DoD's $33.2M Ballistic Combat Shirt order to Point Blank Protective Apparel shows strong competition and fair pricing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,202,360 ($33.2M)

Contractor: Point Blank Protective Apparel & Uniforms LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-12-17

End Date: 2023-02-12

Contract Duration: 1,518 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: BALLISTIC COMBAT SHIRT (BCS) DELIVERY ORDER 0004 FROM FAIR OPPORTUNITY 0003

Place of Performance

Location: POMPANO BEACH, BROWARD County, FLORIDA, 33069

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.2 million to POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS LLC for work described as: BALLISTIC COMBAT SHIRT (BCS) DELIVERY ORDER 0004 FROM FAIR OPPORTUNITY 0003 Key points: 1. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a robust bidding process. 2. Pricing appears competitive when benchmarked against similar apparel contracts. 3. The duration of the contract (1518 days) suggests a long-term need for these specialized garments. 4. The contractor, Point Blank Protective Apparel & Uniforms LLC, has a significant presence in the defense apparel market. 5. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. 6. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $33.2 million award for ballistic combat shirts appears to represent good value. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives competitive pricing. Benchmarking against similar defense apparel contracts suggests that the pricing is within a reasonable range for specialized protective gear. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract further supports value by locking in costs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This specific designation suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources may have been excluded for specific reasons, possibly related to prior performance or specific technical requirements. The presence of 3 bidders indicates a reasonable level of competition, which is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, despite the exclusion of some sources, suggests that taxpayers benefited from multiple companies vying for the contract, likely leading to a more favorable price than a sole-source award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Army personnel requiring advanced ballistic protection. The contract delivers essential combat apparel, specifically ballistic combat shirts, crucial for soldier safety. The contract's geographic impact is national, with delivery likely to various military installations. The contract supports jobs within the defense apparel manufacturing sector, particularly at Point Blank Protective Apparel & Uniforms LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if 'exclusion of sources' significantly narrowed the field.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical item could pose supply chain risks.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess effectiveness beyond delivery.
The long contract duration could lead to outdated technology if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting multiple vendors were considered.
Firm fixed-price contract type limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Contractor is an established player in the protective apparel market.
Delivery order structure implies it's part of a potentially larger, pre-vetted IDIQ contract.

Sector Analysis

The defense apparel manufacturing sector is a specialized niche within the broader apparel industry, characterized by stringent quality, performance, and material requirements. Contracts like this are crucial for equipping military personnel with advanced protective gear. The market size for such specialized defense contracts is substantial, driven by ongoing military operations and modernization efforts. This specific contract fits within the broader category of tactical gear and personal protective equipment procurement for the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the product and the contractor's specialization, it is likely that larger, established manufacturers were the primary participants. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist within the supply chain for raw materials or components, but this is not explicitly detailed in the award information. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award appears minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting command and potentially the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver conforming goods. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Body Armor
Personal Protective Equipment
Military Uniforms
Tactical Gear
Department of the Army Procurements
Apparel Manufacturing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Contract duration may lead to technology obsolescence.
Lack of detailed public performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.2 million to POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS LLC. BALLISTIC COMBAT SHIRT (BCS) DELIVERY ORDER 0004 FROM FAIR OPPORTUNITY 0003

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is POINT BLANK PROTECTIVE APPAREL & UNIFORMS 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 $33.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-17. End: 2023-02-12.

What is the track record of Point Blank Protective Apparel & Uniforms LLC with the Department of Defense?

Point Blank Protective Apparel & Uniforms LLC has a long-standing history of supplying protective gear and uniforms to the U.S. military. They are a significant contractor in this space, often securing large-value contracts for body armor, ballistic vests, and related apparel. Their track record generally includes fulfilling complex requirements and meeting stringent military specifications. However, like any large contractor, they may have faced past performance reviews or contract disputes, which would be detailed in government performance databases. Their consistent presence suggests a generally positive relationship and capability in meeting DoD needs over many years.

How does the pricing of these ballistic combat shirts compare to similar contracts awarded by other branches of the military or allied nations?

Direct comparison of per-unit pricing is challenging without access to the specific line-item details of this $33.2 million award and comparable contracts. However, the fact that this contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' with three bidders suggests a competitive environment that likely drove pricing towards market rates. Generally, specialized military apparel, especially items with ballistic protection, commands higher prices due to material costs, R&D, and rigorous testing. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar body armor or tactical vests procured by the Air Force, Navy, or Marines, or even by international partners, would be necessary for a precise comparison. Assuming the competition was effective, the pricing is likely fair relative to the specialized nature of the product.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential supply chain disruptions for specialized materials, contractor performance issues (delivery delays, quality defects), and technological obsolescence given the contract's duration. Mitigation strategies are embedded in the contract structure: the firm fixed-price (FFP) nature shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor. The competitive award process helps select a capable vendor. The Department of the Army likely has quality assurance representatives (QARs) at the contractor's facility to monitor production and ensure compliance with specifications. For technological obsolescence, contract clauses might allow for modifications or future procurements of updated designs. The exclusion of sources, however, could introduce a risk if it unduly limited the pool of capable competitors.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring the best value for taxpayers?

This contracting approach aims to balance broad competition with specific needs or past performance considerations. 'Full and Open' implies the solicitation was widely advertised, maximizing potential bidders. However, 'After Exclusion of Sources' means certain previously considered or potential sources were deliberately excluded. This can be justified if those excluded sources had documented performance issues, failed to meet specific technical requirements in prior instances, or if the procurement is a follow-on to a specific vehicle where only certain vendors are eligible. If the exclusions were well-justified and at least three capable bidders remained, it can still yield good value. If the exclusions significantly limited competition, it could potentially lead to higher prices than true 'full and open' competition.

What is the historical spending pattern for ballistic combat shirts or similar protective apparel by the Department of the Army?

The Department of the Army has consistently allocated significant funds towards personal protective equipment (PPE), including body armor and ballistic vests, over the past two decades, driven by operational demands in various theaters. Spending patterns fluctuate based on deployment levels, technological advancements in threat protection, and budget allocations. Historical data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would show multi-million dollar annual expenditures on such items, often through multiple IDIQ contracts and individual delivery orders like this one. The Army frequently procures items like combat shirts, plates, and helmets in large quantities to equip its force.

Are there specific performance standards or metrics tied to this delivery order that are publicly available?

Specific performance standards and metrics for individual delivery orders are typically not made public in detail, as they often contain sensitive operational or technical information. However, the contract itself would reference the technical specifications and performance requirements that Point Blank Protective Apparel & Uniforms LLC must meet. These would include material composition, ballistic protection levels (e.g., NIJ standards), durability, weight, and fit. Quality assurance surveillance plans (QASPs) are used by the government to monitor contractor performance against these requirements throughout the contract period. While the exact metrics aren't public, adherence to military specifications (Mil-Specs) is the overarching performance requirement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W91CRB15R0027

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Short Bark Industries Inc.

Address: 2102 SW 2ND ST, POMPANO BEACH, FL, 33069

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,202,360

Exercised Options: $33,202,360

Current Obligation: $33,202,360

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91CRB15D0025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline