Homeland Security spent $56.3K on 9MM ammunition, highlighting a need for reliable small arms

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $56,344 ($56.3K)

Contractor: THE Kinetic Group Sales LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2014-07-09

End Date: 2015-01-26

Contract Duration: 201 days

Daily Burn Rate: $280/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 9MM 124 GRAIN AMMUNITION FOR CBP

Place of Performance

Location: LEWISTON, NEZ PERCE County, IDAHO, 83501

State: Idaho Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $56,344.12 to THE KINETIC GROUP SALES LLC for work described as: 9MM 124 GRAIN AMMUNITION FOR CBP Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the unit cost and market for ammunition. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting fair pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a fixed-price contract and defined delivery period. 4. Performance context shows a short-term need for essential supplies. 5. Sector positioning places this within the defense and law enforcement supply chain.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract for 9MM ammunition was awarded at a fixed price, suggesting predictable costs. While specific unit cost benchmarks are not provided, the total award of $56.3K for a defined quantity of ammunition appears to be within a reasonable range for law enforcement supplies. Comparing this to similar bulk ammunition purchases for government agencies would provide further insight into value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a competitive bidding process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government receives competitive offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but the category implies a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices.

Public Impact

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel benefit from reliable ammunition for their duties. Essential services related to border security and law enforcement are supported. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of ICE. Workforce implications include ensuring law enforcement officers have the necessary equipment to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price fluctuations in ammunition markets not fully captured by fixed-price contract.
Dependence on specific manufacturers could lead to supply chain vulnerabilities if not managed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the duration of the order.
Clear delivery period minimizes risk of prolonged supply chain issues.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense and law enforcement sector, specifically concerning small arms ammunition manufacturing. The market for ammunition is influenced by demand from government agencies, commercial entities, and civilian consumers. Government contracts often represent a significant portion of the market, and competitive bidding is standard practice to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting is not available for this specific contract. However, the 'full and open competition' designation suggests that all responsible sources, including small businesses, were eligible to bid. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses participated or benefited from subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Oversight would typically involve contract management by the contracting officer and adherence to federal procurement regulations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Procurement
Law Enforcement Equipment Contracts
Small Arms Ammunition Procurement

Risk Flags

Ammunition supply chain vulnerabilities
Price volatility in defense commodities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $56,344.12 to THE KINETIC GROUP SALES LLC. 9MM 124 GRAIN AMMUNITION FOR CBP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE KINETIC GROUP SALES LLC.

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 $56,344.12.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-07-09. End: 2015-01-26.

What is the historical spending pattern for 9MM ammunition by ICE?

Analyzing historical spending data for 9MM ammunition by ICE would reveal trends in quantity purchased, average unit prices, and the prevalence of different contract types (e.g., fixed-price, cost-plus) and competition levels (e.g., full and open, sole source). This contract, awarded in 2014 for approximately $56.3K, represents a single delivery order. Understanding if this is a recurring purchase, and if quantities and prices have remained consistent or fluctuated over time, is crucial for assessing long-term value and budget predictability. Without broader historical data, it's difficult to determine if this specific award represents a favorable price point or a typical expenditure for ICE's ammunition needs.

How does the unit cost of this ammunition compare to market rates at the time of award?

The provided data does not specify the exact quantity of ammunition purchased, only the total award amount ($56,344.12). To compare the unit cost to market rates, the number of rounds procured would be necessary. Assuming a standard price per round for 9MM ammunition in 2014, one could estimate the quantity and then benchmark it against commercial or other government contracts. However, without the quantity, a direct unit cost comparison is not feasible. Factors such as bulk discounts, specific quality standards (e.g., $+P$ or $+P+$), and manufacturer brand can significantly influence market rates.

What are the specific performance requirements and quality standards for this ammunition?

The data indicates the ammunition is '9MM 124 GRAIN AMMUNITION FOR CBP'. This suggests a standard 124-grain projectile weight for 9mm Luger caliber ammunition, commonly used by law enforcement. Specific performance requirements would typically include adherence to industry standards (e.g., SAAMI specifications), reliability in various firearm platforms used by CBP, and consistency in velocity and pressure. Quality standards would likely encompass aspects like primer consistency, case integrity, and projectile seating. While not detailed here, these specifications are critical for ensuring the ammunition functions safely and effectively during training and operational use.

What is the track record of The Kinetic Group Sales LLC as a government contractor?

The Kinetic Group Sales LLC was awarded this contract by the Department of Homeland Security in 2014. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their complete contract history within federal procurement databases. This includes looking at the number of contracts awarded, their total value, the agencies they've served, and their performance ratings, if available. A review of past performance would indicate their reliability in delivering goods and services, adherence to contract terms, and compliance with federal regulations. Without this broader historical context, it's challenging to fully evaluate their capabilities and reliability as a government supplier based solely on this one contract.

Were there any identified risks or challenges associated with this specific contract?

This contract was a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, awarded on a firm fixed-price basis with a defined duration (July 2014 - January 2015). These contract characteristics generally mitigate risks related to cost overruns and schedule delays. The primary risks associated with ammunition procurement typically involve supply chain disruptions, quality control issues, and potential price volatility in the market. Given the short duration and fixed price, the immediate risks appear low. However, long-term reliance on specific suppliers or market fluctuations could pose future challenges for the agency.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

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

Parent Company: Vista Outdoor Inc.

Address: 1 VISTA WAY, ANOKA, MN, 55303

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $56,344

Exercised Options: $56,344

Current Obligation: $56,344

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEMS11D00002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline