DoD Awards $32.6M for Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System to Gentex Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,612,092 ($32.6M)
Contractor: Gentex Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-06-30
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 608 days
Daily Burn Rate: $53.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: NEXT GENERATION INTEGRATED HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: CARBONDALE, LACKAWANNA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18407
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $32.6 million to GENTEX CORPORATION for work described as: NEXT GENERATION INTEGRATED HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced head protection, a critical component for soldier safety. 2. Gentex Corporation, a known defense contractor, secured this award. 3. The award method indicates a competitive process, aiming for fair pricing. 4. This spending falls within the Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $32.6 million for a 608-day duration 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 EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting an initial limited scope that was then opened broadly. This method aims to ensure competitive pricing by allowing multiple qualified vendors to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is designed to secure the best value for taxpayer dollars by fostering price discovery among qualified suppliers.
Public Impact
Enhances soldier safety and survivability with advanced head protection technology. Supports the Department of the Army's modernization efforts for infantry equipment. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian safety equipment markets.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if material or manufacturing challenges arise.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical components could pose a risk.
Positive Signals
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process to ensure value.
- Awarded to a reputable defense contractor with a track record.
- Addresses a critical need for soldier protection.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on advanced protective gear. Spending in this niche is driven by defense modernization and soldier safety requirements, with benchmarks varying significantly based on technological sophistication.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the primary contractor is Gentex Corporation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract specifies a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) award, which places the cost risk on the contractor and encourages efficient performance. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method suggests a structured procurement process with oversight.
Related Government Programs
- Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence if advancements outpace the system's lifecycle.
- Supply chain disruptions for specialized materials could impact delivery timelines.
- Integration challenges with other soldier systems may arise.
- Cost escalation due to unforeseen manufacturing complexities.
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 $32.6 million to GENTEX CORPORATION. NEXT GENERATION INTEGRATED HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM
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 $32.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-06-30. End: 2027-02-28.
What is the specific technological advancement in this 'Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System' compared to current systems?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological advancements. Further inquiry would be needed to understand the unique features, such as enhanced ballistic protection, integrated communication systems, or improved comfort and weight distribution, that differentiate this system from existing headgear.
What are the key performance metrics and testing protocols for this head protection system?
Specific performance metrics and testing protocols are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such systems undergo rigorous testing for ballistic resistance (e.g., NIJ standards), impact absorption, fragmentation protection, and environmental resilience. The contract likely references specific military standards for evaluation.
What is the projected lifespan and maintenance schedule for these head protection systems?
The contract duration is 608 days, covering delivery and potential initial support. However, the projected lifespan and long-term maintenance schedule for the head protection systems themselves are not specified. This information would typically be outlined in separate technical specifications or lifecycle management plans.
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
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: $32,612,092
Exercised Options: $32,612,092
Current Obligation: $32,612,092
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: 2025-06-30
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2027-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-30
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