GSA awards $16.5M for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, exceeding benchmarks for similar equipment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,535,102 ($16.5M)
Contractor: Mine Safety Appliances Company
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2008-09-09
End Date: 2009-02-28
Contract Duration: 172 days
Daily Burn Rate: $96.1K/day
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS'
Place of Performance
Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32403
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $16.5 million to MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY for work described as: SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS' Key points: 1. The contract value appears to be on the higher end compared to similar apparatus procurements. 2. Competition dynamics for this specific apparatus type are not fully clear from the available data. 3. The fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty but may limit flexibility for the government. 4. Performance duration of 172 days is relatively short for equipment of this nature. 5. The procurement falls within the 'All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing' NAICS code. 6. This award represents a single delivery order against a larger contract vehicle.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award of $16.5 million for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) warrants a 'fair' rating. While specific unit pricing is not detailed, the total value for a single delivery order suggests a potentially high cost per unit when considering the quantity likely procured. Benchmarking against other federal SCBA procurements would be necessary for a definitive value-for-money assessment, but initial indicators suggest this may not be the most cost-effective acquisition. The fixed-price nature provides budget predictability, but the absence of detailed cost breakdowns makes it difficult to ascertain if the price reflects true market value or includes significant overhead.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The competition level for this specific delivery order is not explicitly stated as 'full-and-open' or 'limited'. Without knowing the underlying contract vehicle and its competition history, it's difficult to assess how many bidders were considered. If this was a delivery order against an existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, the initial competition for that IDIQ would be relevant. However, the specific competition for this particular order is unclear, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of clear competition data for this order means taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing possible, potentially leading to a higher overall expenditure.
Public Impact
Federal agencies requiring respiratory protection for personnel in hazardous environments will benefit from this contract. The contract delivers Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, essential for safety in mining and other high-risk operations. The geographic impact is noted as Florida (FL), suggesting a specific regional need or distribution point. The acquisition supports the operational readiness and safety of federal employees in specific roles.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for overpayment due to unclear competition and benchmarking.
- Limited transparency on the specific unit costs and overall value for money.
- Short performance duration might indicate a need for frequent replacements or upgrades, increasing long-term costs.
Positive Signals
- The contract provides essential safety equipment for federal personnel.
- Fixed-price contract offers budget certainty for the procuring agency.
- Award to a known entity, Mine Safety Appliances Company, suggests a potentially reliable supplier.
Sector Analysis
The procurement of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus falls under the broader industrial machinery manufacturing sector. This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized equipment designed for various industrial applications, including safety and environmental protection. The market for SCBA is driven by stringent safety regulations and the need for reliable respiratory protection in hazardous environments such as mining, firefighting, and industrial settings. Comparable spending benchmarks for SCBA can vary significantly based on technological features, certifications, and quantity, making direct comparisons challenging without detailed specifications.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not available for this specific award. The prime contractor, Mine Safety Appliances Company, is a large entity. Without explicit set-aside provisions, the direct impact on small businesses within the SCBA manufacturing or supply chain is likely minimal, unless they are existing suppliers to the prime contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a delivery order against a potentially larger contract vehicle, oversight would involve monitoring performance, delivery, and adherence to the contract terms. Transparency is limited by the available data, but GSA generally maintains contract databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Procurement
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Compliance Equipment
- Mining Safety Equipment
- Emergency Response Equipment
Risk Flags
- High contract value for a single delivery order.
- Unclear competition level impacting price discovery.
- Potential for above-market pricing.
- Short performance duration may indicate future needs.
Tags
self-contained-breathing-apparatus, gsa, federal-acquisition-service, mine-safety-appliances-company, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, machinery-manufacturing, respiratory-protection, safety-equipment, florida, general-services-administration, miscellaneous-general-purpose-machinery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $16.5 million to MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY. SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS'
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-09-09. End: 2009-02-28.
What is the historical spending pattern for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus by the General Services Administration?
Analyzing historical spending patterns for SCBA by the GSA requires access to comprehensive contract databases beyond this single award. However, general trends indicate consistent federal demand for such safety equipment, driven by regulatory requirements and the operational needs of various agencies, particularly those involved in emergency response, mining, and industrial safety. Spending can fluctuate based on equipment lifecycle, technological advancements, and specific agency budget allocations. Without a broader dataset, it's difficult to establish a precise historical trend or average spending for GSA specifically on SCBA, but the recurring need suggests a stable, albeit potentially variable, market.
How does the unit cost of these SCBAs compare to similar federal procurements?
A direct comparison of unit costs for these SCBAs is not possible with the provided data, as the total award amount of $16.5 million is for a delivery order, not individual units. To assess value for money, one would need to know the quantity of SCBAs procured under this order. If, for example, 1,000 units were purchased, the unit cost would be $16,500. This figure would then need to be benchmarked against other federal contracts for comparable SCBA models, considering factors like manufacturer, model, features (e.g., air capacity, communication systems), and certifications. Without this quantity information and comparative data, a definitive assessment of unit cost competitiveness cannot be made.
What are the specific risks associated with this contract award?
Key risks associated with this contract include potential value-for-money concerns due to the high total award amount for a single delivery order, suggesting a possible premium price per unit. The lack of detailed competition information raises questions about whether the government secured the best possible pricing. Furthermore, the short duration of the delivery period (172 days) might imply a need for rapid deployment or potentially a limited scope, which could lead to follow-on contracts or replacements sooner than anticipated, increasing long-term costs. The fixed-price nature, while offering cost certainty, could also mean the government is locked into a price that doesn't reflect potential market decreases or technological obsolescence if the equipment has a long service life.
What is the track record of Mine Safety Appliances Company (MSA) in fulfilling federal contracts for similar equipment?
Mine Safety Appliances Company (MSA) is a well-established global manufacturer of safety equipment, including respiratory protection. Their track record in fulfilling federal contracts for SCBA and related safety gear is generally considered strong, given their long history and reputation in the industry. MSA products are often specified in government solicitations due to their adherence to safety standards and performance requirements. While specific performance metrics for this particular $16.5 million delivery order are not detailed here, MSA's consistent presence in the federal market suggests a capacity to meet government demands. However, as with any large contractor, individual contract performance can vary, and a deeper dive into past performance evaluations would be needed for a comprehensive assessment.
How does the $16.5 million award fit within the overall federal spending on safety and protective equipment?
The $16.5 million award for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus represents a significant, but not exceptionally large, expenditure within the broader context of federal spending on safety and protective equipment. Federal agencies procure vast quantities of PPE annually, encompassing items ranging from basic gloves and masks to highly specialized gear like SCBAs. This specific award likely addresses a particular need, possibly for a specific agency or region, such as the GSA's Federal Acquisition Service supporting various government operations. While substantial for a single delivery order, it is a fraction of the total federal budget allocated to defense, healthcare, or infrastructure, placing it within the category of essential operational support and safety procurement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Mine Safety Appliances Company, LLC (UEI: 004321865)
Address: 3880 MEADOWBROOK RD, MURRYSVILLE, PA, 15668
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,535,102
Exercised Options: $16,535,102
Current Obligation: $16,535,102
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS07F9628G
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-09
Current End Date: 2009-02-28
Potential End Date: 2009-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-11-25
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