USSOCOM Awards $137.6M Fixed Wing Air Transport to Berry Aviation, Inc. Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $137,639,467 ($137.6M)

Contractor: Berry Aviation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-08-11

End Date: 2022-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,027 days

Daily Burn Rate: $67.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF USSOCOM FIXED WING AIR TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $137.6 million to BERRY AVIATION, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF USSOCOM FIXED WING AIR TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $137.6 million for fixed-wing air transportation. 2. Berry Aviation, Inc. is the sole awardee, indicating a single provider for this service. 3. The contract spans over 6 years, suggesting a long-term need for these services. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, implying a competitive bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $137.6 million for fixed-wing air transportation appears reasonable given the 6-year duration and the nature of specialized aviation support. Benchmarking against similar long-term, full-service aviation contracts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more favorable price than a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

Ensures critical air transportation capabilities for USSOCOM operations. Supports military readiness and personnel movement. Provides specialized fixed-wing aircraft services. Long-term contract offers stability for service provision. Potential for economic impact on the aviation sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of specific performance metrics or quality assurance details.
  • Potential for cost overruns if operational needs change significantly.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for a critical service.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Firm fixed price contract type limits cost uncertainty.
  • Long contract duration provides service continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the transportation and logistics sector, specifically focusing on specialized air charter services. Government spending in this area is crucial for military operations, troop movement, and logistical support, with benchmarks varying widely based on aircraft type, mission, and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that the awardee is Berry Aviation, Inc. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting opportunities within this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by USTRANSCOM, a component of the Department of Defense responsible for global transportation. Oversight would typically involve contract management teams ensuring performance, adherence to terms, and financial accountability throughout the contract's lifecycle.

Related Government Programs

  • Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • USTRANSCOM Programs

Risk Flags

  • Long-term contract duration increases exposure to market volatility.
  • Sole awardee may limit future competitive opportunities.
  • Lack of detailed performance metrics in summary data.
  • Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.

Tags

nonscheduled-chartered-passenger-air-tra, department-of-defense, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $137.6 million to BERRY AVIATION, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF USSOCOM FIXED WING AIR TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BERRY AVIATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (USTRANSCOM).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $137.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-08-11. End: 2022-02-28.

What specific types of fixed-wing aircraft are being utilized under this contract, and how do their operational costs compare to industry averages for similar missions?

The provided data does not specify the types of fixed-wing aircraft. Understanding the fleet composition is crucial for a precise cost assessment. If the aircraft are specialized or require unique maintenance, their operational costs could exceed standard benchmarks. A detailed breakdown of aircraft types and their utilization rates would be necessary for a comprehensive comparison against industry averages for similar charter missions.

Given the 6-year duration, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate risks associated with potential increases in fuel costs or unforeseen operational challenges?

The contract is firm fixed price, which generally shifts the risk of cost increases to the contractor. However, specific clauses regarding fuel price adjustments, contingency planning, or force majeure events would need to be reviewed. Robust oversight by USTRANSCOM is essential to monitor operational performance and address any emerging challenges proactively to ensure mission success and taxpayer value.

How effectively does this contract support USSOCOM's unique operational requirements compared to alternative transportation solutions?

This contract provides dedicated fixed-wing air transportation, suggesting it's tailored to USSOCOM's specific needs for speed, reach, or specialized cargo/personnel movement that may not be met by standard military airlift or commercial passenger flights. The long-term nature and full and open competition indicate a deliberate choice to secure reliable, cost-effective support for these unique requirements over an extended period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and WarehousingNonscheduled Air TransportationNonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATIONTRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HTC71116RR018

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Berry Aviation Inc.

Address: 1807 AIRPORT DR, SAN MARCOS, TX, 78666

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $137,639,467

Exercised Options: $137,639,467

Current Obligation: $137,639,467

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HTC71116DR021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2016-08-11

Current End Date: 2022-02-28

Potential End Date: 2022-02-28 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2023-02-02

More Contracts from Berry Aviation, Inc.

View all Berry Aviation, Inc. federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending