DoD Awards $26.6M for 56,700 Modular Scalable Vests to Bethel Industries Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,575,857 ($26.6M)

Contractor: Bethel Industries Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-05-31

End Date: 2024-03-12

Contract Duration: 286 days

Daily Burn Rate: $92.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER AWARD FOR 56,700 COMPLETE MODULAR SCALABLE VEST GENERATION II (MSV GEN II) SYSTEMS.

Place of Performance

Location: JERSEY CITY, HUDSON County, NEW JERSEY, 07307

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.6 million to BETHEL INDUSTRIES INC for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER AWARD FOR 56,700 COMPLETE MODULAR SCALABLE VEST GENERATION II (MSV GEN II) SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. This award represents a significant investment in soldier protection technology. 2. Bethel Industries Inc. secured this contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract's value and duration suggest a substantial operational need. 4. The sector is apparel manufacturing, with a focus on protective gear.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $26.6 million for 56,700 vest systems suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $468. This appears competitive for advanced body armor systems, though specific feature comparisons are needed for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: $468

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing achieved through an open bidding process, ensuring funds are used efficiently for essential protective equipment.

Public Impact

Enhances soldier survivability on the battlefield with advanced vest technology. Supports domestic manufacturing capabilities within the apparel and defense sectors. Provides critical equipment for Army personnel, impacting readiness and safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition ensures best value.
  • Award to established manufacturer.
  • Addresses critical soldier protection needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on advanced protective gear for military use. Spending benchmarks in this niche are highly dependent on technological advancements and material costs.

Small Business Impact

While Bethel Industries Inc. is the prime contractor, the contract does not explicitly indicate subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, suggesting a structured oversight process. The Department of the Army's procurement standards would apply, with performance monitored throughout the delivery period.

Related Government Programs

  • Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for supply chain disruptions.
  • Need for detailed performance validation.
  • Limited visibility into small business participation.

Tags

apparel-accessories-and-other-apparel-ma, department-of-defense, nj, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.6 million to BETHEL INDUSTRIES INC. DELIVERY ORDER AWARD FOR 56,700 COMPLETE MODULAR SCALABLE VEST GENERATION II (MSV GEN II) SYSTEMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BETHEL INDUSTRIES 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 $26.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-31. End: 2024-03-12.

What specific technological advancements differentiate MSV Gen II from previous generations and justify the per-unit cost?

The Modular Scalable Vest Generation II (MSV Gen II) likely incorporates advancements in materials science, ergonomic design, and modularity for enhanced protection and mission adaptability. These could include lighter, stronger ballistic materials, improved load-bearing capabilities, and customizable components for different operational environments. The specific cost justification would depend on the degree of innovation and performance improvements over older systems.

Are there any identified risks associated with the supply chain or manufacturing capabilities of Bethel Industries Inc. for this large-scale production?

While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, potential risks could include supply chain disruptions for specialized materials, manufacturing capacity constraints for a large order, or unforeseen quality control issues during production. The government's oversight and the contractor's track record would be key factors in mitigating these risks.

How will the effectiveness of the MSV Gen II be measured post-delivery to ensure it meets operational requirements and enhances soldier survivability?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of rigorous testing protocols, user feedback from deployed soldiers, and performance monitoring during training and actual operations. Key metrics may include ballistic protection levels achieved, durability under field conditions, comfort and mobility impact, and overall contribution to reducing casualties.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingApparel Accessories and Other Apparel ManufacturingApparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W91CRB20R0001

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3423 JOHN F KENNEDY BLVD, JERSEY CITY, NJ, 07307

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,575,857

Exercised Options: $26,575,857

Current Obligation: $26,575,857

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91CRB21D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-05-31

Current End Date: 2024-03-12

Potential End Date: 2024-03-12 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-03-08

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