DoD awards $26.2M for VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates, with 2 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,225,617 ($26.2M)

Contractor: Leading Technology Composites Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-15

End Date: 2027-03-15

Contract Duration: 546 days

Daily Burn Rate: $48.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) LARES SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERT (LSAPI) PLATE VARIANT

Place of Performance

Location: WICHITA, SEDGWICK County, KANSAS, 67213

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.2 million to LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC for work described as: VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) LARES SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERT (LSAPI) PLATE VARIANT Key points: 1. Contract value of $26.2M for VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates. 2. Competition was full and open, indicating broad market engagement. 3. Two bids were received, suggesting moderate competition. 4. The contract is for Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing. 5. Performance period spans from September 2025 to March 2027. 6. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty. 7. The award was made by the Department of the Army.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.2M for VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates appears reasonable given the duration and the nature of the product. Benchmarking against similar protective gear contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed price structure helps manage cost risks for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is the preferred method for maximizing competition and achieving best value. Two bids were received, which is a moderate level of competition. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, two bids still indicate that multiple sources were interested and capable of fulfilling the requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging a wider range of suppliers to bid, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and innovative solutions. The receipt of two bids suggests that the government received at least some price discovery, though further competition could have yielded greater savings.

Public Impact

Soldiers will benefit from enhanced torso protection through the VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates. The contract ensures the supply of LSAPI plates, a critical component for soldier safety. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of the Army's operational areas. Workforce implications may include manufacturing and logistics roles within the defense industrial base.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Ensuring consistent quality and performance of protective plates across all units.
Dependence on a limited number of bidders could pose future supply risks.

Positive Signals

Awarding to a known manufacturer in the defense sector.
Firm fixed price contract provides budget predictability.
Full and open competition promotes market access for qualified vendors.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector for personal protective equipment is highly specialized, with significant investment in research and development to enhance soldier survivability. This contract for VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates fits within the broader category of ordnance and protective gear manufacturing. The market is characterized by stringent quality requirements and long-term relationships between government agencies and specialized manufacturers.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this contract, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award was made to Leading Technology Composites Inc., which may or may not be a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army is responsible for oversight of this contract. As a firm fixed price contract, the primary oversight will focus on delivery schedules, quality control, and compliance with specifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, and any specific Inspector General jurisdiction would be determined by the nature of any potential issues that arise.

Related Government Programs

Body Armor Procurement
Personal Protective Equipment
Ordnance and Ammunition Manufacturing
Department of Defense Supply Chain

Risk Flags

Moderate Competition Level
Potential Supply Chain Risks
Quality Assurance Criticality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.2 million to LEADING TECHNOLOGY COMPOSITES INC. VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) LARES SMALL ARMS PROTECTIVE INSERT (LSAPI) PLATE VARIANT

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 $26.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-15. End: 2027-03-15.

What is the track record of Leading Technology Composites Inc. in supplying similar protective gear to the DoD?

Leading Technology Composites Inc. has a history of supplying composite materials and components for various defense applications. While specific details on their track record for VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates require deeper investigation into past contracts and performance reviews, their presence in the defense sector suggests familiarity with the stringent requirements. A review of their contract history with the DoD, including any past performance evaluations or awards for similar items, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in delivering critical protective equipment.

How does the per-unit cost of these VTP plates compare to similar market offerings or historical DoD purchases?

Without specific per-unit cost data or access to detailed historical purchasing records for comparable VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates, a direct comparison is challenging. The total contract value of $26.2M over a 546-day period suggests an average annual spend of approximately $17.7M. To benchmark the per-unit cost, one would need to know the quantity of plates being procured under this contract and compare that to industry pricing for similar ballistic protection levels and materials. Factors such as material innovation, manufacturing complexity, and required certifications significantly influence per-unit costs in this specialized market.

What are the primary risks associated with the performance and delivery of these protective plates?

Key risks include potential delays in manufacturing or supply chain disruptions, which could impact the timely delivery of critical protective gear to soldiers. Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to strict ballistic performance standards is paramount; any deviation could compromise soldier safety. Furthermore, reliance on a limited number of bidders, even with full and open competition, could present future supply chain vulnerabilities if unforeseen issues arise with the awarded contractor. Geopolitical events or changes in material availability could also pose risks.

How effective is the firm fixed price contract type in managing costs for this specific procurement?

The firm fixed price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in managing costs for procurements where the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood, such as the manufacturing of standardized protective plates. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, providing the government with budget certainty. For this VTP plate contract, FFP is advantageous as it incentivizes the contractor to control costs and improve efficiency to maximize profit. However, it may also lead to higher initial pricing as contractors may build in a contingency for unforeseen costs.

What is the historical spending trend for VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates or similar body armor by the Department of the Army?

Analyzing historical spending trends for VITAL TORSO PROTECTION (VTP) plates or similar body armor by the Department of the Army would require access to detailed procurement data over several fiscal years. Such analysis would reveal patterns in contract awards, average contract values, and fluctuations in demand. Understanding these trends can help identify periods of increased procurement, potential budget cycles, and the overall strategic importance placed on such protective equipment. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to ascertain if this $26.2M award represents a typical, increased, or decreased level of investment compared to past years.

What are the implications of receiving only two bids under a full and open competition for this contract?

Receiving only two bids under a full and open competition suggests that while the requirement was broadly advertised, the pool of capable and interested contractors may have been limited. This could be due to specialized manufacturing capabilities, high entry barriers, or specific technical requirements. While two bidders provide some level of competition and price discovery, it is less than ideal compared to a scenario with numerous bids, which typically drives more aggressive pricing and potentially better value. It also raises questions about whether the solicitation effectively reached all potential qualified sources or if there are underlying market constraints.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories 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

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: $26,225,617

Exercised Options: $26,225,617

Current Obligation: $26,225,617

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91CRB25D0012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline