DoD Awards $61.7M for Bridge Erection Boats and Services to Birdon America Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $61,739,430 ($61.7M)

Contractor: Birdon America Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-11-17

End Date: 2022-06-30

Contract Duration: 590 days

Daily Burn Rate: $104.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE BRIDGE ERECTION BOAT(BEB) TO INCLUDE BOTH HARDWARE AND SERVICES. THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS IN THE SECOND YEAR TO PROCURE BEBS, CREW PROTECTION KITS, AUTHORIZED STOCK LIST AND SPECIAL TOOLING TEST EQUIPMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, DENVER County, COLORADO, 80239

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $61.7 million to BIRDON AMERICA INC for work described as: THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE BRIDGE ERECTION BOAT(BEB) TO INCLUDE BOTH HARDWARE AND SERVICES. THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS IN THE SECOND YEAR TO PROCURE BEBS, CREW PROTECTION KITS, AUTHORIZED STOCK LIST AND SPECIAL TOOLING TEST EQUIPMENT. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on procuring Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs), crew protection kits, and related equipment. 2. Competition was not utilized for this delivery order, raising potential concerns about price discovery. 3. The primary risk lies in the lack of competitive bidding potentially leading to suboptimal pricing. 4. Spending is concentrated within the Boat Building sector, a niche area of defense procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $61.7 million for specialized boats and services lacks direct comparable benchmarks due to its specific nature. Without competitive bidding, assessing if this price represents fair market value is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition approach. This method bypasses the typical price discovery mechanisms inherent in competitive solicitations, potentially impacting the final price paid by taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a scenario where multiple vendors vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness for bridge construction and repair missions. Provides critical equipment for military engineering units. Supports specialized maritime capabilities within the Department of Defense.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
Limited transparency in award process

Positive Signals

Procurement of essential military equipment
Supports critical infrastructure capabilities

Sector Analysis

This procurement falls under the Boat Building sector, specifically for specialized military vessels. Benchmarks for this niche area are difficult to establish without competitive data, making value assessment challenging.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. The focus appears to be on a prime contractor for specialized equipment.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded as a delivery order under a larger agreement. Oversight would typically involve monitoring performance, delivery schedules, and adherence to contract terms by the Department of the Army.

Related Government Programs

Boat Building
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for inflated pricing
Limited market research evident

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $61.7 million to BIRDON AMERICA INC. THIS CONTRACT IS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE BRIDGE ERECTION BOAT(BEB) TO INCLUDE BOTH HARDWARE AND SERVICES. THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS IN THE SECOND YEAR TO PROCURE BEBS, CREW PROTECTION KITS, AUTHORIZED STOCK LIST AND SPECIAL TOOLING TEST EQUIPMENT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BIRDON AMERICA 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 $61.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-11-17. End: 2022-06-30.

What is the justification for not competing this significant contract award?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED'. A detailed justification would typically be documented by the agency, outlining reasons such as urgency, unique capabilities of the sole provider, or prior contract arrangements. Without this documentation, it's difficult to ascertain the specific rationale behind bypassing the competitive process.

How does the lack of competition impact the overall risk profile of this contract?

The lack of competition significantly increases the risk profile. It removes the downward pressure on price that competition provides, potentially leading to higher costs. Furthermore, it limits the agency's ability to explore innovative solutions or alternative technologies that other vendors might offer, impacting overall value and effectiveness.

What is the long-term strategic value of procuring these specific Bridge Erection Boats?

The long-term strategic value lies in enhancing the military's capability for rapid infrastructure deployment and repair in operational theaters. These boats are crucial for engineering units to establish bridges, facilitating troop movement and logistical support. Their acquisition ensures readiness for diverse environmental and combat conditions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Ship and Boat Building › Boat Building

Product/Service Code: SHIPS, SMALL CRAFT, PONTOON, DOCKS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4965 KINGSTON ST, DENVER, CO, 80239

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $61,739,430

Exercised Options: $61,739,430

Current Obligation: $61,739,430

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W56HZV19D0093

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline