Army awards $13.5M contract for small arms to Barrett Firearms, a sole-source acquisition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,513,990 ($13.5M)

Contractor: Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-23

End Date: 2026-09-26

Contract Duration: 368 days

Daily Burn Rate: $36.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: CHRISTIANA, RUTHERFORD County, TENNESSEE, 37037

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.5 million to BARRETT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING, INC. for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER Key points: 1. The contract value of $13.5 million represents a significant investment in small arms procurement. 2. Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. secured this contract through a sole-source award, indicating limited competition. 3. The contract duration of 368 days suggests a focused period for delivery or service. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. This award falls within the 'Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing' NAICS code. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, with no indication of subcontracting plans.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the items procured. However, a sole-source award for $13.5 million warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing. Comparing this to similar sole-source contracts for specialized small arms could reveal potential overpricing. The absence of competition limits the government's ability to negotiate the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc., was solicited. This approach is typically used when a unique capability or product is required, or when only one responsible source exists. The lack of competition means the government did not benefit from a competitive bidding process, which could lead to higher prices than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium for this acquisition due to the absence of competitive bidding. Without competing offers, it is difficult to ascertain if the price reflects true market value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely military personnel requiring specialized small arms. The contract supports the Department of the Army's readiness and operational capabilities. The geographic impact is concentrated in Tennessee, where Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. is located. This contract may have implications for the defense manufacturing workforce, particularly in specialized firearms production.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Lack of small business set-aside or subcontracting plan may limit opportunities for smaller firms in the defense supply chain.

Positive Signals

Award to a known manufacturer like Barrett Firearms suggests a focus on proven capabilities.
Fixed-price contract aligns incentives for timely and cost-effective delivery by the contractor.

Sector Analysis

The defense industry for small arms and ordnance is a specialized sector within the broader manufacturing industry. Companies like Barrett Firearms are key players in providing high-performance weaponry to military and law enforcement agencies. The market is characterized by stringent quality requirements, technological innovation, and often, long-standing relationships between manufacturers and government entities. This contract fits within the niche of specialized firearm manufacturing, where unique designs and capabilities command premium pricing.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor is there any indication of subcontracting requirements. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific procurement are limited to direct sales to the prime contractor or through other channels not specified in this award. The absence of a small business focus in this sole-source award does not directly impact the broader small business ecosystem but represents a missed opportunity for direct engagement.

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 fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, with details of the justification for this approach not publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Small Arms Procurement
Army Ordnance and Weapons Systems
Specialty Firearms Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award raises concerns about price competition.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.5 million to BARRETT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING, INC.. DELIVERY ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BARRETT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING, 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 $13.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-23. End: 2026-09-26.

What specific small arms or ordnance accessories are being procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the NAICS code is 332994, 'Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing.' However, the specific items being procured under this $13.5 million delivery order are not detailed in the available information. Typically, such contracts could include rifles, machine guns, ammunition, or related components. Without further details, it's impossible to specify the exact nature of the small arms or ordnance accessories. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work or associated documentation would be required to identify the precise items.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis to Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.?

Sole-source awards are generally justified when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the government's needs. For Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc., this could be due to proprietary technology, unique manufacturing capabilities for specific high-performance firearms, or a requirement for specialized parts or systems that only they can provide. The Department of Defense would have a documented justification, often citing unique capabilities or the lack of viable alternatives, to support this sole-source decision. This justification is crucial for ensuring the award is made appropriately and that taxpayer funds are used efficiently, even without competition.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar sole-source awards for small arms?

Directly comparing the pricing of this $13.5 million sole-source contract without knowing the exact items procured is difficult. However, sole-source contracts inherently carry a higher risk of inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. To assess value, one would need to benchmark against other sole-source awards for comparable specialized firearms or ordnance, considering factors like quantity, specifications, and delivery timelines. If Barrett Firearms has a history of sole-source awards for similar items, analyzing those past contracts could provide insights into their pricing strategies and whether this award represents a fair market value under non-competitive conditions.

What is Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly sole-source awards?

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. is a well-established company known for its high-end sniper rifles and other specialized firearms. Their track record with government contracts, particularly with the Department of Defense, likely includes previous awards, potentially including sole-source ones, given the specialized nature of their products. Analyzing their past performance, including any sole-source awards, would reveal their history of meeting delivery schedules, quality standards, and pricing. A review of contract databases could highlight the frequency and value of their government awards, providing context for this current sole-source acquisition.

What are the potential risks associated with this sole-source contract for the Department of the Army?

The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the potential for paying a premium price due to the lack of competition. Without competing bids, the Army may not achieve the most cost-effective outcome. Another risk is contractor dependency; if Barrett Firearms is the sole provider of a critical component or system, any disruption in their production or supply chain could impact Army readiness. Furthermore, the lack of transparency inherent in sole-source awards can make it harder to identify potential inefficiencies or overpricing, requiring robust internal oversight from the Army.

What is the historical spending pattern for small arms and ordnance accessories by the Department of the Army?

The Department of the Army historically spends significant amounts on small arms, ordnance, and related accessories to maintain its combat readiness. Annual spending can fluctuate based on modernization programs, operational tempo, and specific threats. Analyzing historical spending data, often available through government contract databases and budget reports, would reveal trends in procurement volumes, types of systems acquired, and the primary contractors. This context is essential for understanding if the $13.5 million award to Barrett Firearms represents a typical investment or an outlier in the Army's overall procurement strategy for such items.

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: 5926 MILLER LANE, CHRISTIANA, TN, 37037

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,513,990

Exercised Options: $13,513,990

Current Obligation: $13,513,990

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15QKN21D0028

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline