DoD Spends $44.5M on Disposable Isolation Gowns from Unifire, Inc. via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,455,000 ($44.5M)
Contractor: Unifire, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-09-23
End Date: 2021-03-08
Contract Duration: 166 days
Daily Burn Rate: $267.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: 8507674542!DISPOSABLE ISOLATION GOWN, LE
Place of Performance
Location: SPOKANE, SPOKANE County, WASHINGTON, 99202
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $44.5 million to UNIFIRE, INC. for work described as: 8507674542!DISPOSABLE ISOLATION GOWN, LE Key points: 1. Significant contract value for essential medical supplies. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to supply chain and potential for price fluctuations. 4. Sector is apparel manufacturing, with a focus on defense logistics.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $44.5M for isolation gowns appears reasonable given the quantity and the period of performance. Benchmarking against similar large-scale procurements of medical supplies during the pandemic would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for the best value to be determined.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, which aims to secure goods at the most advantageous prices possible for the government.
Public Impact
Ensures availability of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for military personnel. Supports the defense industrial base in apparel manufacturing. Contributes to national preparedness for health emergencies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for price increases due to market demand for PPE.
- Reliance on a single awardee for a large quantity.
- Supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Contract addresses a critical need for protective gear.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
The procurement falls within the apparel manufacturing sector, specifically for specialized protective clothing. Spending benchmarks for similar PPE contracts during the pandemic period are high due to increased demand and supply chain pressures.
Small Business Impact
While the contract was awarded to Unifire, Inc., the data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by the Defense Logistics Agency, a key component for managing military logistics. Oversight would focus on delivery, quality control, and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Logistics Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Supply chain vulnerability
- Price volatility in PPE market
- Potential for quality control issues
- Dependence on contractor's production capacity
Tags
cut-and-sew-apparel-contractors, department-of-defense, wa, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $44.5 million to UNIFIRE, INC.. 8507674542!DISPOSABLE ISOLATION GOWN, LE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIFIRE, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $44.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-23. End: 2021-03-08.
What was the average per-unit cost compared to market rates at the time of award?
Without specific unit quantity data, a precise per-unit cost cannot be calculated. However, given the $44.5M contract value and the nature of disposable gowns, the unit cost would need to be benchmarked against prevailing market prices for similar PPE during late 2020 and early 2021, a period of high demand and potential price inflation.
What were the primary risks identified during the full and open competition process?
Risks during a full and open competition for PPE often include ensuring sufficient supplier capacity, managing potential supply chain disruptions, verifying product quality and compliance with standards, and mitigating price volatility due to sudden surges in demand. The agency would have assessed these factors before awarding the contract.
How effectively did this contract meet the Department of Defense's need for isolation gowns?
The contract's effectiveness hinges on timely delivery and the quality of the gowns provided. Assuming successful fulfillment, it effectively met the DoD's need for essential PPE during a critical period. Post-award performance reviews and usage data would offer a more definitive assessment of its effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing › Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors
Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Unifire Inc (UEI: 202963948)
Address: 3904 E TRENT AVE, SPOKANE, WA, 99202
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,455,000
Exercised Options: $44,455,000
Current Obligation: $44,455,000
Actual Outlays: $44,455,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SPE1C120D1346
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-23
Current End Date: 2021-03-08
Potential End Date: 2021-03-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-08-10
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