Naval Air Warfare Center awards $175M contract for training aids, with D.P. Associates Inc. as prime
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,629,176 ($24.6M)
Contractor: D.P. Associates Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-12-02
End Date: 2012-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,737 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200503!043626!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133903D5017 !A!N! !N!0008 ! !20041202!20060601!175339498!175339498!175339498!N!D P ASSOCIATES INC !3401 COLUMBIA PIKE FL 4 !ARLINGTON !VA!22204!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEXANDRIA (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000009548811!N!N!000000000000!6910!TRAINING AIDS !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !333319!A!A!5!B!M! !E! !20200930!B! ! !A! !A!N!J!1!001!B! !A!N!D! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! !Y!1710!N00019!0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22204
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $24.6 million to D.P. ASSOCIATES INC. for work described as: 200503!043626!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133903D5017 !A!N! !N!0008 ! !20041202!20060601!175339498!175339498!175339498!N!D P ASSOCIATES INC !3401 COLUMBIA PIKE FL 4 !ARLINGTON !VA!22204!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEX… Key points: 1. Contract value of $175.4M over its life suggests a significant investment in training capabilities. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract (2737 days) points to a long-term need for these training aids. 4. The primary service category is 'Training Aids', crucial for military readiness and skill development. 5. The contractor, D.P. Associates Inc., has secured a substantial portion of the contract value. 6. The contract's performance period spans over 7 years, from late 2004 to mid-2012.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total contract value of $175.4 million for training aids appears reasonable given the long duration and the nature of specialized military equipment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale training system contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded through full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The fact that it was competed suggests that the Navy sought the best value and pricing available in the market. Without specific details on the number of bids received, it's difficult to definitively assess the intensity of the competition, but the process itself implies a degree of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to more competitive pricing for taxpayers, as multiple companies vie for the contract, driving down costs and encouraging innovation.
Public Impact
Naval personnel across various air warfare platforms benefit from enhanced training capabilities. The contract delivers essential training aids, likely simulators, mock-ups, or other instructional materials. The geographic impact is primarily on naval air stations where training occurs, with potential for wider distribution. The contract supports jobs within the defense contracting industry, specifically in the manufacturing and support of training equipment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to potential obsolescence of training technology if not managed proactively.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for a significant value over many years may limit flexibility.
- The specific nature of 'training aids' can be broad; ensuring the delivered items precisely meet evolving training needs is critical.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive environment that should yield good value.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor, protecting the government from unexpected increases.
- The substantial value indicates a recognized and sustained need for these critical training resources.
Sector Analysis
The defense sector, particularly within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), heavily relies on advanced training solutions. The market for military training aids, including simulators and virtual reality systems, is substantial and competitive. This contract fits within the broader category of defense readiness and personnel development, where spending is often driven by technological advancements and operational requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within other large-scale simulation and training contracts awarded by the Department of Defense.
Small Business Impact
There is no explicit indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting plans in the provided data. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which does not inherently prioritize small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if there were specific goals set for their participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. The contract's long duration suggests regular performance reviews and milestone tracking. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Contracts
- Training and Simulation Systems
- Defense Readiness Programs
- Military Personnel Development
- Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS)
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to technology obsolescence.
- Potential for scope creep or requirement changes over the extended performance period.
- Need for robust ongoing oversight to ensure sustained contractor performance.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, naval-air-warfare-center, training-aids, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, long-duration, virginia, d-p-associates-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $24.6 million to D.P. ASSOCIATES INC.. 200503!043626!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133903D5017 !A!N! !N!0008 ! !20041202!20060601!175339498!175339498!175339498!N!D P ASSOCIATES INC !3401 COLUMBIA PIKE FL 4 !ARLINGTON !VA!22204!01000!510!51!ALEXANDRIA !ALEXANDRIA (CITY) !VIRGINIA !+000009548811!N!N!000000000000!6910!TRAINING AIDS !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !333319!A!A!5!B!M! !E! !202
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is D.P. ASSOCIATES 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 $24.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-12-02. End: 2012-05-31.
What is the specific type and capability of the 'Training Aids' being procured under this contract?
The provided data classifies the Product Service Code (PSC) as 6910, which corresponds to 'Training Aids'. This broad category can encompass a wide range of items, including but not limited to flight simulators, virtual reality training systems, maintenance trainers, tactical decision-making simulators, and instructional materials. Without more specific contract details or line item descriptions, the exact nature and capabilities of these training aids remain undefined. However, given the context of the Naval Air Warfare Center, it is highly probable that these aids are sophisticated systems designed to replicate real-world operational environments for pilot, crew, or maintenance personnel training, supporting the readiness and effectiveness of naval aviation assets.
How does the $175.4 million contract value compare to other similar training aid procurements by the Navy or DoD?
The total contract value of $175.4 million over approximately 7.5 years (December 2004 to May 2012) represents a significant investment. To benchmark this value, one would typically compare it to other large-scale contracts for advanced training systems, simulators, or educational platforms awarded by the Department of Defense. For instance, major simulator contracts for aircraft like the F-35 or other high-value platforms often run into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. While $175.4 million is substantial, its relative value depends heavily on the complexity, quantity, and technological sophistication of the specific training aids. A direct comparison would require identifying contracts with similar Product Service Codes (PSCs) and similar performance periods within the same timeframe.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate the success of this contract?
The provided data does not explicitly detail the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or metrics for this contract. However, for a contract focused on 'Training Aids', typical performance metrics would likely include factors such as system reliability and availability (uptime), training effectiveness (measured by trainee performance improvements), adherence to delivery schedules, technical performance specifications (e.g., fidelity of simulation), and user satisfaction from training command personnel. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting these defined performance standards is crucial for the contractor to achieve full payment and avoid penalties.
What is the track record of D.P. Associates Inc. in fulfilling large defense contracts, particularly for training systems?
The data indicates that D.P. Associates Inc. is the prime contractor for this $175.4 million contract. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on similar contracts, looking at factors such as on-time delivery, quality of products/services, cost control, and customer satisfaction ratings. Information on previous contracts, including their value, duration, and agency, would be essential. A review of contract award histories and performance evaluations (if publicly available) would provide insight into their reliability and expertise in delivering complex training solutions for the Department of Defense or other government agencies.
Are there any identified risks associated with the long duration (over 7 years) of this contract?
Yes, there are several potential risks associated with a contract of this duration. Technological obsolescence is a primary concern; training technologies can evolve rapidly, and aids procured at the beginning of a long contract may become outdated before its completion. This could necessitate costly upgrades or replacements. Programmatic risks include potential shifts in military requirements, budget reallocations, or changes in strategic priorities that might reduce the need for the specific training aids. Furthermore, managing a long-term contract requires sustained oversight to ensure continued performance, contractor stability, and adaptation to evolving needs. Contractor performance could also degrade over time due to personnel turnover or changes in company focus.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc.
Address: 1320 BRADDOCK PL STE 700, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N6133903D5017
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-12-02
Current End Date: 2012-05-31
Potential End Date: 2012-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-08-09
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