DOJ's $6M purchase order for less-than-lethal munitions awarded to Security Equipment Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,997 ($6.0K)

Contractor: Security Equipment Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-05-06

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $200/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LESS THAN LETHAL MUNITIONS

Place of Performance

Location: FENTON, JEFFERSON County, MISSOURI, 63026

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $5,997 to SECURITY EQUIPMENT CORPORATION for work described as: LESS THAN LETHAL MUNITIONS Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in less-than-lethal options for federal correctional facilities. 2. Competition dynamics for this type of specialized equipment may influence pricing and availability. 3. The short duration of the contract (30 days) suggests an immediate need or a pilot program. 4. Performance context is limited due to the nature of the purchase order, focusing on delivery rather than long-term service. 5. This spending falls within the broader category of security equipment for federal law enforcement and corrections.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific purchase order is challenging without more detailed specifications of the munitions. However, the $5.997 million price tag for a 30-day supply of less-than-lethal munitions appears substantial. Without comparative data on similar procurements or unit costs, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. The firm fixed-price structure offers cost certainty but may not reflect the best possible price if market conditions were more competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of quotes from pre-approved vendors. While this method can expedite procurement for smaller dollar amounts, it generally results in less robust price discovery compared to full and open competition. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but SAP procurements are not designed to maximize competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most competitive pricing due to the limited nature of the competition under SAP. This process prioritizes speed and efficiency over achieving the lowest possible price through broad market engagement.

Public Impact

Federal correctional facilities, specifically the Bureau of Prisons, are the primary beneficiaries, receiving essential less-than-lethal munitions. The services delivered are the provision of specialized security equipment designed to de-escalate situations and maintain order. The geographic impact is national, as the Bureau of Prisons operates facilities across the United States. Workforce implications include ensuring correctional officers have appropriate tools for their duties, potentially enhancing safety for both staff and inmates.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may lead to higher prices than a fully competed contract.
The short contract duration could indicate a reactive procurement rather than strategic planning.
Lack of detailed specifications makes it difficult to assess the exact nature and value of the munitions.

Positive Signals

The purchase order ensures the timely acquisition of critical security equipment.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Procurement through SAP suggests an effort to meet an immediate operational need efficiently.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense and security sector, specifically focusing on less-than-lethal munitions. The market for such equipment is specialized, serving government and law enforcement agencies. While precise market size data for this niche is not readily available, it is a critical component of correctional and security operations. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other federal or state procurements of similar munitions for correctional facilities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is likely minimal unless Security Equipment Corporation utilizes small business subcontractors. Analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine any indirect benefits to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this purchase order would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's internal procurement regulations and the Bureau of Prisons' contracting office. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is limited by the use of SAP, which does not necessitate the same level of public disclosure as larger, fully competed contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice - Bureau of Prisons
Less-Than-Lethal Munitions Procurement
Federal Law Enforcement Equipment Contracts
Security Equipment and Supplies

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Short Contract Duration
Lack of Specific Product Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $5,997 to SECURITY EQUIPMENT CORPORATION. LESS THAN LETHAL MUNITIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SECURITY EQUIPMENT CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,997.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-05-06.

What is the specific type and quantity of less-than-lethal munitions being procured?

The provided data does not specify the exact type or quantity of less-than-lethal munitions. The National Stock Number (NSN) '424690' and the Product Service Code (PSC) '4246' relate to chemical and allied products, which can encompass a range of items including tear gas, riot control agents, and related delivery systems. Without further details from the contract award or associated documentation, it is impossible to determine the precise nature of the munitions. This lack of specificity hinders a thorough analysis of value and suitability for the intended purpose.

How does the pricing of these munitions compare to similar government contracts or market rates?

Direct comparison of pricing is difficult without knowing the specific munitions procured. However, the total value of $5,997,000 for a 30-day supply suggests a significant unit cost, especially if the contract is for a large quantity of a single item or a bundle of high-value items. Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) often result in prices that are not as competitive as those achieved through full and open competition. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts for the same or similar munitions awarded by the Bureau of Prisons or other federal agencies, considering factors like quantity, specifications, and delivery timelines.

What is the track record of Security Equipment Corporation in supplying federal agencies, particularly the Bureau of Prisons?

Information on Security Equipment Corporation's specific track record with the Bureau of Prisons or other federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. As a supplier of security equipment, their performance would typically be evaluated based on on-time delivery, product quality, and adherence to contract terms. A deeper dive into contract databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would be necessary to assess their history of awards, past performance ratings, and any reported issues or successes in fulfilling government requirements. This information is crucial for understanding the reliability of the contractor for this critical supply.

What are the potential risks associated with this procurement, given the limited competition and short duration?

The primary risks stem from the limited competition inherent in Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and the very short contract duration. Limited competition can lead to suboptimal pricing, meaning the government might pay more than necessary. It also reduces the pool of potential suppliers, potentially limiting access to the best available technology or products. The 30-day duration suggests an urgent need, which can sometimes lead to rushed decision-making or less thorough vetting of options. There's also a risk that the munitions may not be the most effective or appropriate for the Bureau of Prisons' specific needs if the procurement process did not allow for extensive evaluation.

How does this spending align with historical federal spending on less-than-lethal munitions for correctional facilities?

This $5.997 million purchase order represents a notable, albeit short-term, expenditure on less-than-lethal munitions. Historical spending patterns for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) on such items would need to be examined to determine if this is a typical amount for a 30-day supply or if it represents a surge in demand or a shift in procurement strategy. Analyzing annual BOP budgets and contract awards for security equipment over several fiscal years would provide context. Factors like changes in prison populations, security protocols, or incidents could influence spending levels. Without historical data, it's difficult to assess if this is an anomaly or part of a trend.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers › Other Chemical and Allied Products Merchant Wholesalers

Product/Service Code: CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Security Equipment Inc

Address: 747 SUNPARK DR, FENTON, MO, 63026

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,997

Exercised Options: $5,997

Current Obligation: $5,997

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline