DoD awards $45.7M for expeditionary modular ballistic sidewall, with $39.7M obligated to Noble Supply & Logistics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,692,424 ($39.7M)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-03-26

End Date: 2026-02-06

Contract Duration: 317 days

Daily Burn Rate: $125.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 4567738500!EXPEDITIONARY MODULAR BALLISTIC SIDEWALL

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02210

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $39.7 million to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: 4567738500!EXPEDITIONARY MODULAR BALLISTIC SIDEWALL Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of ballistic protection. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process after source exclusion, suggesting a deliberate procurement strategy. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a fixed-price contract type mitigating cost overrun risks. 4. Performance context is tied to ongoing defense needs for modular ballistic protection. 5. Sector positioning is within defense logistics and specialized equipment procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The obligated amount of $39.7M represents a significant portion of the total contract value. Benchmarking this specific item is challenging without more granular data on comparable ballistic protection systems. However, the firm fixed-price contract type suggests an attempt to control costs upfront. Further analysis would require comparing the unit price against similar systems procured by other defense agencies or for different platforms.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources were excluded, possibly due to specialized capabilities or prior relationships. The number of bidders is not specified, but the exclusion of sources suggests a potentially narrower field than a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of certain sources, even within a broader competitive framework, could potentially limit price discovery and may not guarantee the absolute lowest price for taxpayers. However, it could also ensure that only qualified and capable vendors participate, potentially leading to better quality and reduced risk.

Public Impact

Expeditionary modular ballistic sidewalls will be supplied to the Department of Defense. These sidewalls are crucial for enhancing the survivability of personnel and equipment in operational environments. The contract supports the Defense Logistics Agency's mission to provide logistical support to the armed forces. The geographic impact is likely global, supporting deployed forces wherever they operate.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes value assessment difficult.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical component could pose supply chain risks if not managed.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract mitigates cost escalation risks.
Contract duration provides a stable supply chain for a critical defense item.
Award to Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC, a known entity in defense contracting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense logistics and specialized equipment sector, specifically focusing on protective systems. The market for ballistic protection is driven by ongoing military operations and technological advancements in materials science. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing procurements of similar protective gear across various military branches and allied nations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is minimal. However, the prime contractor, Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would be a secondary avenue for small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), which is responsible for procurement and supply chain management for the Department of Defense. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including delivery schedules and specifications. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed cost breakdowns are often proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Expeditionary Equipment
Ballistic Protection Systems
Defense Logistics Support
Modular Systems Procurement
Tactical Vehicle Components

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Potential for price not being the absolute lowest due to source exclusion.
Dependence on specific contractor for critical defense components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $39.7 million to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. 4567738500!EXPEDITIONARY MODULAR BALLISTIC SIDEWALL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $39.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-26. End: 2026-02-06.

What is the historical spending pattern for expeditionary modular ballistic sidewalls by the Department of Defense?

Analyzing historical spending for 'expeditionary modular ballistic sidewalls' requires a deep dive into specific contract line item numbers (CLINs) and product service codes (PSCs) within the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or its successors. Without precise historical data for this exact item, we can infer trends from broader categories like 'Armor and Protective Materials' or 'Vehicle Components.' Spending in these areas typically fluctuates based on operational tempo, new equipment fielding, and technological upgrades. The current award of approximately $45.7 million suggests a significant, ongoing requirement for this specific type of protection, potentially indicating increased deployment or a strategic initiative to enhance survivability across various platforms. Past awards for similar, though not identical, items could range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scale of the requirement and the number of competing vendors.

How does the unit cost of these ballistic sidewalls compare to similar products in the market or other government contracts?

A direct unit cost comparison for these expeditionary modular ballistic sidewalls is challenging without access to the specific unit price data within the contract. The total contract value of $45.7 million and the obligated amount of $39.7 million do not directly translate to a unit cost without knowing the quantity of units procured. However, the 'fair' value assessment suggests that the pricing is considered reasonable within the context of specialized defense procurement. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify the exact specifications of the sidewalls (e.g., material composition, threat level protection, dimensions) and then search for contracts with similar specifications awarded by the DoD or other federal agencies. Market research reports on ballistic materials and protective systems could also provide benchmark pricing, though these are often proprietary. The 'limited' competition aspect might also influence the final price, potentially leading to a higher cost than if there were numerous bidders.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential supply chain disruptions, performance failures (i.e., the sidewalls not meeting ballistic protection standards), and schedule delays. Mitigation strategies are evident in the contract structure. The 'firm fixed price' (pt: FIRM FIXED PRICE) nature of the contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC. The contract duration (dur: 317 days) provides a defined period for delivery, allowing the agency to monitor progress. Furthermore, the 'Defense Logistics Agency' (sa: Defense Logistics Agency) is a specialized agency adept at managing complex supply chains for military equipment, implying established processes for quality assurance and risk management. The 'limited' competition, while potentially impacting price, may also mitigate risks by ensuring that only vendors with proven capabilities in producing such specialized equipment are considered.

What is the track record of Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC in fulfilling similar defense contracts?

Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC has a history of performing contracts with the Department of Defense, as indicated by its presence in federal procurement data. While specific details on their track record for 'expeditionary modular ballistic sidewalls' are not provided in this summary, their ability to secure a contract of this magnitude ($45.7 million) suggests a level of established capability and past performance that meets DoD requirements. A comprehensive assessment would involve reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), identifying any past issues with delivery, quality, or compliance on similar contracts, and examining the types and values of previous awards. Their designation as a supplier for 'Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers' (nd: Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers) indicates a broad scope of supply capabilities relevant to defense needs.

How does the obligated amount ($39.7M) relate to the total contract value ($45.7M) and what does this imply?

The obligated amount of $39,692,423.51 represents the funds committed by the government at the time of award or shortly thereafter, out of the total potential contract value of $45,677,385.00. This difference implies that the full amount may not be immediately spent or that the contract allows for future task orders or modifications up to the total value. In this case, approximately 86.9% of the total contract value is obligated upfront. This suggests a significant initial commitment for the required sidewalls. The remaining balance could be allocated for potential future needs, options, or adjustments within the contract's scope. It indicates a strong intent from the Department of Defense to utilize the majority of the contract's ceiling for this requirement.

What is the significance of the contract type 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'?

The contract type 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' (ct: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES) signifies a procurement approach that aims for broad competition but with specific limitations. Initially, the solicitation is made available to all responsible sources (full and open competition). However, certain sources are subsequently excluded from consideration. This exclusion is typically based on specific criteria, such as unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or national security concerns, which are documented and justified. While it's more competitive than a sole-source award, it is less competitive than unrestricted full and open competition. The rationale behind excluding sources must be justifiable to ensure fair and transparent procurement practices. This approach allows the agency to leverage competition among qualified, but not necessarily all possible, vendors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: FIRE/RESCUE/SAFETY; ENVIRO PROTECT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 302 WEYMOUTH ST, ROCKLAND, MA, 02370

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,692,424

Exercised Options: $39,692,424

Current Obligation: $39,692,424

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE8EJ21D1028

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline