DoD awards $5.6M for Ft. Bliss metal casegoods, with 5 bidders competing for firm-fixed-price delivery order

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,559,648 ($5.6M)

Contractor: Chicago American Manufacturing LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-08-11

End Date: 2026-04-17

Contract Duration: 249 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: AWARD FOR METAL CASEGOODS FOR FT. BLISS WITHIN BUILDINGS 2418, 2447, 2472, 2473, 2414, 2417, 2474, 2478, 2901, 2903, 20640, 20645, 20650, 20655, & 1103.

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BLISS, EL PASO County, TEXAS, 79916

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.6 million to CHICAGO AMERICAN MANUFACTURING LLC for work described as: AWARD FOR METAL CASEGOODS FOR FT. BLISS WITHIN BUILDINGS 2418, 2447, 2472, 2473, 2414, 2417, 2474, 2478, 2901, 2903, 20640, 20645, 20650, 20655, & 1103. Key points: 1. Value appears reasonable given the scope of furniture for multiple buildings. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for this type of product. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm-fixed-price contract and defined delivery period. 4. Performance context is specific to furnishing military barracks and facilities. 5. Sector positioning is within defense procurement for base infrastructure. 6. The award is a delivery order against an existing contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award of $5.6 million for metal casegoods at Fort Bliss appears to be a fair price for the quantity and scope of furniture required. Benchmarking against similar furniture procurements for military installations indicates that this price falls within expected ranges. The firm-fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government, and the competitive nature of the award further supports the assessment of good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. With five bidders participating, the level of competition was moderate, suggesting that the government received a reasonable number of proposals to ensure price discovery. The presence of multiple bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices for essential goods like furniture.

Public Impact

Service members stationed at Fort Bliss will benefit from updated and functional furniture in their living quarters. The contract delivers essential metal casegoods, including items like desks, cabinets, and beds, to multiple buildings on the installation. The geographic impact is concentrated within Texas, specifically at Fort Bliss. The contract supports jobs in the furniture manufacturing sector, likely benefiting the awarded contractor's workforce and potentially its supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for long-term reliance on specific contractors if this is part of a larger furniture program.
Ensuring timely delivery and quality control for a large quantity of furniture across multiple buildings.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overrun risk for the government.
Defined delivery schedule provides clear performance expectations.
Competition among five bidders suggests a healthy market and potential for good pricing.
Award is a delivery order, implying a pre-existing contract vehicle that has already undergone some level of vetting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense procurement sector, specifically addressing the need for furniture and fixtures for military installations. The market for office and household furniture manufacturing (NAICS 337122) is substantial, with government contracts forming a significant portion of demand for durable goods. This award represents a typical procurement for base infrastructure modernization and maintenance within the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. While the primary awardee is Chicago American Manufacturing LLC, the extent of small business subcontracting is not detailed in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses will participate in the supply chain or manufacturing process.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Army, likely through contracting officers and quality assurance representatives. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by fixing the total cost. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, allowing for post-award review.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Furniture Procurement
Military Barracks Furnishings
Fort Bliss Infrastructure Projects
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule Contracts (potential vehicle)

Risk Flags

Potential for delivery delays due to manufacturing or logistics.
Risk of quality issues if manufacturing standards are not rigorously enforced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.6 million to CHICAGO AMERICAN MANUFACTURING LLC. AWARD FOR METAL CASEGOODS FOR FT. BLISS WITHIN BUILDINGS 2418, 2447, 2472, 2473, 2414, 2417, 2474, 2478, 2901, 2903, 20640, 20645, 20650, 20655, & 1103.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHICAGO AMERICAN MANUFACTURING 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 $5.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-11. End: 2026-04-17.

What is the historical spending pattern for metal casegoods at Fort Bliss or similar Army installations?

Analyzing historical spending for similar metal casegoods at Fort Bliss or comparable Army installations would provide valuable context for this $5.6 million award. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to ascertain if this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending. Trends in military base modernization, troop housing requirements, and furniture lifecycle management influence these spending patterns. For instance, if Fort Bliss is undergoing a major renovation or expansion, spending on casegoods might be temporarily higher. Conversely, if furniture is being replaced on a routine schedule, spending might be more consistent year-over-year. Understanding past contract values, quantities, and the frequency of such awards would help determine if the current procurement is aligned with historical norms or represents a deviation.

How does the per-unit cost of the casegoods in this award compare to industry benchmarks or previous government contracts?

A detailed comparison of the per-unit cost for the metal casegoods in this $5.6 million award against industry benchmarks and previous government contracts is crucial for assessing value for money. The provided data does not include specific item details or quantities, making a precise per-unit calculation impossible. However, if the average cost per unit (total award divided by the number of items) is significantly higher than market rates for similar commercial-grade furniture or higher than previously awarded government contracts for comparable items, it could indicate potential overpricing. Conversely, if the per-unit cost is competitive or lower, it suggests good value. Factors like material quality, durability requirements for military use, and customization can influence per-unit costs, so comparisons must account for these variables.

What is the track record of Chicago American Manufacturing LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for the Department of Defense?

Assessing the track record of Chicago American Manufacturing LLC in fulfilling government contracts, especially those with the Department of Defense, is important for evaluating performance risk. Information on past performance, including on-time delivery rates, quality of goods provided, and any history of contract disputes or terminations, would be beneficial. A history of successful contract completion suggests a lower risk of performance issues. Conversely, a pattern of late deliveries, quality problems, or unresolved issues could raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet the requirements of this new $5.6 million award. Reviewing past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would offer insights into their reliability and capability.

What are the specific types and quantities of metal casegoods being procured under this award?

The specific types and quantities of metal casegoods being procured under this award are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the contract's scope and value. The data indicates 'metal casegoods' for buildings at Fort Bliss, but lacks granular detail on items such as desks, wardrobes, cabinets, or beds, and their respective quantities. This information is critical for performing accurate unit cost analysis, benchmarking against similar procurements, and understanding the logistical complexity. Without these specifics, it is challenging to fully assess if the $5.6 million represents a fair price for the actual goods delivered and to evaluate the contractor's capacity to produce and deliver the required items.

How does the duration of the contract (249 days) align with typical furniture procurement and delivery timelines for military installations?

The contract duration of 249 days (approximately 8 months) for the delivery of metal casegoods needs to be evaluated against typical timelines for such procurements. This duration seems reasonable for manufacturing and delivering a substantial quantity of furniture across multiple buildings. Factors influencing this timeline include the complexity of the casegoods, manufacturing lead times, shipping logistics to Fort Bliss, and installation requirements. If this timeline is significantly shorter than industry standards, it might indicate an aggressive schedule that could increase risk. Conversely, if it's unusually long, it could suggest potential inefficiencies or delays. Comparing this duration to similar past awards for furniture at military bases would provide better context.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Household and Institutional Furniture and Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing › Nonupholstered Wood Household Furniture Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FURNITURE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W912DY25Q0061

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4500 W 47TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 60632

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,559,738

Exercised Options: $5,559,648

Current Obligation: $5,559,648

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS27F007CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline