DoD Awards $39.4M for VTP LSAPI Plates, with Hardwire LLC as Prime Contractor
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $39,338,719 ($39.3M)
Contractor: Hardwire LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-15
End Date: 2027-03-15
Contract Duration: 546 days
Daily Burn Rate: $72.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) LARES SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERT (LSAPI) PLATE VARIANT
Place of Performance
Location: POCOMOKE CITY, WORCESTER County, MARYLAND, 21851
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $39.3 million to HARDWIRE LLC for work described as: VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) LARES SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERT (LSAPI) PLATE VARIANT Key points: 1. The Department of the Army is procuring VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) LARES SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERT (LSAPI) PLATES. 2. Hardwire LLC secured the contract valued at $39.4 million. 3. The contract falls under the 'Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing' NAICS code. 4. This procurement aims to enhance soldier protection through advanced ballistic plates.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $39.4 million for LSAPI plates appears reasonable given the specialized nature of ballistic protection. Benchmarking against similar advanced armor systems would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have driven price discovery. The use of a delivery order indicates a specific need within a broader contract vehicle.
Taxpayer Impact: The $39.4 million expenditure directly supports military readiness and soldier safety, representing a necessary investment in defense capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances soldier survivability on the battlefield. Supports the Department of the Army's modernization efforts. Contributes to the domestic manufacturing base for defense equipment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for long-term sustainment costs not fully detailed.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical components.
- Geopolitical factors impacting raw material availability.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical soldier protection.
- Clear delivery timeline established.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls within the defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on personal protective equipment. Spending benchmarks for advanced ballistic plates can vary significantly based on material technology and threat level.
Small Business Impact
While Hardwire LLC is the prime contractor, the contract details do not specify any subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army's contracting process, including the use of delivery orders under existing contract vehicles, is subject to standard oversight. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty.
Related Government Programs
- Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for obsolescence if newer technologies emerge rapidly.
- Dependence on specific raw material suppliers.
- Ensuring consistent quality control across all manufactured units.
- Logistical challenges in distribution to operational units.
Tags
small-arms-ordnance-and-ordnance-accesso, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $39.3 million to HARDWIRE LLC. VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) LARES SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERT (LSAPI) PLATE VARIANT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HARDWIRE 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 $39.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2027-03-15.
What is the projected lifespan and replacement cycle for these LSAPI plates to ensure sustained protection effectiveness?
The projected lifespan and replacement cycle for the LSAPI plates are critical for ensuring sustained soldier protection. While the contract duration is 546 days, the operational lifespan of the plates themselves may differ. Factors such as environmental exposure, combat damage, and material degradation influence when replacement is necessary. A comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis should consider these elements to avoid gaps in protection and manage future procurement needs effectively.
How does the material composition and design of these LSAPI plates compare to current industry standards for similar threat levels?
The material composition and design of the LSAPI plates are key determinants of their effectiveness against specific ballistic threats. Benchmarking against current industry standards for similar threat levels, such as those defined by NIJ standards, is essential. Understanding the specific materials used (e.g., ceramics, composites) and their performance characteristics will indicate if this variant offers superior protection, lighter weight, or better cost-efficiency compared to alternatives available in the market.
What are the contingency plans if Hardwire LLC faces production disruptions or supply chain issues for critical materials?
Contingency plans for production disruptions or supply chain issues are vital for ensuring the continuous availability of critical protective gear. The Department of the Army should have protocols in place, potentially including pre-qualified alternative suppliers or strategic material stockpiling, to mitigate risks associated with Hardwire LLC's operations. Understanding these contingency measures is crucial for assessing the overall reliability and risk profile of this procurement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories 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
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1947 CLARKE AVE, POCOMOKE CITY, MD, 21851
Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $39,338,719
Exercised Options: $39,338,719
Current Obligation: $39,338,719
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W91CRB25D0013
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-15
Current End Date: 2027-03-15
Potential End Date: 2027-03-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-25
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