DoD Awards $15.4M for Carrier Assemblies, Facing Limited Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,379,200 ($15.4M)
Contractor: Central Lake Armor Express Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-12
End Date: 2026-05-29
Contract Duration: 259 days
Daily Burn Rate: $59.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 8511636068!CARRIER ASSEMBLY,BO
Place of Performance
Location: EDEN, ROCKINGHAM County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27288
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.4 million to CENTRAL LAKE ARMOR EXPRESS INC for work described as: 8511636068!CARRIER ASSEMBLY,BO Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized defense equipment. 2. Competition appears limited, potentially impacting price. 3. Risk of overpayment due to lack of robust competition. 4. Spending falls within the Apparel Accessories Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $15.4 million for carrier assemblies is substantial. Benchmarking against similar specialized defense equipment contracts is difficult without more data, but the limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition. However, the specific nature of the 'CARRIER ASSEMBLY,BO' may inherently limit the number of qualified bidders, potentially reducing effective price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential defense equipment. The effectiveness of competition in driving down costs for this specialized item will determine the ultimate taxpayer impact.
Public Impact
Ensures supply of critical protective gear for military personnel. Supports a specific manufacturer within the defense industrial base. Potential for future contracts in this niche area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 59 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited effective competition despite 'full and open' status.
- Potential for price escalation due to specialized nature.
- Long contract duration (259 days) could mask cost inefficiencies.
Positive Signals
- Procurement of essential defense equipment.
- Clear contract end date provides a defined period.
- Firm fixed price contract limits cost overrun risk for the government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing. Spending in this sector for defense is often driven by specific equipment needs, with benchmarks varying widely based on item specialization and required certifications.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to CENTRAL LAKE ARMOR EXPRESS INC, which is not identified as a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency, is responsible for this procurement. Standard oversight mechanisms for defense contracts should apply, including performance monitoring and compliance checks.
Related Government Programs
- Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Logistics Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited effective competition.
- Potential for price inflation on specialized goods.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Contract duration may obscure cost efficiencies.
Tags
apparel-accessories-and-other-apparel-ma, department-of-defense, nc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.4 million to CENTRAL LAKE ARMOR EXPRESS INC. 8511636068!CARRIER ASSEMBLY,BO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CENTRAL LAKE ARMOR EXPRESS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-12. End: 2026-05-29.
What is the specific function and technical complexity of the 'CARRIER ASSEMBLY,BO' to understand potential barriers to entry for competitors?
The specific function and technical complexity of the 'CARRIER ASSEMBLY,BO' are crucial for assessing competition. If it requires highly specialized materials, manufacturing processes, or certifications unique to a few firms, it explains the limited effective competition despite a 'full and open' solicitation. This complexity directly impacts the government's ability to achieve the best possible price.
How does the $15.4 million award compare to historical spending on similar carrier assemblies or related protective gear?
Comparing the $15.4 million award to historical spending on similar items is vital for value assessment. Without this context, it's difficult to determine if the price is reasonable. If historical data shows significantly lower prices for comparable assemblies, it suggests potential overpayment or rising costs that warrant further investigation into market dynamics and supplier pricing.
What performance metrics or quality assurance measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and reliability of these carrier assemblies?
Robust performance metrics and quality assurance measures are essential for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of critical defense equipment like carrier assemblies. The government must have clear specifications, testing protocols, and acceptance criteria. Effective oversight ensures the delivered product meets stringent military standards, mitigating risks associated with equipment failure in operational environments.
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: 750A W FIELDCREST RD, EDEN, NC, 27288
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,379,200
Exercised Options: $15,379,200
Current Obligation: $15,379,200
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SPE1C125D0065
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-12
Current End Date: 2026-05-29
Potential End Date: 2026-05-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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