DoD awards $16.3M for pumper fire trucks, with Rosenbauer America LLC as the sole awardee

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,353,526 ($16.4M)

Contractor: Rosenbauer America LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-12-08

End Date: 2027-02-05

Contract Duration: 1,155 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 8510316972!FIRE TRUCK -PUMPER

Place of Performance

Location: LYONS, MINNEHAHA County, SOUTH DAKOTA, 57041

State: South Dakota Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.4 million to ROSENBAUER AMERICA LLC for work described as: 8510316972!FIRE TRUCK -PUMPER Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against market rates for specialized vehicles. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single awardee for this specific requirement. 3. Risk indicators include potential for price escalation and limited vendor options. 4. Performance context is delivery of critical emergency response equipment. 5. Sector positioning within defense logistics and emergency preparedness.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $16.3 million for pumper fire trucks appears within a reasonable range for specialized emergency vehicles, though direct comparisons are difficult without detailed specifications. Benchmarking against similar government procurements for fire apparatus suggests that pricing is generally competitive, but the absence of multiple bids in this instance limits a robust value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, but the overall value proposition hinges on the specific capabilities and longevity of the delivered trucks.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. However, only one bid was received and subsequently awarded. This situation can arise for various reasons, including highly specialized requirements, limited market capacity, or specific solicitation terms that may inadvertently restrict participation. The lack of multiple competing bids raises questions about the extent of price discovery and potential savings that might have been achieved with broader competition.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was technically open, the receipt of only one bid means taxpayers may not have benefited from the most competitive pricing possible. This could lead to a higher-than-necessary cost for these essential vehicles.

Public Impact

Benefits military installations by providing essential fire suppression capabilities. Delivers critical pumper fire trucks to enhance emergency response readiness. Geographic impact is likely focused on bases where these vehicles are deployed. Workforce implications include training for operators and maintenance personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole awardee raises concerns about future pricing and availability.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical equipment.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, adhering to procurement regulations.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Delivery order structure allows for phased acquisition of necessary equipment.

Sector Analysis

The market for specialized fire apparatus, such as pumper trucks, is a niche within the broader motor vehicle manufacturing sector. This contract falls under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 336211 (Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing). The defense sector's need for robust emergency response vehicles is consistent, and spending in this area is driven by readiness requirements and equipment modernization cycles. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar heavy-duty vehicles is essential for assessing value.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no indication of subcontracting plans specifically targeting small businesses within the provided data. The primary awardee, Rosenbauer America LLC, is a significant manufacturer, suggesting the contract's scale may not lend itself to extensive small business participation unless through specific subcontracting opportunities not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight mechanisms. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, its execution will be monitored by the Defense Logistics Agency. Transparency is maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse. The firm-fixed-price nature simplifies financial oversight compared to cost-reimbursement contracts.

Related Government Programs

Firefighting Equipment Procurement
Defense Logistics Agency Contracts
Emergency Vehicle Acquisition
Department of Defense Readiness Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for price escalation
Supplier dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.4 million to ROSENBAUER AMERICA LLC. 8510316972!FIRE TRUCK -PUMPER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROSENBAUER AMERICA LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-08. End: 2027-02-05.

What is the track record of Rosenbauer America LLC in fulfilling government contracts for fire apparatus?

Rosenbauer America LLC has a history of supplying fire apparatus to various government entities, including federal agencies and military branches. Their experience typically encompasses a range of fire trucks, from pumper and rescue vehicles to specialized airport crash tenders. Government contract databases often show a pattern of awards for similar equipment, indicating a capacity to meet defense and emergency service needs. However, the specific performance history on past contracts, including on-time delivery, adherence to specifications, and any disputes or contract modifications, would require a deeper dive into individual contract records. Generally, established manufacturers like Rosenbauer are expected to meet stringent quality and performance standards required by government procurement.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar pumper fire trucks?

Directly comparing the $16.3 million award to precise market rates is challenging without detailed specifications of the pumper fire trucks procured. However, based on industry knowledge and publicly available data for specialized fire apparatus, the price per unit can range significantly from $300,000 to over $1 million, depending on features, chassis, pump capacity, and custom configurations. For a fleet of multiple trucks, the total value appears within a plausible range for high-specification emergency vehicles. The fact that only one bid was received under full and open competition suggests that either the market for this specific configuration is limited, or potential competitors found the terms or pricing expectations unfeasible, which could imply the awarded price is not necessarily the most competitive possible.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential overpayment due to limited competition, as only one bid was received. This lack of competitive pressure could lead to higher prices than might be achieved in a more robust bidding environment. Another risk is supplier dependency; relying on a single awardee for critical equipment like fire trucks can create vulnerabilities if the supplier faces production issues, financial instability, or decides to exit the market. Furthermore, if the specific requirements are highly specialized, there might be limited alternative sources available in the future, potentially increasing costs for subsequent procurements or replacements. Ensuring strict quality control and adherence to specifications throughout the contract period is also crucial to mitigate performance risks.

How effective is the Defense Logistics Agency in procuring specialized equipment like fire trucks?

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is responsible for procuring a vast array of equipment and services for the U.S. military, including specialized items like fire trucks. DLA generally employs established procurement processes designed to ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations and achieve best value. Their effectiveness in procuring specialized equipment is often demonstrated by their ability to source complex items and manage supply chains for readiness. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the specific item and market dynamics. In cases like this, where full and open competition yields only one bid, it highlights challenges in market research or solicitation strategies for highly specialized goods, suggesting that while DLA follows procedures, achieving optimal competition isn't always guaranteed.

What are the historical spending patterns for pumper fire trucks by the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for pumper fire trucks by the Department of Defense (DoD) indicate a consistent need for these assets to support base operations and emergency response readiness across various installations. While specific aggregate spending figures for 'pumper fire trucks' alone are not readily available as a distinct category in public databases, such procurements are typically embedded within broader categories like 'Firefighting Equipment,' 'Motor Vehicles,' or 'Construction and Engineering Equipment.' Spending fluctuates based on modernization cycles, base infrastructure development, and replacement schedules for aging fleets. The DoD's reliance on specialized vehicles means procurements are often conducted through agencies like the DLA or directly by military branches, with contract values varying significantly based on the number of units, specifications, and the competitive landscape at the time of award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Body Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT/MINE/EXCAVATE/HIGHWY EQPT

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: Rosenbauer Beteiligungsverwaltung Gmbh

Address: 100 3RD ST, LYONS, SD, 57041

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,353,526

Exercised Options: $16,353,526

Current Obligation: $16,353,526

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE8EC20D0055

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline