DoD Awards $12M Contract for Civil Engineering Supply Store to Industries for the Blind
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,999,176 ($12.0M)
Contractor: Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-10-01
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,007 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CONTRACTOR OPERATED CIVIL ENGINEERING SUPPLY STORE
Place of Performance
Location: MILWAUKEE, MILWAUKEE County, WISCONSIN, 53214
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.0 million to INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED, INC. for work described as: CONTRACTOR OPERATED CIVIL ENGINEERING SUPPLY STORE Key points: 1. Contract value of $11.99M over nearly 6 years. 2. Awarded to Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc. 3. Procurement method is 'Not Available for Competition'. 4. Sector is Hardware Manufacturing, with PSC code 332510. 5. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $11.99M for a 5.75-year duration suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar hardware manufacturing contracts is difficult without specific product details, but the overall value appears reasonable for a supply store operation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Not Available for Competition', indicating limited or no competitive bidding. This method may lead to higher prices than a fully competitive process, as price discovery is constrained.
Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for the goods and services provided under this contract.
Public Impact
Ensures availability of essential civil engineering supplies. Supports a social enterprise focused on employing visually impaired individuals. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
Positive Signals
- Supports visually impaired workforce
- Long-term contract duration
Sector Analysis
The hardware manufacturing sector, particularly for specialized supply stores, can vary widely in cost. This contract falls under the broader manufacturing and wholesale trade industries, where efficiency and competitive pricing are key.
Small Business Impact
The contractor, Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., is a non-profit organization focused on employing individuals with visual impairments. While not a traditional small business, it serves a similar social mission.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Not Available for Competition' award necessitates careful oversight to ensure fair pricing and performance. The Department of the Air Force should monitor contract expenditures and contractor performance closely.
Related Government Programs
- Hardware Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency on specific supplies
- Need for robust oversight
Tags
hardware-manufacturing, department-of-defense, wi, purchase-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $12.0 million to INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED, INC.. CONTRACTOR OPERATED CIVIL ENGINEERING SUPPLY STORE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2026-03-31.
What specific civil engineering supplies are covered under this contract, and how do their prices compare to market rates?
The contract details do not specify the exact range of civil engineering supplies. A thorough review would involve comparing the unit prices of key items procured under this contract against industry benchmarks and prices from other federal contracts or commercial vendors to assess value for money. Without this granular data, it's difficult to definitively determine if the pricing is optimal.
What is the justification for awarding this contract without full and open competition, and what steps are taken to mitigate potential cost overruns?
The justification for 'Not Available for Competition' is not provided in the data. Mitigation strategies typically include detailed price analysis, negotiation with the sole source, and ongoing performance monitoring. The Air Force should have documented the rationale and ensured fair and reasonable pricing through negotiation and market research, even in a limited competition scenario.
How effectively does this contract meet the operational needs of the Air Force's civil engineering operations, and are there alternative solutions that could offer better value?
The contract's effectiveness hinges on the reliable supply of necessary materials. While supporting a social mission is a positive aspect, the Air Force should periodically assess if the current arrangement meets its needs efficiently. Exploring options for future procurements, potentially including competitive bidding or different contract structures, could ensure long-term value and operational effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing › Hardware Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIAL
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 445 S CURTIS RD, WEST ALLIS, WI, 53214
Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,400,000
Exercised Options: $20,600,000
Current Obligation: $11,999,176
Actual Outlays: $5,462,292
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-21
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