DoD Awards $26.4M Contract for Integrated Head Protection Systems to Gentex Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,445,860 ($26.4M)
Contractor: Gentex Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-02-28
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NEXT GENERATION INTEGRATED HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM - PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Place of Performance
Location: CARBONDALE, LACKAWANNA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18407
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.4 million to GENTEX CORPORATION for work described as: NEXT GENERATION INTEGRATED HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM - PRODUCTION SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Gentex Corporation for advanced head protection. 2. Full and open competition was utilized after excluding other sources. 3. Potential for significant taxpayer savings through competitive bidding. 4. This contract falls within the Apparel Accessories manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.46 million over two years appears reasonable given the specialized nature of integrated head protection systems. Benchmarking against similar advanced protective gear contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after excluding sources, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method aims to secure the best value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Competitive bidding is expected to yield favorable pricing, maximizing taxpayer value for essential defense equipment.
Public Impact
Enhances soldier safety with advanced head protection technology. Supports domestic manufacturing capabilities in the defense supply chain. Ensures U.S. Army personnel are equipped with state-of-the-art gear.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting production timelines.
- Risk of technological obsolescence if not updated regularly.
Positive Signals
- High-quality materials and manufacturing standards expected.
- Contract duration allows for sustained supply and potential future options.
Sector Analysis
This contract is within the Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing sector, specifically for advanced protective gear. Spending in this sector is driven by defense needs and technological advancements in personal protective equipment.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate specific subcontracting goals for small businesses on this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army's oversight will be crucial to ensure timely delivery, quality standards, and adherence to contract specifications for this critical head protection system.
Related Government Programs
- Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if material prices increase significantly.
- Dependence on a single manufacturer (Gentex Corporation) could pose supply risks.
- Ensuring interoperability with other soldier systems is critical.
- Long-term durability and maintenance requirements need careful management.
Tags
apparel-accessories-and-other-apparel-ma, department-of-defense, pa, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.4 million to GENTEX CORPORATION. NEXT GENERATION INTEGRATED HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM - PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENTEX CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-02-28. End: 2027-02-28.
What is the specific technological advancement in this head protection system compared to previous models?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological advancements of the Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System. Further documentation or technical specifications would be required to understand the innovations, such as improved ballistic resistance, integrated communication systems, or enhanced comfort and weight distribution features compared to legacy systems.
How does the per-unit cost of this system compare to similar advanced helmets on the market?
A direct per-unit cost benchmark is not available in the provided data. To assess value, this contract's total value and duration would need to be divided by the estimated number of units procured. This figure could then be compared to publicly available pricing for comparable military or law enforcement ballistic helmets.
What are the key performance metrics and testing protocols for this head protection system?
The data does not specify the key performance metrics or testing protocols for the Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System. Typically, such systems undergo rigorous testing for ballistic protection (e.g., NIJ standards), fragmentation resistance, impact absorption, and environmental durability. The contract likely references specific military standards (e.g., AR/PD 10-02) that dictate these requirements.
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: W91CRB21R0043
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 324 MAIN ST, SIMPSON, PA, 18407
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,445,860
Exercised Options: $26,445,860
Current Obligation: $26,445,860
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W91CRB21D0023
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-02-28
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2027-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-30
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