DoD awards $12.7M for fire suppression foam, with TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,687,022 ($12.7M)

Contractor: Tidewater Distributors LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-10-09

End Date: 2026-02-09

Contract Duration: 123 days

Daily Burn Rate: $103.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: 8511696200!FOAM LIQUID,FIRE EX

Place of Performance

Location: NORFOLK, NORFOLK CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23504

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.7 million to TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC for work described as: 8511696200!FOAM LIQUID,FIRE EX Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in essential safety equipment for the Department of Defense. 2. Competition dynamics for this specific chemical compound may be influenced by specialized manufacturing requirements. 3. Performance risk appears moderate, given the fixed-price nature of the contract and defined delivery period. 4. The contract supports the Defense Logistics Agency's mission to provide critical supplies to military operations. 5. This procurement falls within the broader category of industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.7 million for fire suppression foam appears reasonable when considering the specialized nature of the product and the quantities likely required by the Defense Logistics Agency. Benchmarking against similar large-volume chemical procurements would provide further insight, but the fixed-price structure suggests an effort to control costs. The award to a single entity, TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC, warrants a review of their capacity to meet demand and maintain quality throughout the contract term.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded. This suggests a potentially limited pool of qualified bidders, possibly due to specific technical requirements, certifications, or existing relationships. The exact reasons for excluding other sources would need further investigation to fully understand the competitive landscape and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A limited competition may result in less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers if the exclusion of sources was not strictly justified by necessity.

Public Impact

Military bases and personnel requiring advanced fire suppression capabilities will benefit from this procurement. The contract ensures the availability of critical safety equipment, enhancing operational readiness and reducing risks. The geographic impact is national, supporting DoD operations across various installations. The contract supports the manufacturing and distribution workforce involved in producing and supplying specialized chemical agents.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specialized product requirements.
Need to ensure TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC has robust quality control for chemical products.
Dependence on a single awardee for a critical safety item.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract helps control costs.
Clear delivery period and end date.
Award supports a critical defense logistics function.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing sector, specifically dealing with specialized chemical compounds for fire suppression. The market for such products is often characterized by stringent regulatory requirements, high barriers to entry due to technical expertise and safety standards, and a concentrated customer base primarily consisting of government and industrial entities. The Defense Logistics Agency's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining operational safety across military installations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary driver for this specific award, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no explicit small business set-aside mentioned. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist within the supply chain for raw materials or logistical support, but this contract does not appear to directly target small business prime contractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Logistics Agency, with contract administration functions ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases, and the Inspector General's office would have jurisdiction over any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Logistics Agency Procurement
Fire Suppression Systems
Industrial Chemical Manufacturing
Department of Defense Safety Equipment

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical safety equipment.
Need for stringent quality assurance on chemical products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.7 million to TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC. 8511696200!FOAM LIQUID,FIRE EX

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-09. End: 2026-02-09.

What is the historical spending pattern for fire suppression foam by the Department of Defense?

Analyzing historical spending on fire suppression foam by the Department of Defense requires accessing and aggregating data from previous contract awards. While this specific award is for $12.7 million, understanding the broader trend involves looking at contract values, quantities, and awardees over several fiscal years. Factors such as changes in military readiness requirements, technological advancements in foam agents, and shifts in procurement strategies (e.g., moving towards full and open competition or specific set-asides) can influence spending patterns. Without access to a comprehensive historical database, it's challenging to provide precise figures, but consistent investment in such safety equipment is expected given its critical role in protecting personnel and assets.

What specific type of fire suppression foam is being procured, and what are its key applications?

The data indicates the procurement is for 'FOAM LIQUID, FIRE EX'. This likely refers to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) or a similar synthetic firefighting foam designed to suppress and extinguish Class B fires (flammable liquids). These foams work by creating a film that suppresses fuel vapors and cools the burning surface. Key applications within the Department of Defense include firefighting at airfields (for aircraft fuel fires), fuel storage depots, vehicle maintenance facilities, and other areas where flammable liquids pose a significant risk. The specific formulation may be tailored to meet stringent military performance standards and environmental regulations.

What are the potential risks associated with TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC as the sole awardee for this contract?

As the sole awardee for this $12.7 million contract, TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's a risk of supply chain disruption if the company faces production issues, labor shortages, or logistical challenges, which could impact the timely delivery of critical fire suppression foam. Secondly, a lack of ongoing competition could lead to complacency in quality control or customer service. Thirdly, if TIDEWATER DISTRIBUTORS LLC were to experience financial difficulties or go out of business, the DoD would face a significant challenge in finding an alternative supplier quickly, potentially leading to delays and increased costs. Robust contract management and monitoring by the Defense Logistics Agency are essential to mitigate these risks.

How does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' classification impact the value for money?

The classification 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests that while the agency intended to compete the contract broadly, certain potential offerors were excluded. The impact on value for money is nuanced. If the exclusions were based on legitimate, objective criteria directly related to the specialized nature of the fire suppression foam (e.g., unique manufacturing capabilities, specific certifications, or proprietary technology), then the competition among the remaining qualified sources might still yield competitive pricing. However, if the exclusions were overly broad or not strictly justified, it could limit the number of bidders, reduce price pressure, and potentially lead to a higher-than-optimal price for the government, thus diminishing the overall value for money.

What is the typical contract duration and value for similar fire suppression foam procurements?

The duration of this contract is approximately 123 days (from the delivery order start date to the end date, assuming the 'dur' field of 123 refers to days). The value is $12.7 million. Typical contract durations for specialized materials like fire suppression foam can vary significantly, ranging from short-term delivery orders for immediate needs to longer-term indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts spanning several years, often with options for renewal. Contract values are highly dependent on the quantity ordered, the specific type and formulation of the foam, and market conditions. While $12.7 million for a period of roughly four months is substantial, it's difficult to definitively label it as typical without a broader analysis of historical data for similar quantities and product specifications.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FIRE/RESCUE/SAFETY; ENVIRO PROTECT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 700 TIDEWATER DR, NORFOLK, VA, 23504

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,687,022

Exercised Options: $12,687,022

Current Obligation: $12,687,022

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE8EH25D1006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline