From today's DoD contract awards:

Atlantic Diving Supply Inc.,* Virginia Beach, Virginia, was awarded a $49,000,000 firm-fixed-
price contract for the Modular Handgun Holster to be used with the Modular Handgun System M17 and M18 pistols. Bids were solicited via the Internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 29, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QY-18-D-0223).

Is this "Atlantic Diving Supply" the actual manufacturer or are they some sort of middle man?

https://www.defense.gov/News/C...iew/Article/1588257/

Looks like a middle man in that they are not in the holster business per se.

https://www.nasdaq.com/markets...cal-inc-847423-66322

"We believe we are a leading provider of value-added logistics and supply
chain solutions specializing in tactical and operational equipment, based on
2010 sales. We drive sales between a fragmented base of vendors and
a decentralized group of customers by tailoring our solutions to meet their

needs. Most of our over 4,000 active customers (in the past 24 months) are
within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
Our business model is adaptable and scalable to serve other domestic and
foreign government agencies. Through our vendor network, we offer our
customers access to over 160,000 items, which we combine with our broad suite
of value-added supply chain management services. Our flexible operating model
allows us to maintain an asset-light, low-inventory business. We believe our
value proposition has allowed us to drive the growth in demand for the
products and related services we offer while building upon the strength of
our market position, as evidenced by the compound annual growth rate of our
net sales, net income and EBITDA from 2006 to 2010 of 61%, 84% and 80%,
respectively.

Our customers need the products we offer for ongoing training and to be
prepared for a variety of peacetime operations and missions at home and
abroad. The products we offer include apparel, expeditionary equipment,
optical equipment, communications equipment, emergency medical supplies,
lighting, eyewear and other items from approximately 1,400 active vendors
(in the past 24 months) such as Camelbak, Hunter Defense Technologies, L-3
Communications, Oakley and SureFire. Most of the products we distribute
require regular replacement due to wear and tear and technological
advancements. We combine the distribution of our products with our
value-added supply chain management services, which enable us to streamline
the procurement process for our customers by anticipating their product needs,
to achieve on-time and accurate delivery and to provide in one place
a selection of products to meet specific tactical and operational
requirements. Our value-added supply chain management services include kitting
and assembly, custom sourcing, training, product research and development and
quality assurance and quality management systems.

We seek to be a critical partner to each of our customers and vendors. Our
value proposition is driven by the combination of three key factors:


• Deep-Rooted Customer Relationships. By utilizing our logistics solutions
and access to our broad portfolio of contractual procurement vehicles, our
customers may save time and money, which generates repeat business and
fosters deep relationships with our customers.

• Strategic Vendor Alliances. Our vendors are able to leverage our
experienced sales force, product knowledge, customer relationships and
access to contractual procurement vehicles to drive demand for their
products and reach a customer base that may otherwise be difficult for them
to access independently.

• Broad Portfolio of Contractual Procurement Vehicles. Our contractual
procurement vehicles provide multiple channels through which our customers
can purchase, and our vendors can sell, any of the over 160,000 items we
offer without the need for time-consuming individual contracts or
open-market bid processes. Our contractual procurement vehicles give our
vendors access to customers they may not independently have and enable the
U.S. government to realize increased procurement efficiencies.

-----

We were originally incorporated in Virginia in 1997. Our principal executive
offices are located at 621 Lynnhaven Parkway, Suite 400, Virginia Beach,
Virginia 23452. Our telephone number is (757) 481-7758. Our website address is
www.adsinc.com."

This posted in December of 2017 about the initial and subsequent issue holsters.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com...ariland-7ts-variant/

THe M17 is currently being issued with a Safariland 7TS ALS/SLS holster:

$49,000,000 sounds like a lot of holsters.

"The holster is the first of at least three holsters to be procured as part of the MHS program, to be followed by a variant that accommodates an aiming laser/light module, as well as a concealed holster for the M18 compact variant. The holster was procured through the tailored logistics program, and the vendor selected for its ability to meet MHS’s timeline, according to a Military.com article written by Matthew Cox."

quote:

Originally posted by Dawes:
$49,000,000 sounds like a lot of holsters.

Especially as the number I've see regarding the purchase of the firearms is $58M.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGWolf:

quote:

Originally posted by Dawes:
$49,000,000 sounds like a lot of holsters.

Especially as the number I've see regarding the purchase of the firearms is $58M.

This was the original contract amount:

Sig Sauer Inc., Newington, New Hampshire, was awarded up to $580,217,000 for a firm-fixed-price contract for the Modular Handgun System including handgun, accessories and ammunition to replace the current M9 handgun. Bids were solicited via the Internet with nine received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 19, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-17-D-0016).

quote:

Originally posted by Dawes:
$49,000,000 sounds like a lot of holsters.

Total contract value over xx years; I suspect it includes contract options, that may or may not be exercised.

If I am not mistaken, Atlantic Diving Supply is part of the same group of SEALs that own London Bridge Trading.

So at $100 per holster, they are procuring nearly 5M holsters?

I don't know, does this also include mag pouches and related items?

ADS is kind of like Galls for the Militrary. I've dealt with them (almost everyone in S-4 has) and they are very good at getting Uncle Sams' money. I'm interested if the award includes pistol belts and mag pouches and if this award will replace the MP's Uncle Mikes retention holsters.

Very interesting....