DoD Spends $94.3M on Bradley Reactive Armor Tile Sets from General Dynamics-OTS, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $94,258,444 ($94.3M)
Contractor: General Dynamics-Ots, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-08-26
End Date: 2015-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,800 days
Daily Burn Rate: $52.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: UCA - 440 BRADLEY REACTIVE ARMOR TILE SETS
Place of Performance
Location: BURLINGTON, CHITTENDEN County, VERMONT, 05401, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Vermont Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $94.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS-OTS, INC. for work described as: UCA - 440 BRADLEY REACTIVE ARMOR TILE SETS Key points: 1. Significant investment in specialized armored vehicle components. 2. Sole-source award to General Dynamics-OTS, Inc. raises competition concerns. 3. Contract duration of 1800 days suggests long-term program needs. 4. High value contract warrants close scrutiny for cost-effectiveness.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $94.3 million for 440 tile sets results in a per-unit cost of approximately $214,223. Benchmarking this against similar specialized defense components is difficult without more granular data, but the lack of competition suggests potential for inflated pricing.
Cost Per Unit: $214,223
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This significantly limits price discovery and negotiation leverage, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive procurement process.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for this substantial contract likely results in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple vendors had vied for the business.
Public Impact
Enhances survivability of Bradley Fighting Vehicles, a key asset for ground forces. Supports the operational readiness of the U.S. Army. Procurement of specialized military hardware can influence defense industry dynamics.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- High per-unit cost
- Lack of competition
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Essential military equipment
- Supports Army readiness
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls under the 'Other Ordnance and Accessories Manufacturing' sector. Defense spending in this area is critical for maintaining military hardware capabilities. Benchmarks for specialized armor components are often proprietary or difficult to ascertain due to unique specifications.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or participation by small businesses in this contract. Sole-source awards often bypass opportunities for small business subcontracting unless explicitly mandated.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'DCA' award action code suggests a Direct Commercial Agreement, which may have different oversight requirements than traditional government contracts. Further investigation into the specific oversight mechanisms for this sole-source award is warranted.
Related Government Programs
- Other Ordnance and Accessories Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency in pricing
- No clear small business participation
Tags
other-ordnance-and-accessories-manufactu, department-of-defense, vt, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $94.3 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS-OTS, INC.. UCA - 440 BRADLEY REACTIVE ARMOR TILE SETS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS-OTS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $94.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-08-26. End: 2015-07-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative procurement methods considered?
The justification for a sole-source award is typically based on factors like unique capabilities, urgent need, or lack of viable alternatives. Without specific documentation, it's unclear if alternatives were thoroughly explored. A competitive process would likely have yielded better pricing and potentially identified other qualified suppliers, ensuring better value for taxpayer funds.
How does the per-unit cost of these reactive armor tile sets compare to similar systems or previous procurements?
The per-unit cost of approximately $214,223 is substantial. Direct comparisons are challenging without access to proprietary data or specific technical requirements of alternative systems. However, given the sole-source nature, it's reasonable to question if this price reflects market value or a premium due to limited competition.
What is the long-term strategic value and operational impact of these specific reactive armor tile sets for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle?
Reactive armor significantly enhances the survivability of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle against modern threats, particularly anti-tank guided missiles. This upgrade is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness and safety of ground troops operating these platforms in combat zones, directly impacting mission success and personnel protection.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Other Ordnance and Accessories Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: W15QKN10R0600
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)
Address: 128 LAKESIDE AVE, BURLINGTON, VT, 05401
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: $94,258,444
Exercised Options: $94,258,444
Current Obligation: $94,258,444
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-08-26
Current End Date: 2015-07-31
Potential End Date: 2015-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-05-29
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