DoD Awarded $32.6M to Bowhead Manufacturing for Rubber Products, Lacking Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,628,934 ($32.6M)

Contractor: Bowhead Manufacturing Company, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-09-26

End Date: 2005-06-30

Contract Duration: 643 days

Daily Burn Rate: $50.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, GEORGIA, 30330

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.6 million to BOWHEAD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, L.L.C. for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $32.6 million awarded. 2. Lack of competition raises concerns about price discovery. 3. Contract awarded by the Department of the Army. 4. Sector is 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing'.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is substantial, but without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the price is optimal. Benchmarking against similar contracts for rubber product manufacturing would be necessary.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This approach can lead to higher prices and reduced innovation compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds may not have been used as efficiently as possible due to the absence of competitive pressure.

Public Impact

Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competition. Limited visibility into the justification for sole-source or limited competition. Impact on small businesses in the rubber product manufacturing sector is unclear.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of Competition
Limited Price Discovery
Potential for Overpricing

Positive Signals

Contract Awarded
Specific Sector Focus

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on defense needs and material costs. Benchmarks are difficult without more specific product details.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a stated factor (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or if the prime contractor is a large business.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'GA' status code suggests the contract may be subject to specific oversight or reporting requirements, but details are not provided. Accountability for the lack of competition needs further investigation.

Related Government Programs

All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Potential for Price Inflation
Lack of Small Business Consideration
Oversight Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.6 million to BOWHEAD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, L.L.C.. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOWHEAD MANUFACTURING COMPANY, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-09-26. End: 2005-06-30.

What was the specific justification for limiting competition on this $32.6 million contract for rubber products?

The justification for limiting competition is crucial for understanding the value proposition. Without a clear rationale, such as unique capabilities or urgent need, it raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price and terms. Further documentation from the contracting agency is required to assess this.

How does the unit cost of the awarded rubber products compare to industry benchmarks, given the limited competition?

Assessing the unit cost against industry benchmarks is challenging without knowing the specific products and their specifications. However, the absence of competition inherently limits the ability to establish a strong benchmark. A comparative analysis with similar government contracts or commercial sales, if available, would be necessary to gauge cost-effectiveness.

What is the long-term strategic impact of awarding significant contracts without competition in the rubber product manufacturing sector?

Awarding significant contracts without competition can stifle innovation and reduce the overall competitiveness within the rubber product manufacturing sector. It may discourage new entrants and limit the development of alternative solutions. Over time, this could lead to higher prices and reduced quality for future procurements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Rubber Product Manufacturing › All Other Rubber Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MATERIALS HANDLING EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation (UEI: 079253902)

Address: 3201 C ST SUITE 403, ANCHORAGE, AK, 00

Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline