Coast Guard's $97.8K order for swords and scabbards highlights niche uniform needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $97,800 ($97.8K)

Contractor: Marlow White Uniforms Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-08-05

Contract Duration: 121 days

Daily Burn Rate: $808/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SWORDS AND SCABBARDS FOR THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY CLOTHING LOCKER.

Place of Performance

Location: LEAVENWORTH, LEAVENWORTH County, KANSAS, 66048

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $97,800 to MARLOW WHITE UNIFORMS INC for work described as: SWORDS AND SCABBARDS FOR THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY CLOTHING LOCKER. Key points: 1. The contract addresses a specific, albeit small, requirement for specialized uniform items. 2. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a focus on efficiency for smaller buys. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 4. Delivery is scheduled within a short 121-day window, indicating a timely need. 5. The awardee, Marlow White Uniforms Inc., specializes in military and ceremonial attire. 6. This spending represents a minor portion of overall uniform and apparel procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $97,800 for swords and scabbards is relatively small in the context of federal uniform procurement. Benchmarking against similar specialized ceremonial items is difficult due to their niche nature. However, the fixed-price contract type suggests that the government sought to establish a clear price ceiling. The awardee's specialization in military uniforms implies a potential for competitive pricing within this specific market segment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition for purchases below the simplified acquisition threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP generally encourages competition among qualified vendors. The use of SAP for this procurement suggests that the agency sought to balance competition with administrative efficiency for a relatively small dollar amount.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP for this procurement likely resulted in a fair market price for these specialized items, benefiting taxpayers by ensuring value without excessive administrative overhead.

Public Impact

Cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy will receive the necessary ceremonial accoutrements. This ensures the Academy can maintain its standards for formal occasions and training. The procurement supports the Coast Guard's tradition and professional image. The contract impacts a specialized segment of the uniform manufacturing industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if only a few specialized manufacturers exist.
Risk of price increases if demand for such niche items rises unexpectedly.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Short delivery period ensures timely availability for the Academy.
Award to a specialized vendor suggests quality and suitability of the items.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader category of apparel and textiles manufacturing, specifically focusing on specialized military and ceremonial items. The market for such items is typically niche, with a limited number of manufacturers capable of producing high-quality, regulation-compliant accoutrements. Federal spending in this sector often supports historical traditions and the operational readiness of uniformed services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP, which can include opportunities for small businesses. However, without specific details on the number of bidders or set-aside status, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on small businesses. If the awardee is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, depending on the nature of the work and the contractor's subcontracting plan.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, likely subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Oversight would typically involve contract administration by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure timely delivery and adherence to specifications.

Related Government Programs

Military Uniforms
Ceremonial Equipment
Coast Guard Academy Procurement
Department of Homeland Security Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition potential for niche items
Quality control for ceremonial accoutrements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $97,800 to MARLOW WHITE UNIFORMS INC. SWORDS AND SCABBARDS FOR THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY CLOTHING LOCKER.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARLOW WHITE UNIFORMS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $97,800.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-08-05.

What is the historical spending pattern for swords and scabbards by the U.S. Coast Guard or similar institutions?

Historical spending data for highly specialized items like swords and scabbards is often fragmented and not readily available in aggregate public databases. Such procurements are typically infrequent and driven by specific needs, such as academy class requirements or ceremonial unit outfitting. While the current award is for $97,800, past awards for similar items would likely be in a similar range, possibly varying based on quantity, material, and specific design requirements. Analyzing broader uniform procurement trends for the Coast Guard might reveal patterns in overall spending on apparel, but granular data on ceremonial accoutrements is scarce. This suggests that each such procurement is often a standalone event rather than part of a continuous, high-volume spending stream.

How does the price of these swords and scabbards compare to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equivalents or other military branches?

Direct comparison of this contract's pricing to COTS equivalents or other military branches is challenging without detailed specifications of the swords and scabbards. Military-grade ceremonial items often incorporate higher quality materials, stricter adherence to specific design standards, and potentially more intricate craftsmanship than standard COTS products, justifying a higher price point. Furthermore, the 'full-and-open' competition under SAP, while aiming for fair pricing, is for a specific set of requirements. Benchmarking against other military branches would require identifying identical or highly similar items procured by those branches and comparing award prices, which is often difficult due to variations in specifications and contract vehicles. The fixed-price nature of this contract suggests the government aimed to lock in a price based on anticipated costs for these specific items.

What is the track record of Marlow White Uniforms Inc. in fulfilling federal contracts, particularly for ceremonial items?

Marlow White Uniforms Inc. has a documented history of fulfilling federal contracts, primarily for military and ceremonial uniforms and accessories. Their specialization in this niche market suggests a strong understanding of the requirements and quality standards expected by uniformed services. A review of federal procurement data would likely show multiple awards to Marlow White for various uniform components across different branches of the military and federal agencies. Their continued success in securing such contracts indicates a positive track record in terms of product quality, delivery performance, and competitive pricing within their specialized domain. Specific performance metrics for this particular contract will become clearer as the delivery period progresses.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring specialized ceremonial items like swords and scabbards?

Procuring specialized ceremonial items like swords and scabbards carries several potential risks. One primary risk is the limited number of qualified manufacturers, which can lead to reduced competition and potentially higher prices. Another risk is the potential for long lead times, as these items may not be mass-produced and require custom manufacturing. Ensuring adherence to strict quality and design specifications is crucial, as deviations can impact the ceremonial function and symbolic value. Furthermore, obsolescence is less of a concern for traditional items, but changes in regulations or uniform standards could render specific designs outdated. Finally, the niche nature of the market means that demand fluctuations could impact availability and pricing for future procurements.

How does this contract align with the U.S. Coast Guard's overall uniform and equipment procurement strategy?

This contract aligns with the U.S. Coast Guard's strategy by addressing specific, albeit specialized, equipment needs for its training institutions, such as the Coast Guard Academy. While the dollar amount is small, these ceremonial items are essential for maintaining tradition, discipline, and the professional image of the service. The procurement method (SAP) suggests an efficient approach to acquiring these niche items. The Coast Guard, like other military branches, must balance the need for standard operational gear with the requirement for specialized ceremonial and dress uniforms to fulfill its diverse roles and uphold its heritage. This contract represents a targeted investment to meet a specific ceremonial requirement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Cutlery and Handtool Manufacturing › Metal Kitchen Cookware, Utensil, Cutlery, and Flatware (except Precious) Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 400 SENECA, LEAVENWORTH, KS, 66048

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $97,800

Exercised Options: $97,800

Current Obligation: $97,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z02321DQAD00500

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline