DoD's $51.15M apparel contract awarded to Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. for GEN III ECWCS kits

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,151,294 ($51.2M)

Contractor: Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-08-13

End Date: 2011-06-30

Contract Duration: 321 days

Daily Burn Rate: $159.3K/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 IN MULTICAM AND UCP.

Place of Performance

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

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $51.2 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC. for work described as: GEN III ECWCS KIT IN MULTICAM AND UCP. Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in specialized military apparel. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are assessed to understand pricing efficiency. 3. Risk indicators are evaluated based on contract type and performance history. 4. Performance context is provided by comparing this award to similar military clothing procurements. 5. The contract positions Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. as a key supplier in the defense apparel sector. 6. The use of Multicam and UCP patterns indicates a focus on operational camouflage effectiveness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $51.15 million for GEN III ECWCS kits appears reasonable given the specialized nature of military-grade apparel. Benchmarking against similar large-scale procurements for advanced combat clothing systems suggests that the pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure, while potentially limiting flexibility, generally offers good value by locking in costs for the government. Further analysis would involve comparing per-unit costs for specific components of the ECWCS kit against industry standards for high-performance outdoor gear.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this significant defense apparel contract. A competitive environment like this typically drives down prices and encourages innovation, leading to better value for the government. The specific details of the bidding process, such as the number of proposals received and their relative strengths, would provide further insight into the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from the most competitive pricing and potentially higher quality goods due to vendor rivalry.

Public Impact

Service members benefit from receiving advanced, multi-season Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) kits designed for various operational environments. The contract delivers essential apparel that enhances soldier survivability and operational effectiveness in diverse climatic conditions. The geographic impact is national, with kits distributed to Army personnel across various installations. Workforce implications include support for manufacturing and logistics jobs within the defense industrial base.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence if camouflage patterns or material technology rapidly advance.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical component of soldier readiness.
Supply chain disruptions could impact timely delivery of essential gear.

Positive Signals

Award to a single, established contractor can ensure consistent quality and reliable delivery.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Use of standardized patterns (Multicam and UCP) simplifies logistics and interoperability.

Sector Analysis

The defense apparel market is a specialized segment within the broader textile and apparel industry, characterized by stringent quality, performance, and regulatory requirements. This contract for ECWCS kits fits within the 'Other Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing' sector, which encompasses a wide range of clothing items beyond basic uniforms. The market size for military clothing and equipment is substantial, driven by ongoing defense spending and the need for advanced soldier systems. This award to Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. highlights the company's capability to meet the demanding specifications of the Department of the Army.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., is not identified as a small business. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated by a small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for specific components or services, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the defense supply chain. Analysis of subcontracting plans, if any, would be necessary to fully assess the impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting command and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods by a certain date. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General's office within the Department of Defense may investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement.

Related Government Programs

US Army Combat Uniform
Soldier Protection Systems
Tactical Gear Procurement
Defense Logistics Agency Clothing and Textiles

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain disruption
Risk of technological obsolescence
Quality control challenges for multi-component systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $51.2 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC.. GEN III ECWCS KIT IN MULTICAM AND UCP.

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 $51.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-08-13. End: 2011-06-30.

What is the track record of Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. in fulfilling large defense apparel contracts?

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. has a history of securing and fulfilling contracts with various branches of the U.S. military, including the Department of the Army. Their portfolio often includes specialized gear, uniforms, and survival equipment. While specific details on past performance for contracts of this exact magnitude and type (GEN III ECWCS) would require deeper database analysis, their sustained presence in the defense contracting space suggests a capacity to manage complex procurements. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any contract disputes or awards would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and quality in delivering similar items.

How does the unit cost of the GEN III ECWCS kit in this contract compare to historical or similar procurements?

A precise unit cost comparison for the GEN III ECWCS kit is challenging without access to the detailed line-item pricing within the contract. However, the total award of $51.15 million for an unspecified quantity of kits suggests a significant per-unit cost, reflecting the advanced materials, multi-component nature, and rigorous testing required for such specialized military apparel. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar advanced cold-weather gear or previous iterations of the ECWCS program, adjusted for inflation and technological advancements, would be necessary. The firm fixed-price nature implies the government sought cost certainty, but without granular data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a superior or inferior value on a per-unit basis compared to market rates or other government buys.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific contract award?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential supply chain vulnerabilities, especially given the specialized nature of the materials and manufacturing processes for advanced combat clothing. There's also a risk of technological obsolescence, as military requirements and camouflage patterns can evolve. Dependence on a single contractor for a critical item like the ECWCS kit could pose a risk if the contractor faces financial difficulties or performance issues. Furthermore, ensuring consistent quality across all delivered units, particularly with multiple components in the ECWCS system, requires robust government oversight and contractor quality control.

How effective is the GEN III ECWCS in meeting modern soldier needs, and does this contract adequately address those needs?

The GEN III ECWCS is designed to provide modular, adaptable protection against a wide range of cold-weather conditions, from mild cold to extreme cold, and wet/windy environments. Its layered system allows soldiers to configure their clothing based on activity level and ambient temperature, enhancing both survivability and operational effectiveness. This contract, by procuring these kits, directly addresses the need for advanced cold-weather gear. The effectiveness is largely dependent on the quality of manufacturing and the specific components included, which are dictated by the contract specifications. Assuming the specifications meet current operational requirements and the contractor delivers high-quality products, the contract effectively supports soldier needs.

What are the historical spending patterns for ECWCS or similar cold-weather clothing systems by the Department of the Army?

Historical spending on ECWCS and similar cold-weather clothing systems by the Department of the Army has been substantial and consistent, reflecting the global operational footprint and the necessity of equipping soldiers for diverse climates. Over the years, the Army has procured multiple generations of the ECWCS (e.g., GEN I, GEN II, GEN III), with contract values often in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the quantity and specific generation. Spending patterns are influenced by troop deployments, equipment modernization initiatives, and the phasing out of older systems. This $51.15 million award for GEN III kits aligns with the ongoing investment in maintaining and upgrading essential soldier clothing and 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

Solicitation ID: W911QY06R0005

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, 02

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,151,294

Exercised Options: $51,151,294

Current Obligation: $51,151,294

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W911QY07D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline