Atlantic Diving Supply Inc. contract for measuring devices valued at $25.4M, awarded by GSA

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,378,860 ($25.4M)

Contractor: Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2014-02-27

End Date: 2016-03-02

Contract Duration: 734 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REF ALTUS SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: GUNPOWDER, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21010

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $25.4 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC. for work described as: REF ALTUS SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract's value of $25.4M appears reasonable given the duration and scope, but requires further benchmarking against similar procurements. 2. Competition was conducted under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a potentially limited but justified bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance is scheduled over 734 days, indicating a medium-term project. 5. The contract falls under the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' NAICS code, placing it within a specialized manufacturing sector. 6. The award was made to Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., a single contractor. 7. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value of $25.4 million over approximately two years suggests a significant procurement. Without specific details on the measuring devices procured, a direct price comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract is a positive indicator for cost control. Benchmarking against other GSA procurements for similar specialized measuring and controlling devices would be necessary to definitively assess value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This procurement method indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded, potentially limiting the number of bidders. The specific reasons for excluding sources are not detailed, but this approach can sometimes lead to less competitive pricing compared to unrestricted full and open competition. The presence of two bidders (implied by 'no': 2) suggests some level of competition was achieved.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in a higher price for taxpayers than if a broader range of suppliers had been able to bid without exclusion.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely federal agencies requiring specialized measuring and controlling devices, potentially for defense, research, or operational purposes. The contract delivers essential equipment for measurement and control, crucial for various government functions. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the contractor is located, but the end-use of the devices could be nationwide. Workforce implications are tied to the manufacturing and supply chain of these specialized devices, supporting jobs in the relevant industry.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to exclusion of sources could impact price competitiveness.
Lack of detailed product specifications makes independent value assessment challenging.
Reliance on a single contractor for this delivery order may pose supply chain risks if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
Award by GSA suggests adherence to established procurement processes.
The contract duration is clearly defined, providing a predictable timeline.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the manufacturing sector, specifically 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' (NAICS 334519). This is a niche industry focused on producing instruments and devices for measurement, control, and testing. The market size for such specialized devices can vary significantly depending on technological advancements and specific government or industrial needs. This contract represents a portion of federal spending within this specialized manufacturing segment, likely supporting critical operational or research requirements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary consideration or requirement for this specific contract award. There is no indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting plans being mandated. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular award is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA), which has established oversight mechanisms for federal procurements. As a delivery order, it likely falls under a broader IDIQ contract with its own oversight. Accountability is managed through contract terms and performance monitoring. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Contracts
Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts
Manufacturing and Industrial Equipment Procurement
Defense and National Security Equipment

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Lack of Specific Product Details
Potential for Higher Pricing due to Exclusions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $25.4 million to ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC.. REF ALTUS SYSTEMS AND SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-02-27. End: 2016-03-02.

What specific types of measuring and controlling devices were procured under this contract?

The provided data identifies the NAICS code as 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' (334519), but does not specify the exact types of devices. These could range from environmental sensors, industrial process controllers, laboratory measurement equipment, to specialized testing apparatus. Understanding the specific nature of these devices is crucial for assessing their necessity, technological relevance, and fair market value. Without this detail, comparisons to similar procurements remain broad.

What were the reasons for excluding certain sources in the competition?

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' The specific rationale for excluding certain sources is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions might be based on factors like prior performance issues, inability to meet specific technical requirements, or proprietary technology limitations. However, without explicit documentation from the GSA regarding the justification for exclusion, it is difficult to ascertain if this decision was fully warranted and if it unduly limited competition, potentially impacting the final price paid by the government.

How does the $25.4 million contract value compare to similar procurements for measuring devices?

Benchmarking the $25.4 million contract value requires detailed comparison with procurements of identical or highly similar measuring and controlling devices, considering factors like quantity, specifications, contract duration, and the economic climate at the time of award. Given the broad NAICS code, this contract could encompass a wide array of products. A preliminary assessment suggests the value is substantial for a two-year period, but without specific product details, a definitive value-for-money judgment is premature. Further analysis would involve querying procurement databases for comparable items and quantities.

What is Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with GSA?

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. (ADS) has a history of receiving federal contracts, often related to specialized equipment and supplies. While the provided data shows this specific contract award, a comprehensive review of ADS's past performance, including on-time delivery, quality of goods, and adherence to contract terms across all their federal awards, would be necessary to fully assess their reliability. Their experience with GSA contracts specifically would indicate their familiarity with the agency's procurement processes and requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?

The primary risk associated with 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' is the potential for reduced competition, which can lead to higher prices for the government compared to unrestricted full and open competition. If the exclusion criteria are overly broad or not well-justified, it may prevent capable vendors from bidding. This can also raise concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process. While it can be used legitimately to ensure specific requirements are met, it necessitates careful justification by the contracting agency to mitigate these risks.

How does the fixed-price contract type mitigate risk for this procurement?

The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is advantageous for the government as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc. Under an FFP agreement, the contractor is obligated to provide the specified goods or services for a predetermined price, regardless of their actual costs incurred. This provides budget certainty for the General Services Administration (GSA) and incentivizes the contractor to manage its costs efficiently. The primary risk for the government shifts from cost escalation to ensuring the contractor meets the defined scope, quality, and delivery schedule.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL INDUSTRY MACHINERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: ID01120060081

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ADS Tactical, Inc. (UEI: 078857127)

Address: 621 LYNNHAVEN PARKWAY STE 400, VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, 23452

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,378,860

Exercised Options: $25,378,860

Current Obligation: $25,378,860

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS01T13BKD0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline