DoD awards $1.6M for FORCE MODULE, with competition impacting price discovery

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,976,818 ($16.0M)

Contractor: THE Entwistle Company LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-09-25

End Date: 2009-08-31

Contract Duration: 340 days

Daily Burn Rate: $47.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FORCE MODULE

Place of Performance

Location: HUDSON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01749

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.0 million to THE ENTWISTLE COMPANY LLC for work described as: FORCE MODULE Key points: 1. Contract value of $1.6M for FORCE MODULE. 2. Competition method: Full and open after exclusion of sources. 3. Risk: Potential for higher costs due to limited competition. 4. Sector: Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.6M for FORCE MODULE appears reasonable given the limited competition. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more specific data on the module's components and complexity.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting an attempt to broaden the field. However, the exclusion of specific sources may have limited the competitive landscape, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of competitive procedures aims to secure fair pricing for taxpayers, but the specific exclusion of sources warrants scrutiny to ensure optimal value.

Public Impact

Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, though the exclusion of sources needs monitoring. The contract supports the Department of the Air Force's operational capabilities. This award contributes to the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition due to source exclusion.
  • Potential for price escalation if competition is truly restricted.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under a competitive procedure.
  • Firm Fixed Price contract type limits cost overruns.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector is critical for defense readiness. Spending benchmarks in this niche area are highly variable based on technological sophistication and production volume.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to THE ENTWISTLE COMPANY LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force. Oversight would involve monitoring performance, adherence to contract terms, and ensuring fair pricing throughout the contract duration.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition due to source exclusion.
  • Potential for higher unit costs.
  • Lack of transparency regarding excluded sources.
  • Dependence on a single supplier for specific components.

Tags

other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, ma, do, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.0 million to THE ENTWISTLE COMPANY LLC. FORCE MODULE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE ENTWISTLE COMPANY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-25. End: 2009-08-31.

What was the rationale for excluding specific sources in this 'full and open' competition?

The rationale for excluding specific sources under a 'full and open' competition typically relates to proprietary technology, unique capabilities, or national security concerns that necessitate limiting the pool of potential bidders. Understanding this specific exclusion is crucial for assessing whether the competition was truly optimized for best value or if it inadvertently restricted market access.

How does the $1.6M award compare to similar aircraft parts contracts in terms of value and scope?

Benchmarking this $1.6M award requires detailed analysis of the FORCE MODULE's specifications, complexity, and the specific market for comparable aircraft parts. Without this granular data, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the value suggests a significant component or system rather than a minor part, warranting scrutiny of its necessity and cost-effectiveness.

What is the potential impact of the 'exclusion of sources' on the long-term effectiveness and cost of the FORCE MODULE?

Excluding sources can limit innovation and potentially increase long-term costs if the chosen supplier faces fewer competitive pressures. It may also impact the availability of parts or upgrades if the excluded entities possess critical knowledge or capabilities. The long-term effectiveness hinges on the chosen supplier's performance and the government's ability to manage the contract without broader market alternatives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingOther Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT/REPAIR SHOP EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Entwistle Trust (UEI: 038269291)

Address: BIGELOW STREET, HUDSON, MA, 03

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,976,818

Exercised Options: $15,976,818

Current Obligation: $15,976,818

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA851804D0046

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2008-09-25

Current End Date: 2009-08-31

Potential End Date: 2009-08-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2010-09-20

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