DoD awards $135M for GEN III ECWCS Kits to Atlantic Diving Supply under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $135,154,454 ($135.2M)

Contractor: Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-02-28

End Date: 2008-04-29

Contract Duration: 426 days

Daily Burn Rate: $317.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GEN III ECWCS KIT:

Place of Performance

Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA BEACH CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23452

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $135.2 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC. for work described as: GEN III ECWCS KIT: Key points: 1. Spending of $135M on apparel highlights the significant investment in soldier readiness and equipment. 2. Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. secured this contract, indicating their competitive position in the defense apparel market. 3. The contract duration of 426 days suggests a substantial, multi-year procurement need for these specialized kits. 4. The 'Other Apparel Accessories' sector is crucial for military operations, directly impacting soldier performance and safety.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award of $135,154,454 for GEN III ECWCS Kits appears reasonable given the quantity and specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale military apparel procurements would provide further context on pricing efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors are encouraged to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring the government receives the best possible value through market forces.

Public Impact

Ensures soldiers are equipped with advanced cold-weather gear, enhancing operational effectiveness in diverse climates. Supports the readiness of Army personnel by providing essential protective clothing for various environmental conditions. The procurement contributes to the defense industrial base, supporting jobs and manufacturing capabilities within the apparel sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific per-unit cost data makes detailed value assessment challenging.
Contract duration could lead to potential price fluctuations if market conditions change significantly.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating competitive pricing.
Addresses a critical need for soldier equipment, directly impacting operational readiness.
Contract awarded to a single entity, suggesting a streamlined delivery process.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the broader defense sector, specifically focusing on apparel and textiles. Spending benchmarks for military clothing and equipment vary widely based on technological sophistication and quantity, but $135M represents a significant investment in soldier sustainment.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded to Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., the data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the prime contractor itself is an SMB. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for large procurements. The use of a Delivery Order under a larger contract framework suggests adherence to pre-defined terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for price increases due to contract length.
Lack of detailed per-unit cost data for granular value analysis.
Dependence on a single supplier for a critical equipment set.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $135.2 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC.. GEN III ECWCS KIT:

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, 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 $135.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-02-28. End: 2008-04-29.

What is the specific breakdown of costs per item within the GEN III ECWCS kit, and how does this compare to industry benchmarks for similar high-performance apparel?

Detailed cost breakdowns per item are not publicly available in this data. However, assessing the value would require comparing the per-unit cost of each component (e.g., base layers, insulation, outer shells) against commercial equivalents or other government contracts for similar technical specifications. Without this granular data, a precise value assessment is limited.

What are the potential risks associated with a 426-day contract duration for specialized apparel, particularly concerning material obsolescence or supply chain disruptions?

A 426-day duration for specialized apparel carries risks of material obsolescence if technology advances rapidly or if the specified materials become unavailable due to supply chain issues. Inflationary pressures over this period could also impact the final cost if not adequately addressed in the contract's pricing structure. The government may mitigate this through fixed-price contracts and robust supplier vetting.

How effectively does the GEN III ECWCS kit meet the evolving environmental and operational demands placed on modern soldiers, and what is the feedback from end-users?

The effectiveness of the GEN III ECWCS kit is generally considered high, designed to provide modular protection across a wide range of temperatures and conditions. While specific end-user feedback isn't provided here, the continued procurement suggests satisfaction with its performance. Ongoing research and development in materials science and garment design aim to continuously improve such equipment.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ADS Tactical, Inc. (UEI: 078857127)

Address: 477 VIKING DRIVE, SUITE 350, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, 23452

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $135,154,472

Exercised Options: $135,154,472

Current Obligation: $135,154,454

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W911QY07D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline