DoD Awards $39.8M for Ultra-Lightweight Camouflage Net System to Fibrotex USA Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,807,702 ($39.8M)

Contractor: Fibrotex USA Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-08-07

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 419 days

Daily Burn Rate: $95.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT CAMOUFLAGE NET SYSTEM (ULCANS) PRODUCTION

Place of Performance

Location: STEARNS, MCCREARY County, KENTUCKY, 42647

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $39.8 million to FIBROTEX USA INC for work described as: ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT CAMOUFLAGE NET SYSTEM (ULCANS) PRODUCTION Key points: 1. The Department of the Army is procuring ULCANS, a specialized camouflage system. 2. Fibrotex USA Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract value is substantial at $39.8 million, indicating significant demand. 4. The primary sector is Defense, specifically related to textile and canvas manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $39.8 million for the ULCANS production appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the product and the competitive bidding process. Benchmarking against similar specialized textile procurements would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors have the opportunity to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized efficiently through a competitive process, aiming to secure the best value for the ULCANS production.

Public Impact

Enhances military operational effectiveness through advanced camouflage technology. Supports domestic manufacturing capabilities in the textile sector. Ensures readiness by providing essential equipment for deployed forces. Potential for follow-on contracts based on performance and future needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Dependence on a single awardee for this specific system.
Ensuring long-term durability and effectiveness of the ULCANS in various environments.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Utilizes a firm fixed-price contract type, providing cost certainty.
Contract duration aligns with production needs.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on specialized textile manufacturing for military applications. Spending benchmarks for similar advanced textile or camouflage systems are not readily available but are likely influenced by material science and production complexity.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, there is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular award. Future solicitations could explore subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the textile manufacturing supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army's procurement process, including the use of full and open competition, suggests a degree of oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of contract performance, quality control, and adherence to delivery schedules is crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Textile Bag and Canvas Mills
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for obsolescence if technology advances rapidly.
Dependence on a single supplier for a critical item.
Risk of cost overruns if production complexities are underestimated.
Ensuring consistent quality across all manufactured units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $39.8 million to FIBROTEX USA INC. ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT CAMOUFLAGE NET SYSTEM (ULCANS) PRODUCTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FIBROTEX USA 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 $39.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-07. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the specific technological advantage offered by the ULCANS compared to previous camouflage systems, and how does this justify the $39.8 million investment?

The ULCANS likely offers enhanced thermal, visual, and potentially spectral signature reduction capabilities, making them more effective against advanced detection methods. This technological leap is crucial for modern battlefield survivability and mission success, justifying the investment by providing a critical operational advantage that outweighs the cost of older, less effective systems.

What are the key performance metrics being used to evaluate the effectiveness and durability of the ULCANS during the contract period?

Key performance metrics likely include resistance to environmental degradation (UV, moisture, temperature extremes), camouflage effectiveness against various detection technologies (visual, thermal, radar), material strength and tear resistance, and weight-to-coverage ratio. Durability testing under simulated combat conditions and field evaluations will be critical to ensure the system meets operational requirements throughout its lifecycle.

How will the Department of the Army ensure continued competition or explore alternative solutions for future camouflage needs beyond this contract?

The Department of the Army can foster future competition by actively monitoring market developments for new camouflage technologies and materials. They may conduct market research for potential second-source providers or encourage innovation through research and development programs. Planning for potential sole-source justifications or limited competition will be necessary if unique capabilities emerge, but a strategy for broader engagement should be prioritized.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Textile Product Mills › Textile Bag and Canvas Mills

Product/Service Code: WEAPONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 30 FIBROTEX DR, STEARNS, KY, 42647

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,807,702

Exercised Options: $39,807,702

Current Obligation: $39,807,702

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W911QY18D0210

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline