Commerce Awards $11,277 for Kawasaki Mule to J. Gary Jones Cycle Shack, Undisclosed Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,278 ($11.3K)

Contractor: J. Gary Jones Cycle Shack, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-10-01

Contract Duration: 174 days

Daily Burn Rate: $65/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: KAWASAKI MULE FOR THE THE NDBC AT STENNIS SPACE CENTER, MS.

Place of Performance

Location: PICAYUNE, PEARL RIVER County, MISSISSIPPI, 39466

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $11,277.62 to J. GARY JONES CYCLE SHACK, INC for work described as: KAWASAKI MULE FOR THE THE NDBC AT STENNIS SPACE CENTER, MS. Key points: 1. Low dollar value purchase for a specific vehicle. 2. Sole source procurement raises questions about price discovery. 3. Limited competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers. 4. Sector context: Automotive and light duty vehicle manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is relatively low, making a direct comparison to similar government contracts difficult. Without competitive bidding, it's hard to ascertain if the price is optimal.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed under SAP, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially increases costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this purchase. The lack of competition means the government may not have secured the best possible price.

Public Impact

Purchase of a utility vehicle for the National Data Buoy Center. Procurement method raises concerns about fair pricing. Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source procurement
Lack of transparency in competition

Positive Signals

Specific vehicle for operational needs

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls under the broad category of vehicle acquisition. Government spending on vehicles varies widely, but typically aims for competitive bidding to ensure value.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is a small business, which aligns with government goals to support small enterprises. However, the sole-source nature of the award limits broader small business opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The procurement process, particularly the lack of competition, warrants oversight to ensure accountability and adherence to best practices for taxpayer-funded purchases.

Related Government Programs

Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Department of Commerce Contracting
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Potential for overpayment
Lack of competitive justification
Limited transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $11,277.62 to J. GARY JONES CYCLE SHACK, INC. KAWASAKI MULE FOR THE THE NDBC AT STENNIS SPACE CENTER, MS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is J. GARY JONES CYCLE SHACK, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11,277.62.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-10-01.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award is crucial for understanding why competitive bidding was bypassed. Agencies typically cite unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of market availability. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the procurement method was appropriate or if it represents a missed opportunity for better value.

What is the estimated cost savings from a competitive bidding process for this vehicle?

Estimating cost savings from competitive bidding is challenging without market data or alternative quotes. However, government studies consistently show that competitive procurements yield significant savings compared to sole-source awards. For a $11,277 purchase, even a modest percentage saving could represent hundreds or thousands of dollars for taxpayers.

How does this purchase align with the National Data Buoy Center's operational requirements?

The purchase of a Kawasaki Mule suggests a need for a rugged, versatile utility vehicle for operations at the Stennis Space Center. Understanding the specific tasks it will perform (e.g., transporting equipment, personnel, or navigating varied terrain) helps justify the acquisition and assess if this particular model is the most cost-effective solution.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Motor Vehicle Manufacturing › Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 253 FRONTAGE RD, PICAYUNE, MS, 39466

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,278

Exercised Options: $11,278

Current Obligation: $11,278

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline