GSA Awards $29.2M for AUVs to The Armored Group LLC Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,206,032 ($29.2M)
Contractor: THE Armored Group LLC
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2025-09-11
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 384 days
Daily Burn Rate: $76.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: DO4 105EA LEVEL 1 AUVS
Place of Performance
Location: MINOT AFB, WARD County, NORTH DAKOTA, 58705
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $29.2 million to THE ARMORED GROUP LLC for work described as: DO4 105EA LEVEL 1 AUVS Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $29.2 million for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). 2. The Armored Group LLC secured the award, indicating potential market concentration. 3. Risk factors may include reliance on a single supplier for specialized AUVs. 4. Spending falls within the broader 'Defense' or 'Technology' sectors, depending on AUV application.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $29.2 million appears reasonable for specialized AUVs, though direct comparisons are difficult without detailed specifications. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial AUV procurements would provide further clarity.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process that allowed for multiple bidders but may have had specific pre-qualification criteria. This method generally promotes price discovery and fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the funds expended on these AUVs.
Public Impact
Enhances national security capabilities through advanced AUV technology. Supports innovation in unmanned systems and maritime operations. Potential for job creation within the defense and technology sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if The Armored Group LLC is the sole provider of critical components.
- Long-term sustainment and maintenance costs for AUVs may exceed initial estimates.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for good value.
- Clear end date for contract performance.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls under the broader category of defense or specialized equipment manufacturing. Spending on advanced unmanned systems like AUVs is a growing area within federal budgets, reflecting a trend towards technological modernization in defense and surveillance.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The General Services Administration (GSA) oversees this contract, utilizing its Federal Acquisition Service. GSA's role ensures adherence to procurement regulations and aims for efficient government spending.
Related Government Programs
- Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
- General Services Administration Contracting
- Federal Acquisition Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition if 'exclusion of sources' criteria were highly restrictive.
- Long-term operational and maintenance costs are not detailed.
- Dependence on a single awardee for specialized technology.
- Lack of specific technical details makes value assessment challenging.
Tags
automobile-and-light-duty-motor-vehicle-, general-services-administration, nd, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $29.2 million to THE ARMORED GROUP LLC. DO4 105EA LEVEL 1 AUVS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE ARMORED GROUP LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-11. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific capabilities do these AUVs provide, and how do they align with current defense or research objectives?
The specific capabilities of the AUVs are not detailed in the provided data. However, AUVs are typically used for tasks such as underwater surveillance, mine countermeasures, oceanographic research, and infrastructure inspection. Their alignment with objectives would depend on the specific mission requirements of the procuring agency, likely related to maritime domain awareness, force protection, or scientific exploration.
What is the risk associated with the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method, and how does it impact price discovery?
This method allows for broad competition but may exclude certain sources based on pre-defined criteria, potentially limiting the pool of bidders. While it aims for competition, the exclusion could theoretically reduce the pressure on prices compared to truly unrestricted full and open competition. However, if the exclusions are justified and the remaining pool is still robust, effective price discovery can still be achieved.
How does the $29.2 million award compare to the benchmark for similar AUV procurements, and what is the expected return on investment?
Without specific technical requirements and market data for comparable AUVs, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, $29.2 million for advanced AUVs is substantial, suggesting a significant technological investment. The return on investment will be measured by the AUVs' effectiveness in fulfilling their intended missions, such as enhanced intelligence gathering, reduced risk to personnel, or improved operational efficiency.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 47QSWC25Q0210
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5221 N SADDLE ROCK DR, PHOENIX, AZ, 85018
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,206,032
Exercised Options: $29,206,032
Current Obligation: $29,206,032
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QSWC23D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-11
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-09
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