and hoods makes unit price calculation difficult. Benchmarking against publicly available prices for comparable NIOSH-approved PAPR systems would be necessary to assess value.

What measures are in place to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the delivered PAPR kits?

As the kits are NIOSH-approved, they must meet specific performance standards. The firm fixed-price contract implies the contractor is responsible for delivering compliant products. Quality assurance provisions within the contract and government inspection upon delivery would be key oversight mechanisms.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Airboss of America Corp (UEI: 247865264)

Address: 3341 75TH AVE STE GG, HYATTSVILLE, MD, 20785

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $120,986,588

Exercised Options: $120,986,588

Current Obligation: $120,986,588

Actual Outlays: $120,986,588

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline