Army awards $11.7M for Mossberg 590 shotguns, a sole-source acquisition for ordnance accessories

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,666,670 ($11.7M)

Contractor: O F Mossberg & Sons Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-18

End Date: 2026-05-20

Contract Duration: 244 days

Daily Burn Rate: $47.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER FOR MOSSBERG 590 SHOTGUNS

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH HAVEN, NEW HAVEN County, CONNECTICUT, 06473

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.7 million to O F MOSSBERG & SONS INC for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER FOR MOSSBERG 590 SHOTGUNS Key points: 1. The contract leverages an existing relationship for specialized firearms, potentially reducing lead times. 2. Sole-source nature limits price competition, necessitating careful oversight of unit costs. 3. The duration of the contract suggests a sustained need for these specific weapon systems. 4. Focus on a single manufacturer may indicate unique technical requirements or limited market alternatives. 5. The award falls within the broader category of small arms manufacturing, a niche within defense procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award of $11.7 million for Mossberg 590 shotguns is a sole-source contract, which inherently limits direct price comparisons to similar competitive bids. Benchmarking the per-unit cost against other government contracts for similar firearms is challenging without more detailed specifications. However, the fixed-price nature provides some cost certainty. The value proposition hinges on the necessity of this specific model and the absence of viable alternatives, which is not fully detailed in the provided data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, often due to proprietary technology, unique capabilities, or urgent needs. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was bypassed, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple bids were solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not receive the benefit of competitive pricing, as the government did not explore alternative suppliers or negotiate based on multiple offers. This can result in a higher overall expenditure for the required equipment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army personnel who will be equipped with these specific firearms. The services delivered include the provision of Mossberg 590 shotguns, essential for certain tactical and security roles. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of the U.S. Army, with potential deployment worldwide. Workforce implications are minimal for this specific contract, as it focuses on the acquisition of goods rather than services requiring significant new labor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source procurement limits competitive pressure, potentially impacting cost-effectiveness.
Lack of competition raises questions about whether the best available price was secured.
Dependence on a single supplier could create supply chain risks if production is interrupted.

Positive Signals

Leverages an established product line (Mossberg 590) known for reliability.
Sole-source award may expedite delivery by avoiding lengthy competitive bidding processes.
Focus on a specific, proven model ensures standardization and familiarity for end-users.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing' sector, a specialized segment of the broader defense industrial base. This sector is characterized by high technical requirements, stringent quality control, and often long-standing relationships between manufacturers and government agencies. The market size for such specialized ordnance is directly tied to defense spending priorities and geopolitical conditions. This award represents a specific procurement within that context, focusing on a particular type of firearm.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside, as O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc. is a well-established manufacturer. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award. The focus is on direct procurement from the prime contractor, and the impact on the broader small business ecosystem is likely indirect, related to the overall defense supply chain rather than specific set-aside provisions.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract award details are generally made public. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Small Arms Procurement
Ordnance and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
Law Enforcement and Security Equipment Contracts
Firearms Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive bidding.
Supply chain risk associated with single-source dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.7 million to O F MOSSBERG & SONS INC. DELIVERY ORDER FOR MOSSBERG 590 SHOTGUNS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is O F MOSSBERG & SONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-18. End: 2026-05-20.

What is the historical spending pattern for Mossberg 590 shotguns by the Department of Defense?

Analyzing historical spending for Mossberg 590 shotguns by the Department of Defense requires access to comprehensive contract databases. Without specific historical data for this exact model and manufacturer, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, the Mossberg 590 platform has been a long-standing and widely adopted shotgun in military and law enforcement circles due to its reliability and modularity. It's plausible that the Department of Defense has awarded numerous contracts for this or similar variants over the years, reflecting its sustained utility. The current $11.7 million award suggests a significant, albeit not unprecedented, procurement quantity or value, potentially indicating a replenishment or upgrade cycle for existing inventories or equipping new units.

How does the per-unit cost of the Mossberg 590 in this contract compare to market rates for similar firearms?

Directly comparing the per-unit cost of the Mossberg 590 in this $11.7 million contract to general market rates is challenging without knowing the exact configuration, quantity, and specific terms negotiated. Government contracts often include bulk discounts, but sole-source awards can sometimes result in higher prices due to lack of competition. Publicly available retail prices for a Mossberg 590 can range from $500 to over $1,000 depending on the model and features. If this contract's total award ($11.7 million) divided by an estimated quantity yields a per-unit cost significantly above the higher end of civilian market prices, it could indicate a premium paid due to the sole-source nature or specific military-grade requirements. Conversely, if the per-unit cost falls within or below the higher civilian range, it might represent a reasonable price given the specialized nature and potential for government-specific modifications or support.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for firearms?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for firearms, such as this Mossberg 590 contract, is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive bidding. Without competing offers, the government may not achieve the most cost-effective outcome. Another risk is supplier dependency; relying on a single manufacturer can create vulnerabilities in the supply chain. If the sole source experiences production issues, financial instability, or decides to discontinue the product line, the government could face significant disruptions in acquiring essential equipment. Furthermore, a sole-source justification needs to be robust to ensure it's truly necessary and not a result of poor planning or market research.

What is the expected performance or effectiveness of the Mossberg 590 platform in military applications?

The Mossberg 590 shotgun platform is widely recognized for its reliability, durability, and effectiveness in military and law enforcement applications. It is a pump-action shotgun known for its robust construction, often featuring a heat shield, ghost ring sights, and a bayonet lug. Its primary role in military contexts typically involves close-quarters combat, breaching operations, and as a less-lethal option when configured with appropriate ammunition. The platform's simplicity of operation and maintenance contributes to its suitability for demanding environments. Its long service history with various military branches attests to its proven performance and suitability for tactical use, making it a trusted choice for specific mission requirements.

Are there alternative small arms that could fulfill similar roles, and why was the Mossberg 590 chosen?

While there are numerous alternative small arms available, the selection of the Mossberg 590 for this Department of the Army contract likely stems from specific operational requirements, existing doctrine, and established user familiarity. Other pump-action shotguns like the Remington 870 or Benelli M4 (though semi-automatic) could potentially fulfill similar roles. However, the Mossberg 590's specific design features, such as its reliability under adverse conditions, capacity, and potentially lower cost compared to some semi-automatic alternatives, may make it the preferred choice for certain tactical applications. The sole-source justification would typically detail why other platforms or manufacturers were deemed unsuitable, possibly citing unique technical specifications, interoperability needs, or the need to maintain standardization within specific units or roles.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: WEAPONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7 GRASSO AVE, NORTH HAVEN, CT, 06473

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,666,670

Exercised Options: $11,666,670

Current Obligation: $11,666,670

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15QKN25D0016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline