DHS awards $5.19M for ballistic plates to Leading Technology Composites Inc. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,194,181 ($5.2M)

Contractor: Leading Technology Composites Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 489 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS DELIVERY ORDER PROCURES NEUTRAL BUOYANT BALLISTIC RIFLE PLATES TO SUPPORT ARMED AGENTS AND ICE- OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS (OFTP).

Place of Performance

Location: WICHITA, SEDGWICK County, KANSAS, 67213

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $5.2 million to LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC for work described as: THIS DELIVERY ORDER PROCURES NEUTRAL BUOYANT BALLISTIC RIFLE PLATES TO SUPPORT ARMED AGENTS AND ICE- OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS (OFTP). Key points: 1. Ballistic plates are critical for agent safety, directly impacting operational effectiveness. 2. Competition ensures fair pricing, but specific performance requirements could limit bidders. 3. Risk is moderate, tied to supply chain reliability and potential for material obsolescence. 4. The 'Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing' sector is competitive but specialized.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award price of $5.19M for 489 days of supply appears reasonable given the specialized nature of ballistic protection. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for advanced body armor is recommended for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: $10,622

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically yields competitive pricing by allowing all qualified vendors to submit offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is expected to maximize taxpayer value by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Enhances safety for armed agents during high-risk operations. Supports critical functions of the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs. Ensures availability of essential protective gear for law enforcement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential supply chain disruptions for specialized materials.
Risk of technological obsolescence in ballistic protection.
Dependence on a single manufacturer for specific plate types.

Positive Signals

Critical safety equipment procured.
Awarded through competitive bidding.
Long-term supply agreement ensures availability.

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls within the defense and public safety sector, specifically apparel manufacturing. Spending benchmarks for body armor vary widely based on threat level and material technology, but this appears to be a significant investment in advanced protection.

Small Business Impact

While the awardee is Leading Technology Composites Inc., the data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if this contract specifically targeted small business participation. Further analysis is needed to assess SMB impact.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security's oversight mechanisms should ensure adherence to contract specifications, delivery schedules, and quality standards. Regular performance reviews are crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Supply chain vulnerability for specialized materials.
Potential for technological obsolescence.
Dependence on specific manufacturing capabilities.
Ensuring consistent quality control over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $5.2 million to LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC. THIS DELIVERY ORDER PROCURES NEUTRAL BUOYANT BALLISTIC RIFLE PLATES TO SUPPORT ARMED AGENTS AND ICE- OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS (OFTP).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2027-01-31.

What is the projected lifespan and replacement cycle for these ballistic plates, and how does this impact long-term cost-effectiveness?

The projected lifespan and replacement cycle for these ballistic plates are critical factors for long-term cost-effectiveness. While the contract duration is 489 days, the plates themselves may have a service life extending beyond this period. Understanding the manufacturer's warranty, recommended inspection intervals, and expected degradation rates is essential. Agencies typically replace ballistic plates every 5-10 years, depending on usage and material type, to ensure continued protection against evolving threats.

How does the 'neutral buoyant' characteristic of these plates specifically enhance agent safety and operational capabilities in relevant scenarios?

Neutral buoyancy in ballistic plates is crucial for maritime operations or environments where agents may encounter water. It prevents the plates from sinking, allowing agents to maintain mobility and buoyancy, which is vital for survival and effective operation. This feature can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and improve the ability to perform tasks like swimming or treading water while still carrying essential gear and maintaining a defensive posture.

What specific performance standards or certifications must these ballistic plates meet to ensure their effectiveness against rifle threats?

These ballistic plates must meet stringent performance standards, typically defined by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards, such as NIJ Level III or Level IV. These certifications ensure the plates can withstand specific types of ammunition at designated velocities. Compliance with these standards is paramount for guaranteeing the plates' effectiveness in protecting agents from rifle threats and mitigating serious injury or death.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing › Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2626 W MAY ST, WICHITA, KS, 67213

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,194,181

Exercised Options: $5,194,181

Current Obligation: $5,194,181

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B06C24D00000014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline