DoD's $31.9M VIPER TETS EO contract awarded to Astronics Test Systems Inc. for electronic equipment repair
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,915,510 ($31.9M)
Contractor: Astronics Test Systems Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-08-20
End Date: 2008-05-31
Contract Duration: 285 days
Daily Burn Rate: $112.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: VIPER TETS EO AND RF/EO VARIANT
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32826
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $31.9 million to ASTRONICS TEST SYSTEMS INC for work described as: VIPER TETS EO AND RF/EO VARIANT Key points: 1. The contract value of $31.9 million represents a significant investment in specialized electronic equipment maintenance. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are crucial for ensuring fair pricing and optimal service delivery. 3. Risk indicators may include the specialized nature of the equipment and the potential for obsolescence. 4. Performance context is tied to the operational readiness of electronic systems within the Department of the Navy. 5. This contract falls within the broader sector of defense-related electronic maintenance and repair services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the scope of services and the complexity of the VIPER TETS EO systems. The fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, but the per-unit cost is not readily available for direct comparison. The award amount of $31.9 million for a duration of approximately 9 months indicates a substantial monthly expenditure, requiring careful scrutiny of the services rendered to ensure value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. With two bidders participating, the competition level appears moderate. This suggests that the pricing was likely influenced by competitive pressures, but further analysis would be needed to determine if it resulted in the most cost-effective outcome for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and better quality services.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Navy, ensuring the operational readiness of critical electronic systems. Services delivered include repair and maintenance for the VIPER TETS EO and RF/EO variant systems. The geographic impact is likely concentrated in Florida, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled technicians and support staff for specialized electronic equipment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical issues arise with specialized equipment.
- Risk of contractor performance issues impacting the availability of critical electronic systems.
- Dependency on a single contractor for specialized repair services could create future vulnerabilities.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
- Fixed-price contract type helps to control costs and provides budget certainty.
- Contractor's location in Florida may offer logistical advantages for servicing regional naval assets.
Sector Analysis
This contract operates within the defense electronics maintenance and repair sector. This industry is characterized by high technical specialization, stringent quality requirements, and significant government spending. The market size for defense electronics repair is substantial, driven by the continuous need to maintain complex military hardware. This contract fits within the broader category of sustainment services for defense platforms.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Astronics Test Systems Inc., will likely perform the majority of the work. The impact on the small business ecosystem is minimal in this instance, as opportunities for small business participation appear limited.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Maintenance and Repair Contracts
- Naval Electronic Systems Support
- Aerospace and Defense Testing Equipment Services
- Federal IT and Electronic Equipment Repair
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence
- Dependency on specialized repair expertise
- Risk of performance degradation impacting operational readiness
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, electronic-equipment-repair, maintenance-and-repair, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, florida, test-equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $31.9 million to ASTRONICS TEST SYSTEMS INC. VIPER TETS EO AND RF/EO VARIANT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASTRONICS TEST SYSTEMS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $31.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-08-20. End: 2008-05-31.
What is the specific nature of the VIPER TETS EO and RF/EO variant systems, and why are they critical to naval operations?
The VIPER TETS EO (Electronic Operations) and RF/EO (Radio Frequency/Electronic Operations) variants are specialized test equipment systems used by the Department of the Navy. These systems are critical for the calibration, testing, and maintenance of various electronic warfare, radar, and communication systems deployed on naval platforms. Their functionality ensures that these complex electronic systems operate within specified parameters, which is vital for mission success, situational awareness, and the overall combat effectiveness of naval vessels and aircraft. The precise nature of these systems implies a high degree of technical sophistication and a need for specialized expertise in their upkeep.
How does the $31.9 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar electronic repair and maintenance services within the Navy?
Comparing the $31.9 million contract value requires access to historical spending data for similar electronic repair and maintenance services within the Department of the Navy. Without specific benchmarks for the VIPER TETS EO systems, it's difficult to definitively state if this amount is high or low. However, given the specialized nature of electronic warfare and radar systems, such contracts can be substantial. Factors influencing historical spending include the number of systems in operation, their age, technological complexity, and the frequency of required maintenance. A comprehensive analysis would involve examining contracts for comparable test equipment and repair services over the past 5-10 years to identify trends and outliers.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess the contractor's performance under this fixed-price contract?
Under a firm fixed-price contract, key performance indicators (KPIs) are typically established to ensure the contractor meets the defined scope of work and quality standards. While specific KPIs for this contract are not detailed in the provided data, common indicators for such services include: on-time delivery of repaired equipment, adherence to calibration and testing standards, equipment uptime and reliability post-repair, and customer satisfaction ratings from naval units. The government would likely monitor metrics related to the successful completion of repair tasks, turnaround times for equipment, and the accuracy of diagnostic and repair procedures to ensure the operational readiness of the electronic systems.
What is Astronics Test Systems Inc.'s track record with the Department of Defense, particularly in electronic repair and maintenance?
Astronics Test Systems Inc. has a history of providing test solutions and services to the defense industry. While specific details of their track record for this particular contract are not provided, their ability to win a full and open competition contract of this magnitude suggests they possess the necessary technical capabilities and experience. A deeper dive into their contract history with the DoD would reveal the types of systems they have supported, their performance ratings on past contracts, and any significant issues or accolades received. This would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in electronic repair and maintenance for defense applications.
Are there any identified risks associated with the technological obsolescence of the VIPER TETS EO systems that could impact the long-term value of this contract?
Technological obsolescence is a significant risk for any contract involving specialized electronic equipment, especially within the defense sector where technology evolves rapidly. If the VIPER TETS EO systems are nearing the end of their lifecycle or rely on components that are no longer manufactured, the cost and complexity of repairs could escalate. This could impact the long-term value of the contract if the government is investing in maintaining systems that are soon to be replaced. Mitigation strategies might include provisions for technology refresh or replacement planning within the contract, or prioritizing repairs for systems with longer projected service lives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Astronics Corporation (UEI: 049829302)
Address: 12889 INGENUITY DR, ORLANDO, FL, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $138,833,995
Exercised Options: $92,921,813
Current Obligation: $31,915,510
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: M6785405D3011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-08-20
Current End Date: 2008-05-31
Potential End Date: 2011-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2007-12-06
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