DoD Awards BAE Systems $51.4M for HIMARS Components, Lacking Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,415,399 ($51.4M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems LP

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-08-31

End Date: 2011-12-31

Contract Duration: 852 days

Daily Burn Rate: $60.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: HIMARS PROCUREMENT OF 64 ICP CAPS,65 APPLIQUE KITS, 59 BATTERY DISCONNECTS, 5 SETS OF SPARES

Place of Performance

Location: SEALY, COLORADO County, TEXAS, 77474

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $51.4 million to BAE SYSTEMS TACTICAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LP for work described as: HIMARS PROCUREMENT OF 64 ICP CAPS,65 APPLIQUE KITS, 59 BATTERY DISCONNECTS, 5 SETS OF SPARES Key points: 1. Significant award for critical HIMARS components, including ICP CAPS and applique kits. 2. Sole-source procurement raises concerns about price discovery and potential overpayment. 3. Contract awarded to BAE Systems, a major defense contractor. 4. Spending occurred over a 2.5-year period, suggesting a steady supply chain need.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's firm fixed price structure aims for cost certainty. However, without competition, it's difficult to benchmark pricing against market alternatives or identify potential savings.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as competitive pressures are absent.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these HIMARS components.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness for HIMARS, a key battlefield asset. Supports BAE Systems' manufacturing capabilities and associated workforce. Procurement of specialized kits and spares indicates ongoing maintenance and upgrade requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Sole-source award
  • Potential for inflated pricing

Positive Signals

  • Firm fixed price contract
  • Supports critical defense asset

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing sector. Spending benchmarks in this specialized area are often influenced by defense budgets and specific program requirements, making direct comparisons challenging without competitive data.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems LP, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific sole-source award.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was managed by the Department of the Army. Oversight effectiveness is difficult to assess without knowing the justification for the sole-source award and the negotiation process.

Related Government Programs

  • Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award limits price competition.
  • Potential for above-market pricing due to lack of competition.
  • Lack of transparency regarding justification for sole-source.
  • No clear indication of small business participation.

Tags

military-armored-vehicle-tank-and-tank-c, department-of-defense, tx, dca, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $51.4 million to BAE SYSTEMS TACTICAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LP. HIMARS PROCUREMENT OF 64 ICP CAPS,65 APPLIQUE KITS, 59 BATTERY DISCONNECTS, 5 SETS OF SPARES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS TACTICAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $51.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-08-31. End: 2011-12-31.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of seeking competitive bids?

The provided data does not specify the justification for the sole-source award. Typically, sole-source contracts are justified by factors such as unique capabilities, urgent need, or lack of viable alternatives. Further investigation into the contract file would be required to determine the specific rationale used by the Department of the Army in this instance.

How does the unit cost of these HIMARS components compare to similar procurements, if any?

Without competitive bidding or access to pricing data from alternative suppliers, it is impossible to establish a reliable benchmark for the unit cost of these HIMARS components. The firm fixed price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the government but does not inherently guarantee value for money in the absence of competition.

What is the long-term strategic impact of relying on sole-source procurement for critical defense components like these?

Long-term reliance on sole-source procurement can stifle innovation, reduce competition, and potentially lead to higher costs and supply chain vulnerabilities. It may also limit the government's ability to leverage market dynamics for better pricing and technological advancements, impacting overall defense readiness and budget efficiency.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingOther Transportation Equipment ManufacturingMilitary Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: GUIDED MISSLES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: W31P4Q09R0216

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: BAE Systems PLC (UEI: 217304393)

Address: 5000 INTERSTATE HWY 10 W, SEALY, TX, 10

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,415,399

Exercised Options: $51,415,399

Current Obligation: $51,415,399

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2009-08-31

Current End Date: 2011-12-31

Potential End Date: 2011-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2011-12-08

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