DoD's $18.8M Flame Resistant Combat Ensemble Contract Awarded to Source One Distributors, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,794,779 ($18.8M)

Contractor: Source ONE Distributors, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-09-22

End Date: 2011-12-31

Contract Duration: 465 days

Daily Burn Rate: $40.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FLAME RESISTANT COMBAT ENSEMBLE

Place of Performance

Location: WELLINGTON, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33414

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.8 million to SOURCE ONE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. for work described as: FLAME RESISTANT COMBAT ENSEMBLE Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in soldier protective gear. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding environment. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. Contract duration of over a year indicates a substantial supply requirement. 5. Awarded by the Department of the Navy, supporting naval forces' needs. 6. The product category falls under specialized apparel manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.8 million for flame-resistant combat ensembles appears reasonable given the quantity and specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar defense apparel contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an expectation of stable costs, but the final value is dependent on delivery and adherence to specifications. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to market rates for comparable protective gear, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and quality for the government. The fact that there were 8 bids received suggests a healthy level of interest from potential suppliers in this defense contract. A robust competition can drive down costs and encourage innovation among bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for essential military equipment like combat ensembles helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by securing favorable pricing and quality standards.

Public Impact

Service members, particularly those in combat roles within the Department of the Navy, are the primary beneficiaries, receiving essential protective gear. The contract ensures the availability of flame-resistant combat ensembles, crucial for soldier safety in hazardous environments. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting military readiness across various deployments. Workforce implications include jobs in the apparel manufacturing sector, specifically in the production of specialized protective clothing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases if market conditions for raw materials fluctuate significantly during the contract period.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to stringent military specifications across all delivered units.
Logistical challenges in timely delivery to various naval units or deployment locations.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and potentially good value.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract addresses a critical need for soldier safety and operational effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

The defense apparel market is a specialized segment within the broader manufacturing industry, characterized by stringent quality requirements and government procurement processes. Contracts for military uniforms and protective gear are essential for maintaining troop readiness and safety. Spending in this sector is driven by defense budgets and operational needs, with significant investments made in advanced materials and designs. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for tactical gear, body armor, and specialized uniforms issued by various military branches.

Small Business Impact

While this contract was awarded to Source One Distributors, Inc., and the data does not explicitly indicate a small business set-aside, the implications for small businesses could be significant. If Source One is a large business, they may be required to subcontract a portion of the work to small businesses, thereby contributing to the small business ecosystem. Analysis of the subcontracting plan would be necessary to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Defense may conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or potential fraud are identified.

Related Government Programs

Military Uniforms
Protective Clothing
Defense Logistics
Tactical Gear Procurement
Department of Defense Apparel Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions
Quality control adherence to military specifications
Timeliness of delivery
Price volatility of raw materials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.8 million to SOURCE ONE DISTRIBUTORS, INC.. FLAME RESISTANT COMBAT ENSEMBLE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOURCE ONE DISTRIBUTORS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-09-22. End: 2011-12-31.

What is the track record of Source One Distributors, Inc. in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for defense apparel?

A review of Source One Distributors, Inc.'s contract history with the federal government would be necessary to assess their track record. This would involve examining past performance on similar contracts, including on-time delivery rates, quality compliance, and any history of disputes or contract terminations. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be crucial. A strong performance history on previous defense apparel contracts would indicate a lower risk for this current award, while a history of issues might raise concerns about their capacity to meet the requirements effectively and on schedule.

How does the awarded price per unit compare to similar flame-resistant combat ensembles procured by other military branches or agencies?

To benchmark the value, a detailed analysis of the per-unit cost would be required, comparing it against recent awards for similar flame-resistant combat ensembles by other branches of the U.S. military (e.g., Army, Air Force) or federal agencies. This comparison should account for variations in specifications, material quality, quantities ordered, and contract types. If Source One Distributors, Inc.'s pricing is significantly higher than comparable contracts, it could indicate potential overpricing or less competitive bidding. Conversely, if the pricing is in line or lower, it suggests good value for the taxpayer. Access to detailed contract award data and market research reports would facilitate this comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks for this contract include potential supply chain disruptions affecting material availability, quality control issues leading to non-compliance with military specifications, and delivery delays impacting troop readiness. Another risk could be price volatility of raw materials if the contract duration is extended or if market conditions change unfavorably. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust quality assurance processes by the Department of the Navy, clear performance metrics in the contract, and potentially requiring Source One Distributors, Inc. to maintain adequate inventory levels or secure reliable material sources. The firm fixed-price nature also mitigates cost overrun risks for the government, shifting that burden to the contractor.

How effective has the Department of the Navy been in procuring essential combat gear through competitive bidding processes like the one used for this contract?

The effectiveness of the Department of the Navy's competitive bidding processes can be assessed by examining historical data on contract awards, price savings achieved through competition, and the overall quality and timeliness of delivered goods. Full and open competition, as used here, is generally considered the most effective method for achieving best value and fostering market competition. Analyzing the number of bids received, the range of pricing, and any post-award performance issues on similar contracts would provide insights. A consistent track record of successful, competitive procurements suggests effectiveness, while frequent sole-source awards or performance problems might indicate areas for improvement.

What has been the historical spending trend for flame-resistant combat ensembles or similar protective gear by the Department of Defense over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending trends for flame-resistant combat ensembles and related protective gear by the Department of Defense (DoD) over the past five years would reveal patterns in demand, budget allocation, and procurement strategies. This data can be obtained from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). An increasing trend might indicate heightened operational tempo or new equipment requirements, while a stable or decreasing trend could suggest mature requirements or budget constraints. Understanding these trends provides context for the current $18.8 million award, helping to determine if it aligns with historical investment levels or represents a significant shift in spending for this category of equipment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing › All Other Leather Good and Allied Product Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 3280 FAIRLANE FARMS RD, WELLINGTON, FL, 33414

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,794,779

Exercised Options: $18,794,779

Current Obligation: $18,794,779

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F5490R

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline