DoD awards $30M for ESAPI hard armor plates, with 2 offers received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,986,664 ($30.0M)

Contractor: Leading Technology Composites Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-13

End Date: 2025-08-21

Contract Duration: 526 days

Daily Burn Rate: $57.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS ORDER IS AWARDED FOR THE PRODUCTION QUANTITIES OF ENHANCED SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERTS (ESAPI) HARD ARMOR PLATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH NOTICE OF FAIR OPPORTUNITY 0009

Place of Performance

Location: WICHITA, SEDGWICK County, KANSAS, 67213

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.0 million to LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC for work described as: THIS ORDER IS AWARDED FOR THE PRODUCTION QUANTITIES OF ENHANCED SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERTS (ESAPI) HARD ARMOR PLATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH NOTICE OF FAIR OPPORTUNITY 0009 Key points: 1. Value for money assessed against comparable armor plate contracts. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a moderate level of market interest. 3. Risk indicators include potential supply chain vulnerabilities for specialized materials. 4. Performance context is critical for soldier survivability in combat zones. 5. Sector positioning within defense manufacturing highlights specialized protective gear.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $30 million for Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) hard armor plates appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar defense procurements for body armor. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the award to a single vendor for this delivery order implies a negotiated price that is deemed acceptable based on the received offers.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, with a Notice of Fair Opportunity (NOFO) issued. Two offers were received and evaluated. The presence of multiple offers suggests a competitive environment, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from a market-driven price, as multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, fostering a competitive landscape that can drive down costs.

Public Impact

Soldiers in the U.S. Army will receive enhanced ballistic protection. Services delivered include the production and delivery of critical life-saving equipment. Geographic impact is national, supporting deployed forces globally. Workforce implications include jobs in advanced composite manufacturing.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting specialized composite materials.
Dependence on a limited number of manufacturers for advanced armor technology.
Ensuring consistent quality control for life-saving equipment.

Positive Signals

Award to a known manufacturer of protective equipment.
Firm-fixed-price contract structure limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Delivery order under an existing contract vehicle streamlines procurement.

Sector Analysis

The defense manufacturing sector, particularly the segment focused on personal protective equipment, is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and stringent quality requirements. This contract for ESAPI plates fits within the broader category of military hardware and advanced materials manufacturing. Spending in this area is driven by operational needs and technological advancements in threat mitigation. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other contracts for body armor, helmets, and tactical gear issued by various military branches.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award went to Leading Technology Composites Inc., which may or may not be a small business itself. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, either as prime contractors or subcontractors, in fulfilling this order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Department of the Army contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified quantities meeting quality standards. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Body Armor Procurement
Personal Protective Equipment
Department of Defense Ammunition and Weapons Procurement
Advanced Materials Manufacturing
Army Combat Systems

Risk Flags

Supply Chain Vulnerability
Material Sourcing Risk
Quality Assurance Rigor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.0 million to LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC. THIS ORDER IS AWARDED FOR THE PRODUCTION QUANTITIES OF ENHANCED SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERTS (ESAPI) HARD ARMOR PLATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH NOTICE OF FAIR OPPORTUNITY 0009

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES 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 $30.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-13. End: 2025-08-21.

What is the track record of Leading Technology Composites Inc. in fulfilling defense contracts, particularly for body armor?

Leading Technology Composites Inc. (LTC) has a history of supplying composite materials and components to the defense industry. While specific details on their past performance for ESAPI plates require deeper investigation into contract databases and performance reports, LTC is generally recognized for its expertise in advanced composite manufacturing. Their ability to secure this delivery order suggests a positive assessment of their technical capabilities and past performance by the Department of the Army. Further analysis would involve reviewing past contract awards, delivery history, and any reported performance issues or commendations related to LTC's defense contracts.

How does the per-unit cost of these ESAPI plates compare to similar procurements by other military branches or allied nations?

The provided data does not include the specific per-unit cost for these ESAPI plates, making a direct comparison difficult. However, the total award of $29,986,664.40 for an unspecified quantity of plates suggests a certain price point. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify the number of plates procured under this order and compare that unit price to publicly available data on similar ESAPI or comparable hard armor plate procurements by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, or international defense partners. Factors such as material advancements, manufacturing processes, and order volume significantly influence unit costs.

What are the primary risks associated with the supply chain for the specialized materials used in ESAPI hard armor plates?

The primary risks associated with the supply chain for ESAPI hard armor plates often stem from the specialized nature of the composite materials required, such as advanced ceramics and high-strength polymers. These materials may be sourced from a limited number of global suppliers, creating vulnerabilities to geopolitical instability, trade restrictions, or production disruptions. Furthermore, the manufacturing processes for these advanced materials can be complex and energy-intensive, potentially leading to price volatility. Ensuring a resilient and diversified supply chain, along with robust inventory management, is crucial for mitigating these risks and ensuring consistent availability of life-saving equipment.

What is the expected impact of these ESAPI plates on soldier survivability and operational effectiveness?

The Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) are designed to provide a higher level of ballistic protection against advanced threats compared to previous generations of armor. Their integration into the Army's body armor systems is expected to significantly enhance soldier survivability by offering greater resistance to rifle-caliber threats. This improved protection can lead to reduced casualties in combat engagements, allowing soldiers to operate more effectively and with greater confidence in high-risk environments. The ESAPI's design also aims to balance protection levels with weight and mobility, crucial factors for sustained operational effectiveness.

How has federal spending on body armor and related protective equipment evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on body armor and related protective equipment has generally remained robust, driven by ongoing military operations and modernization efforts. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on deployment needs, technological upgrades, and budget allocations, the Department of Defense consistently invests significant resources in soldier protection. Trends may include shifts towards lighter, more flexible armor solutions, increased demand for protection against emerging threats, and a focus on domestic manufacturing capabilities. Analyzing historical spending patterns requires examining aggregate data across various defense procurement categories related to personal protective equipment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing › All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W91CRB16R0010

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2626 W MAY ST, WICHITA, KS, 67213

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,986,664

Exercised Options: $29,986,664

Current Obligation: $29,986,664

Actual Outlays: $1,396,379

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91CRB19D0013

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline