DoD Spends $16.4M on Universal Nape Pads from Industries of the Blind Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,404,950 ($16.4M)

Contractor: Industries of the Blind Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-06-18

End Date: 2011-09-22

Contract Duration: 826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: UNIVERSAL NAPE PADS

Place of Performance

Location: GREENSBORO, GUILFORD County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27403

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.4 million to INDUSTRIES OF THE BLIND INC for work described as: UNIVERSAL NAPE PADS Key points: 1. Significant expenditure on a niche apparel item. 2. Sole-source contract raises questions about competition. 3. Long contract duration (826 days) may impact price competitiveness. 4. Limited public data on the specific need for these pads.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $16.4M for nape pads is substantial. Without comparable contract data or detailed specifications, it's difficult to assess if this pricing is competitive. The lack of a Product Service Code (PSC) further hinders benchmarking.

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: Taxpayer funds may have been used inefficiently due to the lack of competition.

Public Impact

Military personnel rely on specialized gear for safety and comfort. The procurement of seemingly basic items like nape pads highlights the complexity of military supply chains. Transparency in sole-source defense contracts is crucial for public trust.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Limited data on necessity

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a business supporting the blind

Sector Analysis

The apparel manufacturing sector, particularly for specialized military items, can involve unique production requirements. Benchmarking is difficult without specific product details and comparable contracts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to 'Industries of the Blind Inc.', which aligns with supporting small businesses and specific societal goals. However, the sole-source nature limits broader small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of sole-source contracts is critical to ensure fair pricing and necessity. The Department of the Army awarded this contract, and further review would be needed to confirm adherence to procurement regulations.

Related Government Programs

All Other Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition.
Lack of transparency regarding the specific need and justification for sole-source award.
Contract duration may exceed the actual need or technological relevance.
Absence of a clear Product Service Code hinders comparative analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.4 million to INDUSTRIES OF THE BLIND INC. UNIVERSAL NAPE PADS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INDUSTRIES OF THE BLIND 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 $16.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-06-18. End: 2011-09-22.

What is the specific operational requirement driving the need for $16.4 million worth of universal nape pads?

The specific operational requirement for $16.4 million in universal nape pads is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such items are used for comfort, protection, or to integrate with other gear, but the scale of this procurement suggests a significant or widespread application within the Department of the Army.

How was the price determined for this sole-source contract to ensure it represents fair value?

The provided data does not detail the price determination process for this sole-source contract. In such cases, agencies usually rely on historical pricing, cost analysis, or certified cost and pricing data from the contractor to establish a fair and reasonable price, but the specifics are absent here.

What is the long-term effectiveness and necessity of using these specific nape pads, considering the significant investment?

The long-term effectiveness and necessity of these specific nape pads are not explicitly stated. The substantial investment implies a perceived critical need for the duration of the contract. However, without performance data or user feedback, it's challenging to definitively assess their ongoing value and whether alternative, potentially more cost-effective solutions exist.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing › All Other Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 920 W LEE ST, GREENSBORO, NC, 90

Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,404,950

Exercised Options: $16,404,950

Current Obligation: $16,404,950

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline