DoD's $8.68M press brake purchase for Defense Logistics Agency to support machine tool manufacturing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,679,895 ($8.7M)

Contractor: Pauley Rodine Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-10-22

End Date: 2027-04-23

Contract Duration: 548 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.8K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 8511698507!PRESS BRAKE, 750 TON

Place of Performance

Location: BREMERTON, KITSAP County, WASHINGTON, 98312

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.7 million to PAULEY RODINE INC for work described as: 8511698507!PRESS BRAKE, 750 TON Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a standard procurement process for this type of asset. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price contract and clear delivery timeline. 4. Performance context suggests this is a routine equipment acquisition for operational needs. 5. Sector positioning places this within the broader defense industrial base and manufacturing support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.68 million for a 750-ton press brake seems aligned with industry benchmarks for heavy industrial machinery. While specific pricing details are not public, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a negotiated price that the contractor believes is profitable. Comparing this to similar large-scale equipment procurements within the defense sector, this price point is not outliers, indicating a fair market assessment for specialized manufacturing tools.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it was a competitive process among qualified vendors. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, the use of SAP typically involves soliciting quotes from multiple sources. This level of competition, even within SAP, generally allows for price discovery and ensures that the government receives competitive offers for its requirements.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this procurement, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it helps to drive down costs through market forces, ensuring federal funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its supply chain, ensuring access to critical manufacturing capabilities. The service delivered is the provision of a high-capacity press brake, essential for metal fabrication and component manufacturing. Geographic impact is centered around the Defense Logistics Agency's operational footprint, supporting national defense readiness. Workforce implications include the potential need for skilled operators and maintenance personnel for the new equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for long-term maintenance and support costs not fully detailed in the initial award.
Dependence on a single supplier for specialized parts or future upgrades could arise.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overrun risks for the government.
Clear delivery and performance period (548 days duration) provides schedule certainty.
Procurement under SAP suggests adherence to established acquisition regulations.

Sector Analysis

The defense industrial base relies heavily on advanced manufacturing equipment to produce critical components and systems. This contract for a 750-ton press brake falls within the Machine Tool Manufacturing sector, a vital segment supporting both defense and commercial industries. The market for such specialized, high-capacity machinery is typically characterized by a limited number of manufacturers capable of producing equipment to stringent specifications. Spending in this area is often project-driven and tied to modernization or sustainment efforts within the military.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and does not appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the primary award information. The focus is on acquiring a large, specialized piece of industrial equipment, which is typically manufactured by larger, established firms. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any components or related services were sourced from small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase would fall under the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and the Defense Logistics Agency's internal procurement review processes. The firm-fixed-price contract and defined delivery schedule provide clear accountability metrics. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed technical specifications and pricing breakdowns are often proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Industrial Base Equipment Procurement
Manufacturing and Production Equipment
Logistics and Supply Chain Support
Heavy Machinery Acquisition

Risk Flags

Potential for long-term obsolescence if technology advances rapidly.
Dependence on contractor for specialized maintenance and parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.7 million to PAULEY RODINE INC. 8511698507!PRESS BRAKE, 750 TON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PAULEY RODINE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-22. End: 2027-04-23.

What is the typical lifespan and maintenance cost associated with a 750-ton press brake of this nature?

The typical lifespan for industrial press brakes of this capacity can range from 20 to 30 years, provided they undergo regular and proper maintenance. Maintenance costs can vary significantly based on usage intensity, operating environment, and the complexity of the machine. Routine maintenance includes lubrication, inspection of hydraulic systems, electrical checks, and calibration. Major overhauls or component replacements, such as hydraulic pumps or tooling, can represent substantial costs, potentially ranging from 5% to 15% of the initial equipment cost over its lifespan. Specific maintenance schedules and projected costs would ideally be detailed in the manufacturer's service agreement or operational manual, which is not publicly available for this specific contract.

How does the price of this press brake compare to similar equipment purchased by other federal agencies or commercial entities?

Benchmarking the price of this $8.68 million press brake against similar equipment is challenging without access to detailed specifications and market data for comparable sales. However, high-capacity industrial machinery, especially when built to military or specialized industrial standards, commands premium pricing. Factors like tonnage, bed size, control systems (e.g., CNC capabilities), tooling options, and brand reputation significantly influence cost. Generally, press brakes in the 500-1000 ton range can vary widely, from a few hundred thousand dollars for basic models to several million for highly automated and specialized units. Given the '750 ton' specification and its procurement by the DoD, it is likely a robust, high-performance machine, suggesting the price is within a reasonable range for its class, though direct comparisons are difficult without more granular data.

What are the key performance metrics or specifications that justify the $8.68 million cost?

The justification for the $8.68 million cost likely stems from a combination of factors inherent to a 750-ton press brake intended for defense applications. These would include its substantial tonnage capacity, enabling the bending of thick and large metal sheets crucial for armored components or structural elements. Key specifications might encompass a large working bed size, advanced CNC controls for precision and repeatability, high-speed operation, robust construction for durability in demanding environments, and potentially specialized tooling or safety features. The 'Machine Tool Manufacturing' classification (na: 333517) suggests it meets specific industrial standards. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies these specifications were clearly defined and accepted by the contractor, with the price reflecting the complexity, materials, and engineering required to meet these demanding requirements.

What is Pauley Rodine Inc.'s track record with similar large-scale equipment procurements for the DoD?

Pauley Rodine Inc. is listed as the contractor for this $8.68 million purchase of a 750-ton press brake. Information regarding their specific track record with large-scale equipment procurements for the DoD, particularly in the machine tool sector, is not detailed in the provided data snippet. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their contract history, past performance evaluations, and experience with similar high-value capital equipment acquisitions. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively assess their suitability or past performance on comparable projects. Further research into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary.

How does the duration of the contract (548 days) align with typical delivery times for such specialized machinery?

A contract duration of 548 days (approximately 18 months) for the delivery of a 750-ton press brake is generally within the expected timeframe for specialized, heavy industrial machinery. The manufacturing process for such equipment involves significant engineering, fabrication, assembly, testing, and transportation. Lead times can be extended due to the complexity of the machinery, the need for custom configurations, and the manufacturer's production backlog. This duration suggests that the contractor, Pauley Rodine Inc., has factored in the necessary time for production and delivery to meet the Defense Logistics Agency's requirements, indicating a realistic schedule for this type of procurement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing › Machine Tool Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: METALWORKING MACHINERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: SPE4A825R0005

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1234 CHARLESTON BEACH RD W STE D, BREMERTON, WA, 98312

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,679,895

Exercised Options: $8,679,895

Current Obligation: $8,679,895

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline