DoD's $12.7M contract for expeditionary modular ballistic sidewalls awarded to Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,723,047 ($12.7M)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-03

End Date: 2026-05-26

Contract Duration: 265 days

Daily Burn Rate: $48.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 4569340904!EXPEDITIONARY MODULAR BALLISTIC SIDEWALL

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02210

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.7 million to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: 4569340904!EXPEDITIONARY MODULAR BALLISTIC SIDEWALL Key points: 1. Contract value of $12.7 million for specialized ballistic protection. 2. Awarded to Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC, a company with a presence in the defense supply chain. 3. The contract duration spans over 26 months, indicating a sustained need for these components. 4. The procurement method suggests a competitive process was utilized. 5. The sidewalls are likely critical for enhancing the survivability of military vehicles or personnel in expeditionary environments. 6. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $12.7 million for expeditionary modular ballistic sidewalls appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar advanced ballistic protection systems suggests that this price point is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the Department of Defense, mitigating the risk of cost overruns. Further analysis would require comparing the specific technical specifications and performance metrics against other available solutions in the market.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The specific exclusion of sources suggests a targeted approach to ensure the most suitable vendors participated. The level of competition, even with exclusions, generally promotes price discovery and encourages vendors to offer competitive terms. The final award to Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC implies they provided the best value among the eligible participants.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it is expected to result in a fair market price for essential defense equipment, preventing potential overspending.

Public Impact

Expeditionary forces within the Department of Defense will benefit from enhanced protection capabilities. The contract will deliver critical modular ballistic sidewall components for military applications. The geographic impact is likely global, supporting deployed military operations. This contract supports the defense industrial base and associated supply chains.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions if Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC faces production or delivery issues.
Ensuring the ballistic performance meets or exceeds stringent military specifications is crucial.
The long-term sustainment and maintenance of these specialized components may require further investment.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm fixed-price contract helps manage budget predictability.
Awarding to a company with established logistics capabilities suggests a focus on reliable delivery.
The competitive award process indicates a commitment to achieving value for taxpayer dollars.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector is characterized by high-value, specialized equipment procurement. Contracts for ballistic protection are a significant segment, driven by the need for advanced materials and engineering to ensure personnel and vehicle survivability. The market is competitive, with a mix of large prime contractors and specialized suppliers. This contract fits within the broader category of defense logistics and equipment modernization, where spending is consistently high due to evolving threats and technological advancements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside criterion for this specific contract. While Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC may be a small business, the contract itself was not explicitly set aside for small businesses. This means larger companies could also compete. The implications for the broader small business ecosystem are neutral in this instance, as there was no specific mandate to involve them. However, it's possible that Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC, if a small business, may subcontract to other small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense employs various oversight mechanisms for contracts, including contract performance monitoring, quality assurance surveillance plans, and financial audits. The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) typically oversees contract execution. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General offices within the DoD conduct audits and investigations to ensure accountability and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract also provides a degree of oversight by locking in costs.

Related Government Programs

Tactical Vehicle Protection Systems
Body Armor and Personal Protective Equipment
Military Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Expeditionary Warfare Equipment

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain delays
Ensuring adherence to stringent ballistic performance standards
Risk of technological obsolescence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.7 million to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. 4569340904!EXPEDITIONARY MODULAR BALLISTIC SIDEWALL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, 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: 2025-09-03. End: 2026-05-26.

What is the specific type and performance standard of the 'expeditionary modular ballistic sidewall' being procured?

The provided data does not specify the exact type or performance standard of the 'expeditionary modular ballistic sidewall.' However, the term 'ballistic' implies protection against projectiles. 'Expeditionary' suggests suitability for deployment in forward operating environments, often requiring lightweight, durable, and easily deployable solutions. Military specifications (Mil-Specs) would dictate the precise threat levels (e.g., STANAG levels) the sidewalls must withstand, the materials used, and testing protocols. Without access to the detailed contract statement of work or technical exhibits, the precise performance characteristics remain unknown, but it is reasonable to assume they meet rigorous military survivability requirements for vehicles or structures.

How does the unit cost of these sidewalls compare to similar ballistic protection solutions in the market?

The provided data does not include unit cost information, only the total contract value of $12,723,046.98. To compare unit costs, we would need the quantity of sidewalls procured. Assuming a hypothetical quantity, we could derive a unit cost. However, without that quantity, direct comparison is impossible. Generally, advanced ballistic protection systems can range significantly in price depending on material composition (e.g., ceramics, composites, advanced polymers), threat rating, size, and manufacturer. The $12.7 million contract, awarded under full and open competition, suggests the price achieved was deemed competitive by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at the time of award, implying it aligns with market rates for comparable, albeit potentially less specialized, protection.

What is Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC's track record with similar defense contracts, particularly for ballistic protection?

The provided data indicates Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC was awarded this $12.7 million contract for 'EXPEDITIONARY MODULAR BALLISTIC SIDEWALL'. To assess their track record, a deeper dive into contract databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would be necessary to identify previous awards to this contractor for similar or related defense equipment. Key factors to examine would include the value and duration of past contracts, performance reviews (if publicly available), any history of contract modifications, and their specialization in logistics and supply of defense materiel. Without this additional information, it's difficult to definitively assess their specific expertise and past performance in ballistic protection systems.

What are the potential risks associated with the long contract duration (265 days) and delivery schedule?

A contract duration of 265 days (approximately 8.8 months) for delivery orders, with an estimated completion date of May 26, 2026, presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's the risk of obsolescence if technology advances rapidly during the performance period, potentially rendering the procured sidewalls less effective against emerging threats. Secondly, supply chain volatility, including raw material availability or manufacturing capacity constraints for Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC, could lead to delays. Thirdly, changes in operational requirements or threat assessments by the Department of Defense could necessitate modifications or adjustments to the contract, impacting cost and schedule. Finally, ensuring consistent quality control over the extended delivery period is crucial to maintain the integrity of the ballistic protection.

How does this spending compare to overall Department of Defense spending on protective equipment or vehicle modernization?

The $12.7 million allocated to this contract for expeditionary modular ballistic sidewalls represents a specific investment within the broader Department of Defense (DoD) budget for protective equipment and vehicle modernization. The DoD's total budget runs into hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Spending on protective gear, including advanced armor, is a critical component of ensuring force protection. Vehicle modernization programs, which often incorporate enhanced survivability features like ballistic sidewalls, also represent substantial investments. While $12.7 million is a significant sum for a single contract, it is a relatively small fraction of the overall DoD procurement budget. Its significance lies in addressing a specific, critical need for enhanced survivability in expeditionary contexts.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 302 WEYMOUTH ST, ROCKLAND, MA, 02370

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,723,047

Exercised Options: $12,723,047

Current Obligation: $12,723,047

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE8EJ21D1028

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline