DoD awards $10.5M for Forward Repair System tool loads, with delivery orders extending through October 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,469,659 ($10.5M)

Contractor: Noble Supply & Logistics, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-08-19

End Date: 2026-10-13

Contract Duration: 420 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FORWARD REPAIR SYSTEM M7A1 TOOL LOAD (FRS) THE FRS IS A HIGHLY MOBILE MAINTENANCE SHOP (MMS) MOUNTED TO A FLAT RACK TRANSPORTED BY A STANDARD PALLETIZED LOAD SYSTEM (PLS) AND LOAD HANDLING SYSTEM (LHS). THIS ACTION-DELIVERY ORDER FOR 40 TOOL LOADS.

Place of Performance

Location: BOSTON, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02210

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.5 million to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC for work described as: FORWARD REPAIR SYSTEM M7A1 TOOL LOAD (FRS) THE FRS IS A HIGHLY MOBILE MAINTENANCE SHOP (MMS) MOUNTED TO A FLAT RACK TRANSPORTED BY A STANDARD PALLETIZED LOAD SYSTEM (PLS) AND LOAD HANDLING SYSTEM (LHS). THIS ACTION-DELIVERY ORDER FOR 40 TOOL LOADS. Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through firm-fixed-price contract type, aiming for predictable costs. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process after source exclusion, suggesting a competitive environment. 3. Risk indicators include a relatively short performance period for a complex system. 4. Performance context involves supplying specialized tool loads for a mobile maintenance shop. 5. Sector positioning within Defense logistics and maintenance support systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, making direct value comparison challenging without broader contract data. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) structure is generally favorable for cost control. Benchmarking per-unit costs for such specialized tool loads is difficult due to unique configurations and limited market availability. However, the competitive nature of the award suggests a reasonable price was achieved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while the initial solicitation was broad, specific sources were later excluded, potentially narrowing the competitive pool. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'after exclusion' clause implies a deliberate selection process that may have impacted the breadth of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not entirely unrestricted, the 'full and open' aspect suggests an effort to solicit from multiple qualified vendors. This approach aims to balance specialized needs with taxpayer value by seeking competitive bids from eligible sources.

Public Impact

Benefits military personnel by providing essential tools for the Forward Repair System (FRS). Delivers critical maintenance capabilities for the Army's mobile maintenance shops. Supports operational readiness by ensuring equipment is maintained in the field. Impacts the Army's logistics and maintenance workforce by equipping them with necessary tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to specialized nature of tool loads.
Reliance on a single delivery order may not reflect long-term cost efficiencies.
Dependence on specific palletized load systems (PLS) and load handling systems (LHS) for integration.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Awarded under a broader IDIQ contract, suggesting potential for future orders and established vendor relationships.
Supports critical operational maintenance capabilities for the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting military equipment maintenance and logistics. The market for highly specialized, mobile maintenance shop components like the FRS tool loads is niche, often dominated by a few manufacturers or specialized suppliers. Spending in this area is driven by military readiness requirements and the need for robust, field-deployable repair capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of the equipment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside criterion for this specific delivery order. This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses, and larger, established contractors likely fulfilled the requirement. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in this award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. As a delivery order under an IDIQ, the overarching contract likely has established oversight mechanisms. Transparency is provided through contract award databases, though detailed performance monitoring and inspector general jurisdiction would depend on the specific terms of the IDIQ and any subsequent performance issues.

Related Government Programs

Forward Repair System (FRS)
Mobile Maintenance Shop (MMS)
Palletized Load System (PLS)
Load Handling System (LHS)
Army Logistics Modernization

Risk Flags

Specialized equipment procurement
Limited competition potential
Supply chain risk for niche components
Integration with existing military logistics systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.5 million to NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC. FORWARD REPAIR SYSTEM M7A1 TOOL LOAD (FRS) THE FRS IS A HIGHLY MOBILE MAINTENANCE SHOP (MMS) MOUNTED TO A FLAT RACK TRANSPORTED BY A STANDARD PALLETIZED LOAD SYSTEM (PLS) AND LOAD HANDLING SYSTEM (LHS). THIS ACTION-DELIVERY ORDER FOR 40 TOOL LOADS.

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 (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-19. End: 2026-10-13.

What is the track record of NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC with Department of Defense contracts, particularly for specialized equipment?

NOBLE SUPPLY & LOGISTICS, LLC has a history of receiving contracts from the Department of Defense, primarily for logistics, supply, and equipment support. While specific details on their track record for highly specialized tool loads like the FRS M7A1 are not immediately available from this data alone, their presence as an awardee suggests they possess the necessary certifications and capabilities to meet DoD requirements. Further analysis would involve examining their past performance reviews, contract values, and the types of goods and services previously provided to assess their experience with similar complex procurements and their overall reliability as a supplier.

How does the $10.5 million value for 40 tool loads compare to similar procurements or market rates for specialized maintenance equipment?

Directly comparing the $10.5 million for 40 tool loads (averaging $261,731 per tool load) to market rates is challenging due to the highly specialized and potentially proprietary nature of the Forward Repair System (FRS) M7A1 tool loads. These are not off-the-shelf items and are integral to a specific military system. Without access to detailed specifications, manufacturing costs, and the competitive bidding outcomes for comparable systems, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type suggests that the price was vetted through a competitive process, implying it is within a reasonable range for such specialized military equipment, though potentially higher than standard industrial tooling.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering the 'delivery order' nature and the specific equipment involved?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential supply chain disruptions for specialized components, the risk of obsolescence if the FRS M7A1 system is upgraded or replaced, and the possibility of performance issues if the tool loads do not meet stringent military specifications. As a delivery order under a larger IDIQ, there's also a risk that the government might not achieve the full anticipated value if subsequent orders are not placed or if needs change. The specialized nature of the equipment means that finding alternative suppliers quickly in case of default could be difficult, potentially impacting operational readiness.

How effective is the Forward Repair System (FRS) in enhancing military maintenance capabilities, and what is the significance of these tool loads?

The Forward Repair System (FRS) is designed to significantly enhance military maintenance capabilities by providing a mobile, self-contained workshop that can be deployed closer to the front lines. This reduces the time and logistical burden of transporting damaged equipment to fixed repair facilities. The M7A1 tool loads are critical components of the FRS, as they contain the specialized tools, diagnostic equipment, and repair materials necessary for technicians to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks on various military vehicles and systems in the field. Their effectiveness is directly tied to the FRS's ability to maintain operational readiness and reduce downtime for essential military assets.

What are the historical spending patterns for the Forward Repair System (FRS) or similar mobile maintenance systems within the Department of the Army?

Historical spending patterns for the Forward Repair System (FRS) and similar mobile maintenance systems within the Department of the Army are typically characterized by cyclical investments tied to modernization programs, operational tempo, and equipment lifecycle management. While specific aggregate spending data for the FRS program isn't provided here, the Army consistently invests in logistics and maintenance support capabilities to ensure force readiness. Spending often involves procurement of the core systems, followed by ongoing sustainment, upgrades, and the acquisition of necessary consumables and specialized toolkits like these delivery orders. Budgets can fluctuate based on strategic priorities and global deployment needs.

What is the strategic importance of the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type for this specific procurement?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type suggests a strategic approach to procuring highly specialized equipment. Initially, the requirement was intended for broad competition ('Full and Open'). However, specific sources were later excluded, implying that only a subset of potential offerors met stringent pre-qualification criteria, possibly related to technical expertise, security clearances, or specific manufacturing capabilities essential for the FRS M7A1 tool loads. This method aims to ensure that competition occurs among highly qualified vendors, balancing the desire for broad market engagement with the necessity of acquiring technically sound and reliable solutions for critical military systems, potentially avoiding risks associated with less experienced bidders.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › Overhead Traveling Crane, Hoist, and Monorail System Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: HAND TOOLS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 MARINA PARK DRIVE, SUITE 220, BOSTON, MA, 02210

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,469,659

Exercised Options: $10,469,659

Current Obligation: $10,469,659

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912CH25D0024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline