VA awards $636K for JD 1585 Mowers to Deere & Company under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $63,624 ($63.6K)

Contractor: Deere & Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2026-08-13

Contract Duration: 125 days

Daily Burn Rate: $509/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JD 1585 MOWER

Place of Performance

Location: CARY, WAKE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27513

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $63,623.85 to DEERE & COMPANY for work described as: JD 1585 MOWER Key points: 1. Spending on farm machinery manufacturing is relatively stable. 2. Deere & Company is a dominant player in this sector. 3. Risk is moderate due to reliance on a single manufacturer for specific equipment. 4. The sector is characterized by high barriers to entry and established supply chains.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract price of $636,238.85 for 125 units appears reasonable given the specialized nature of farm machinery. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for agricultural equipment would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair market prices and ensure value for taxpayer money.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is likely to result in cost savings for taxpayers compared to non-competitive methods.

Public Impact

Ensures availability of essential equipment for VA operations. Supports the agricultural machinery manufacturing sector. Provides transparency in government procurement through competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals.
Dependence on a single supplier for specific equipment needs.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process ensures fair pricing.
Clear delivery timeline for essential equipment.

Sector Analysis

The Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing sector (NAICS 333111) is characterized by specialized production and significant capital investment. Government spending in this area typically supports operational needs for agencies managing land or agricultural resources.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to a large corporation, Deere & Company. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific delivery order, which is common for specialized heavy equipment manufacturing.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made under full and open competition, indicating adherence to standard procurement regulations. Further oversight would involve monitoring delivery and performance against contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for price escalation in future procurements.
Limited visibility into alternative supplier options considered.
Lack of data on long-term operational and maintenance costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $63,623.85 to DEERE & COMPANY. JD 1585 MOWER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEERE & COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $63,623.85.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2026-08-13.

What is the expected lifespan and maintenance cost of these mowers to assess long-term value?

The provided data does not specify the expected lifespan or ongoing maintenance costs for the JD 1585 mowers. A comprehensive value assessment would require this information, as it significantly impacts the total cost of ownership beyond the initial purchase price. Future analysis should seek details on warranty, recommended maintenance schedules, and estimated repair costs.

Are there alternative mower models or manufacturers that could meet the VA's needs at a lower cost?

The 'full and open competition' award suggests that multiple bids were likely considered. However, without access to the bid details, it's impossible to confirm if lower-cost alternatives were evaluated and why they were not selected. Further investigation into the technical specifications and performance requirements would clarify if cost savings were sacrificed for specific features or capabilities.

How does the per-unit cost compare to similar equipment purchased by other government agencies or private entities?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost against similar government or commercial purchases is crucial for validating value. The provided data lacks this comparative information. A thorough analysis would involve researching publicly available contract data or industry pricing guides for comparable farm machinery to determine if this contract represents a competitive price point.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing › Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2000 JOHN DEERE RUN, CARY, NC, 27513

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $63,624

Exercised Options: $63,624

Current Obligation: $63,624

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS30F0007T

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline