The Curious Case of the $1.2B Army Contract

In the high-stakes world of government contracting, a single award can make headlines. But what happens when a $1.2 billion U.S. Army contract is awarded to a nearly invisible small business operating out of a suburban home? This is the story of Acquisition Logistics LLC, a little-known firm with no public website and a minimal track record, that stunned the industry by winning a deal to build and operate the nation’s largest migrant detention facility at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Join us as we investigate the fallout from this shocking award. We'll explore:

• The Company: Who is Kenneth A. Wagner, the 77-year-old retired Navy flight officer behind the company, and how did his firm beat out 12 other bidders?
• The Controversy: Why has this contract drawn intense scrutiny from lawmakers like Rep. Veronica Escobar, watchdog groups, and rival bidders who have filed formal protests and lawsuits?
• The Real Story: We'll debunk the myths—this wasn't a no-bid deal—and reveal the facts about the competitive small-business set-aside that made this David-versus-Goliath win possible. We’ll also look at the critical role of subcontractors like Disaster Management Group (DMG) in making the project feasible.
• The Lessons: Beyond the headlines, what does this outlier case teach every small business about risk, opportunity, and what it really takes to win—and execute—a massive federal contract?

Tune in to unravel the mystery of the $1.2 billion Army contract that has everyone in the GovCon world talking.

Title: The GovCon Outlier: Lessons from a $1.2B Small Business Win

Description:

Is it possible for a small business to land a billion-dollar federal contract? The answer is yes, but it’s not a simple blueprint—it’s an outlier. In July 2025, Acquisition Logistics LLC, a small, veteran-owned disadvantaged business, was awarded a $1.2 billion contract by the U.S. Army to manage a controversial 5,000-bed migrant detention center. The award sent shockwaves through the industry, raising questions about readiness, risk, and responsibility.

This episode is a deep dive into one of the most talked-about federal awards in recent memory, offering actionable lessons for any small business aiming to grow in the government marketplace. We cover:

• How They Won: An analysis of the procurement strategy, which was a 100% small-business set-aside that attracted 13 bidders and sidelined industry giants.
• The Power of Teaming: A look at how Acquisition Logistics leveraged key subcontractors, like Disaster Management Group, to provide the necessary construction and operational capacity—a critical lesson in augmenting your capabilities.
• Navigating the Fallout: The contract immediately faced intense scrutiny, a GAO bid protest, and a federal lawsuit. We discuss the importance of preparing for oversight and managing public perception when you win big.
• A Checklist for Growth: From building past performance and understanding NAICS codes to shoring up financial readiness, we break down the key takeaways that can help your firm responsibly pursue outsized opportunities.

If you’re a small business owner in the federal space, this cautionary tale of incredible risk and reward is a must-listen.