Army awards $124M for 676 HMMWVs from AM General LLC, a sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $124,067,992 ($124.1M)

Contractor: AM General LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-05-20

End Date: 2023-10-10

Contract Duration: 1,238 days

Daily Burn Rate: $100.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 676 HMMWVS TO BE BOUGHT

Place of Performance

Location: SOUTH BEND, ST JOSEPH County, INDIANA, 46617

State: Indiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $124.1 million to AM GENERAL LLC for work described as: 676 HMMWVS TO BE BOUGHT Key points: 1. High value award for a significant quantity of military vehicles. 2. Sole-source award to AM General LLC raises questions about competition. 3. Risk associated with reliance on a single supplier for critical equipment. 4. Spending falls within the Defense sector, specifically armored vehicle manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $124M for 676 HMMWVs results in a per-unit cost of approximately $183,261. This price needs to be benchmarked against similar military vehicle procurements to assess value.

Cost Per Unit: $183,261

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to AM General LLC. The lack of competition likely limited price discovery and potentially led to a higher cost for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may have resulted in higher costs for the Department of the Army, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Direct impact on military readiness and operational capabilities. Potential for job creation and economic activity within the defense manufacturing sector. Taxpayer funds are allocated to the procurement of essential military equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition.
  • Potential for overpayment due to lack of competitive bidding.
  • Long-term reliance on a single supplier.

Positive Signals

  • Procurement of essential military hardware.
  • Award to established manufacturer with proven capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls under the Defense sector, specifically the manufacturing of military armored vehicles. Spending benchmarks for similar HMMWV procurements would be necessary for a comprehensive value assessment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is AM General LLC, a large business. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was a delivery order under an existing contract, suggesting some level of prior oversight. However, the sole-source nature warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and justification.

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
  • Lack of competition
  • Potential for inflated pricing
  • Limited transparency in price discovery

Tags

military-armored-vehicle-tank-and-tank-c, department-of-defense, in, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $124.1 million to AM GENERAL LLC. 676 HMMWVS TO BE BOUGHT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AM GENERAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $124.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-05-20. End: 2023-10-10.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and have alternative suppliers been considered?

The justification for a sole-source award is crucial for understanding why competition was bypassed. Agencies typically require detailed documentation outlining the necessity, such as unique capabilities or urgent needs. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess if taxpayers received the best possible value or if alternative, potentially more cost-effective, solutions were overlooked.

How does the per-unit cost of these HMMWVs compare to historically similar procurements or industry benchmarks?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of $183,261 against historical data and industry standards is essential for evaluating value. If this price is significantly higher than comparable contracts or market rates, it suggests potential overspending. This comparison helps determine if the Department of the Army received a fair price for the vehicles.

What are the long-term implications of relying on a single supplier for this critical military asset?

Long-term reliance on a sole supplier like AM General LLC can create strategic risks, including potential supply chain vulnerabilities and reduced leverage in future negotiations. It may also stifle innovation and competition within the armored vehicle manufacturing sector, potentially impacting future technological advancements and cost efficiencies for the military.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: KPS Capital Partners, LP

Address: 105 N NILES AVE, SOUTH BEND, IN, 46617

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $124,067,992

Exercised Options: $124,067,992

Current Obligation: $124,067,992

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 113

Total Subaward Amount: $52,521,538

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W56HZV17D0071

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-05-20

Current End Date: 2023-10-10

Potential End Date: 2023-10-10 12:10:00

Last Modified: 2023-10-10

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