DoD Awards $27.3M for JPATS OFT/IFT Upgrade, FlightSafety Defense Corp. Wins Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,297,248 ($27.3M)

Contractor: Flightsafety Defense Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-02-08

End Date: 2016-08-19

Contract Duration: 1,288 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: JPATS OFT AND IFT UPGRADE, VDB, VITAL VU UPGRADE

Place of Performance

Location: ENGLEWOOD, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80112

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.3 million to FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION for work described as: JPATS OFT AND IFT UPGRADE, VDB, VITAL VU UPGRADE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to FlightSafety Defense Corporation for JPATS OFT and IFT upgrades. 2. The contract value is $27.3 million, with a duration of 1288 days. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The sector is primarily Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing, with defense applications.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $27.3 million for a multi-year upgrade project appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar complex training system upgrades would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to yield fair pricing, maximizing taxpayer value for essential military training system upgrades.

Public Impact

Enhances critical flight training capabilities for the JPATS program. Supports the readiness and effectiveness of military aviators. Represents investment in advanced simulation and training technology.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns in complex upgrade projects.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for critical system upgrades.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Addresses critical training needs for military personnel.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on training systems and simulation technology. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining military readiness and technological superiority.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific involvement or subcontracting with small businesses for this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine potential opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was a delivery order under an existing contract, suggesting some level of prior oversight. However, the duration and value warrant continued monitoring of performance and costs.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Long contract duration.
  • Firm fixed price for a complex upgrade.
  • Potential for scope creep.
  • Reliance on specific technology.

Tags

other-commercial-and-service-industry-ma, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.3 million to FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION. JPATS OFT AND IFT UPGRADE, VDB, VITAL VU UPGRADE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-02-08. End: 2016-08-19.

What is the specific impact of the VDB and VITAL VU upgrades on pilot training effectiveness?

The VDB (Visual Database) and VITAL VU (Virtual Visual System) upgrades are expected to significantly enhance pilot training realism. This includes more accurate environmental simulations, improved visual fidelity, and potentially new training scenarios, leading to better preparedness for complex operational environments and reduced training time for specific skill sets.

What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and fixed-price nature of this contract?

The primary risks include potential cost increases due to unforeseen technical challenges or scope creep, which are not fully covered by the firm fixed price. The long duration also increases the risk of technology obsolescence or changes in training requirements that may not be adequately addressed by the current contract, potentially requiring costly modifications or new procurements.

How does this investment align with the Department of Defense's broader modernization and training strategies?

This investment aligns with the DoD's strategy to modernize training infrastructure and leverage advanced technologies for pilot proficiency. By upgrading simulation capabilities, the DoD aims to provide more cost-effective and realistic training, reducing reliance on live-fly hours while maintaining or improving pilot readiness and adapting to evolving threats and operational demands.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingCommercial and Service Industry Machinery ManufacturingOther Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: W900KK08R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (UEI: 001024314)

Address: 10770 E BRIARWOOD AVE STE 100, CENTENNIAL, CO, 80112

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,297,248

Exercised Options: $27,297,248

Current Obligation: $27,297,248

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK09D0338

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2013-02-08

Current End Date: 2016-08-19

Potential End Date: 2016-08-19 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2018-10-17

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