Justice Department awards $49K for fugitive apprehension restraints, highlighting critical operational needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,148 ($49.1K)

Contractor: Owyhee Group Companies

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 182 days

Daily Burn Rate: $270/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MISSION CRITICAL: APPREHENDING FUGITIVES FY25 D07 CHAIN RESTRAINTS AND HANDCUFFS

Place of Performance

Location: EAGLE, ADA County, IDAHO, 83616

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $49,147.5 to OWYHEE GROUP COMPANIES for work described as: MISSION CRITICAL: APPREHENDING FUGITIVES FY25 D07 CHAIN RESTRAINTS AND HANDCUFFS Key points: 1. Contract addresses essential equipment for law enforcement operations. 2. Procurement method indicates a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 4. Short contract duration points to immediate or short-term needs. 5. The award value is relatively small, suggesting a focused requirement. 6. Focus on 'mission critical' items underscores operational importance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $49,147.50 for chain restraints and handcuffs appears reasonable for the specified duration and quantity, especially considering the 'mission critical' nature of the requirement. Benchmarking against similar law enforcement equipment contracts suggests that pricing for specialized restraints can vary significantly based on material, security features, and brand. Without specific unit details, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult, but the overall award amount seems aligned with the procurement of essential safety and apprehension tools for a federal agency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, a competitive process was still employed, allowing the U.S. Marshals Service to select an offer based on the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with a limited number of bidders, provides taxpayers with assurance that the government sought the best possible price and quality, preventing potential overspending associated with less competitive methods.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits directly through the acquisition of essential equipment for fugitive apprehension. Services delivered include the provision of chain restraints and handcuffs, critical for officer and public safety. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting the U.S. Marshals Service's nationwide fugitive operations. Workforce implications are positive, ensuring law enforcement officers have the necessary tools to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases on future, larger orders if demand grows.
Reliance on a single supplier for specialized equipment could pose a risk if supply chains are disrupted.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, ensuring a fair process.
Fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to cost overruns.
Procurement of 'mission critical' items demonstrates proactive resource management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Other Services' or 'Industrial Equipment' sector, specifically related to law enforcement supplies. The market for tactical and restraint equipment is specialized, often involving manufacturers with expertise in security and durability. While the dollar amount is small, it represents a recurring need for federal law enforcement agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more granular data on unit types and quantities, but the overall market for such equipment is substantial when aggregated across all federal and state agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Given the nature of the product (restraints and handcuffs), it is possible that larger, established manufacturers dominate the market. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The U.S. Marshals Service, as part of the Department of Justice, is subject to various oversight mechanisms, including internal audits and potential reviews by the DOJ Office of the Inspector General. The contract's fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight by limiting potential cost escalations. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published.

Related Government Programs

Federal Law Enforcement Equipment Procurement
Department of Justice Operational Support
U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Operations

Risk Flags

Unusual NAICS code for the product type.
Limited number of bidders (3) despite 'full and open' competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $49,147.5 to OWYHEE GROUP COMPANIES. MISSION CRITICAL: APPREHENDING FUGITIVES FY25 D07 CHAIN RESTRAINTS AND HANDCUFFS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OWYHEE GROUP COMPANIES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $49,147.5.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the specific type and material of the chain restraints and handcuffs being procured, and how do these specifications compare to industry standards for law enforcement equipment?

The provided data does not specify the exact materials (e.g., steel alloy, nickel-plated) or the specific design (e.g., hinged, chain, rigid) of the chain restraints and handcuffs. However, as a 'mission critical' item for the U.S. Marshals Service, it is highly probable that the procured equipment meets stringent federal standards for durability, security, and reliability. Industry standards for law enforcement restraints typically emphasize high-tensile strength materials, secure locking mechanisms, and resistance to tampering or breakage under duress. The 'Textile Bag and Canvas Mills' North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code listed (314910) is somewhat unusual for restraint hardware, which is typically manufactured by metalworking or specialized security equipment firms. This might indicate the procurement includes related textile components or that the classification is a broad fit. Further investigation into the specific product descriptions within the contract would be necessary for a precise comparison.

How does the per-unit cost of these restraints and handcuffs compare to similar items purchased by other federal agencies or law enforcement departments?

A precise per-unit cost comparison is not feasible with the current data, as the total award amount of $49,147.50 is for an unspecified quantity of chain restraints and handcuffs. The NAICS code provided (314910 - Textile Bag and Canvas Mills) is atypical for restraint hardware, suggesting the procurement might involve related textile items or a broader classification. Generally, law enforcement restraints can range from $10-$50 per set, depending on material, brand, and features (e.g., double locking, hinged vs. chain). Given the 'mission critical' designation and likely adherence to federal specifications, the U.S. Marshals Service would likely procure items at the mid-to-high end of this range. Without knowing the exact quantity purchased, it's impossible to benchmark accurately against other agencies' unit prices.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering the 'mission critical' nature of the equipment and the limited number of bidders?

The primary risks associated with this contract, despite the 'mission critical' designation, appear relatively low due to the small contract value and fixed-price structure. However, potential risks include supply chain disruptions if the selected vendor faces production issues, especially given the specialized nature of law enforcement equipment. While the competition was 'full and open,' only three bidders participated, which, while competitive, is not an extensive pool. This could marginally increase the risk of the government not securing the absolute lowest price achievable with broader competition. Furthermore, if the equipment fails prematurely or is found to be defective, the 'mission critical' aspect means it could directly impact operational effectiveness and safety, although the fixed-price contract provides some recourse.

What is the historical spending pattern for chain restraints and handcuffs by the U.S. Marshals Service or the Department of Justice?

Historical spending data for chain restraints and handcuffs by the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) is not directly available from the provided contract details. However, it is reasonable to infer that such equipment represents a recurring operational necessity for fugitive apprehension and detention activities. Agencies like the USMS typically issue multiple awards for such supplies over fiscal years to maintain inventory and replace worn or damaged items. The current award of approximately $49K for FY25 suggests a need for ongoing procurement. To establish a comprehensive historical spending pattern, one would need to analyze procurement data across multiple fiscal years, looking for similar contract awards using relevant product service codes (PSCs) or keywords related to restraints and handcuffs.

How does the contractor, OWYHEE GROUP COMPANIES, perform on other federal contracts, particularly those involving law enforcement or security equipment?

Information regarding the past performance of OWYHEE GROUP COMPANIES on other federal contracts is not provided in the current data set. To assess their track record, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) to review their award history, contract values, agencies served, and any performance evaluations or disputes. Given the NAICS code (314910 - Textile Bag and Canvas Mills), their primary business might be in related textile products, and this contract for restraints could be a diversification or a specific niche. A thorough review of their performance on similar or dissimilar contracts would be essential to gauge their reliability and capability in fulfilling 'mission critical' law enforcement equipment needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Textile Product Mills › Textile Bag and Canvas Mills

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: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1075 S ANCONA AVE, EAGLE, ID, 83616

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $49,148

Exercised Options: $49,148

Current Obligation: $49,148

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSMA18D08R6

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline