DoD's $11.7M contract for RCLT Configuration 1 - Celle awarded to W S DARLEY & CO

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,741,367 ($11.7M)

Contractor: W S Darley & CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-20

End Date: 2026-03-06

Contract Duration: 167 days

Daily Burn Rate: $70.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 4569641868!RCLT CONFIGURATION 1 - CELLE

Place of Performance

Location: ITASCA, DUPAGE County, ILLINOIS, 60143

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.7 million to W S DARLEY & CO for work described as: 4569641868!RCLT CONFIGURATION 1 - CELLE Key points: 1. Contract value of $11.7M for a duration of 167 days. 2. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Delivery order type contract with a firm fixed price. 4. Contractor W S DARLEY & CO has a significant presence in the sector. 5. The contract is for Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers. 6. Geographic location for performance is Illinois.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.7M for a 167-day period suggests a substantial investment in specialized equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for defense logistics and equipment procurement would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price structure generally indicates a commitment to cost control by the contractor.

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 bidders compared to a truly open competition. The number of bidders (29) is robust, which is a positive sign for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources may limit the most competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers than if all qualified sources were considered.

Public Impact

This contract primarily benefits the Department of Defense by providing essential equipment for service establishment. The services delivered are related to the procurement of specialized equipment and supplies. The geographic impact is centered in Illinois, where the contractor is located and likely where some performance or delivery will occur. Workforce implications are likely related to the manufacturing, assembly, or distribution of the contracted equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Firm fixed-price contracts can sometimes incentivize contractors to cut corners on quality if not properly monitored.
The specific nature of 'RCLT CONFIGURATION 1 - CELLE' is not detailed, raising questions about its criticality and necessity.

Positive Signals

Robust number of bidders (29) indicates significant market interest.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded by the Defense Logistics Agency, a key entity for military supply chain management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically related to the procurement of equipment and supplies for military operations. The market for defense logistics and specialized equipment is substantial, with numerous contractors vying for government awards. This contract represents a specific procurement within a broader category of defense spending, likely supporting readiness and operational capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a larger entity, and the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether W S DARLEY & CO engages small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Defense Logistics Agency's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified goods. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Defense Logistics Agency Procurement
Military Equipment and Supplies
Service Establishment Equipment
Merchant Wholesalers

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Lack of detailed information on the specific equipment being procured.
Potential for cost inefficiencies if competition was unduly restricted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.7 million to W S DARLEY & CO. 4569641868!RCLT CONFIGURATION 1 - CELLE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is W S DARLEY & CO.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-20. End: 2026-03-06.

What is the specific nature and function of 'RCLT CONFIGURATION 1 - CELLE'?

The provided data does not specify the exact nature or function of 'RCLT CONFIGURATION 1 - CELLE'. This designation likely refers to a specific system, component, or configuration of equipment critical for service establishment within the Department of Defense. Further investigation into defense procurement databases or technical specifications would be required to understand its operational purpose, its role in military readiness, and the specific capabilities it is intended to provide. Without this context, it is difficult to fully assess the necessity and value of this procurement.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar procurements for comparable equipment?

A direct comparison of pricing for this $11.7 million contract is challenging without knowing the exact specifications of 'RCLT CONFIGURATION 1 - CELLE'. However, the contract's firm fixed-price nature suggests that the price was negotiated upfront. To benchmark value, one would need to identify contracts for similar types of service establishment equipment or logistical support systems awarded to other entities or within different timeframes. Analyzing the number of bidders (29) provides some indication of market competitiveness, which generally pressures prices downward. A detailed cost analysis would involve comparing unit costs, if applicable, against industry standards and historical government pricing for analogous items.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'?

The primary risk associated with 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' is the potential for reduced competition, which could lead to higher prices for the government compared to a truly open competition. While 29 bidders participated, the exclusion of certain sources means that the most innovative or cost-effective solutions from those excluded entities were not considered. This could also limit the government's access to a wider range of technological advancements or specialized capabilities. The risk is mitigated to some extent by the substantial number of bidders, but the rationale for excluding sources warrants scrutiny to ensure it was based on legitimate technical or security requirements rather than market manipulation.

What is the track record of W S DARLEY & CO with the Department of Defense and similar contracts?

W S DARLEY & CO is a known entity within the defense contracting space, particularly for equipment and supplies. While the provided data does not detail their specific performance history on this exact contract type or value, their presence suggests a history of engaging with government procurement. A thorough assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations, contract completion records, and any history of disputes or quality issues with the DoD or other federal agencies. Their ability to secure a contract of this magnitude indicates a level of established capability and trust within the defense supply chain.

How does this contract align with the Defense Logistics Agency's strategic objectives for supply chain management?

This contract aligns with the Defense Logistics Agency's (DLA) core mission of providing logistical support to the armed forces. The procurement of 'Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies' is fundamental to ensuring military readiness and operational capability. By awarding this contract, the DLA is fulfilling its role in equipping and supplying military personnel and units. The specific nature of the equipment, 'RCLT CONFIGURATION 1 - CELLE,' would determine its precise strategic importance, whether it supports new deployments, upgrades existing infrastructure, or addresses critical supply chain gaps. The DLA's objective is to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of necessary goods, which this contract aims to achieve.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 29

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 325 SPRING LAKE DR, ITASCA, IL, 60143

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,741,367

Exercised Options: $11,741,367

Current Obligation: $11,741,367

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE8EJ21D1025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline