Naval Air Warfare Center awards $175M for training aids, with D.P. Associates Inc. securing a significant portion
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,258,956 ($26.3M)
Contractor: D.P. Associates Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-08-31
End Date: 2010-02-26
Contract Duration: 1,275 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200611!492762!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133903D5017 !A!N! !N!0013 ! !20060831!20070831!175339498!175339498!175339498!N!D P ASSOCIATES INC !3401 COLUMBIA PIKE FL 4 !ARLINGTON !VA!22204!12290!049!37!CHERRY POINT !CRAVEN !N CAROLINA!+000005436239!N!N!000000000000!6910!TRAINING AIDS !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !220 !C130-J !334111!E! !5!B!M! !E! !99990909!B!B!Y!N!Z!A!U!U!2!002!K! !A!Y!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !Z! !B!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! !Y!1700!N61339!0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: CHERRY POINT, CRAVEN County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28533
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.3 million to D.P. ASSOCIATES INC. for work described as: 200611!492762!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133903D5017 !A!N! !N!0013 ! !20060831!20070831!175339498!175339498!175339498!N!D P ASSOCIATES INC !3401 COLUMBIA PIKE FL 4 !ARLINGTON !VA!22204!12290!049!37!CHERRY POINT !CRAV… Key points: 1. Contract value of $175.3 million for training aids suggests a substantial investment in military readiness. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. A high number of bids (205) suggests robust market interest and potential for competitive pricing. 4. The contract duration of 1275 days (over 3 years) points to a long-term need for these training solutions. 5. The primary service category is 'Training Aids', crucial for effective military personnel development. 6. The award to D.P. Associates Inc. represents a significant portion of the total contract value, highlighting their role.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award ceiling of $175.3 million over its period of performance is substantial for training aids. Benchmarking against similar contracts for complex training systems is difficult without more specific service details. However, the presence of 205 bids suggests that the pricing was likely competitive, and the government aimed for value. The firm-fixed-price contract type generally provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the contractor can manage their expenses effectively.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with a significant number of bids received (205). This indicates a healthy level of market interest and a robust competitive environment. The high number of bidders suggests that multiple companies were capable of meeting the government's requirements, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in more favorable pricing and a wider array of solutions being considered, maximizing the value of the government's investment.
Public Impact
Naval personnel, particularly those undergoing training at Cherry Point, North Carolina, will benefit from enhanced training capabilities. The contract delivers essential training aids, likely including simulators, mock-ups, and other instructional materials, to improve operational readiness. The geographic impact is centered around naval air stations, with specific mention of Cherry Point, NC. The contract supports the defense industrial base and potentially creates or sustains jobs within the sector related to training and simulation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for contractor lock-in if D.P. Associates Inc. becomes the sole provider of specific training aids.
- Risk of cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price contract does not adequately account for unforeseen development or production challenges.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical training components could pose a supply chain risk.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
- High number of bidders (205) suggests strong vendor interest and potential for cost savings.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained support and development of training capabilities.
Sector Analysis
The defense training and simulation market is a significant segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry. Companies in this sector develop and provide a wide range of products and services, from software simulations to physical mock-ups and maintenance trainers. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining military readiness and ensuring personnel are proficient with complex systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific type of training aids procured, but multi-million dollar contracts are common for advanced simulation and training solutions.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-asides. While D.P. Associates Inc. is listed as the contractor, their size relative to small business definitions is not provided. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, if any, in fulfilling this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor bears most of the cost risk, but performance monitoring is still crucial. Inspector General (IG) reports related to defense contracts could provide insights into potential issues or efficiencies. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.
Related Government Programs
- Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Contracts
- Defense Training and Simulation Programs
- Military Readiness and Personnel Development
- Aerospace and Defense Industry Spending
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence given the long contract duration.
- Need for robust oversight to ensure performance and value over the contract's life.
- Dependence on contractor's financial stability for long-term project execution.
Tags
defense, department-of-the-navy, naval-air-warfare-center, training-aids, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, north-carolina, cherry-point, aviation-training, simulation, d-p-associates-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.3 million to D.P. ASSOCIATES INC.. 200611!492762!1700!N61339!NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER !N6133903D5017 !A!N! !N!0013 ! !20060831!20070831!175339498!175339498!175339498!N!D P ASSOCIATES INC !3401 COLUMBIA PIKE FL 4 !ARLINGTON !VA!22204!12290!049!37!CHERRY POINT !CRAVEN !N CAROLINA!+000005436239!N!N!000000000000!6910!TRAINING AIDS !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !220 !C130-J !334111!E! !5!B!M! !E! !999
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 $26.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-08-31. End: 2010-02-26.
What is the specific nature of the 'training aids' being procured under this contract?
The contract specifies 'TRAINING AIDS' under the Product Service Code (PSC) 6910. While the exact nature isn't detailed in the provided data, this PSC typically encompasses items such as training simulators, mock-ups, training devices, instructional models, and other equipment used for educational and training purposes. Given the context of the Naval Air Warfare Center, these aids are likely related to aviation systems, maintenance procedures, or operational tactics for naval aircraft. The specific type of aids would significantly influence their complexity, cost, and the contractor's required expertise.
How does the awarded amount of $175.3 million compare to historical spending on similar training aids by the Navy?
Without access to historical spending databases for specific training aid categories, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $175.3 million represents a substantial investment. The Naval Air Warfare Center is a major procurer of advanced training systems for naval aviation. Contracts of this magnitude are indicative of significant modernization efforts or the need to equip new platforms or upgrade existing training infrastructure. To provide a precise benchmark, one would need to analyze past contracts for similar training devices (e.g., flight simulators, maintenance trainers) awarded by NAVAIR or other naval commands over the last decade.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate the success of this contract?
The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for training aid contracts, typical KPIs often include factors such as simulator fidelity (how accurately it replicates the real system), system uptime and reliability, user satisfaction ratings from trainees and instructors, adherence to delivery schedules, and the effectiveness of the training delivered (measured through trainee performance improvements or reduced error rates). The firm-fixed-price nature suggests that meeting the defined specifications and delivery timelines would be paramount.
What is the track record of D.P. Associates Inc. in fulfilling large defense contracts, particularly in the training and simulation sector?
D.P. Associates Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, as indicated by this award. To assess their track record specifically for large defense contracts in training and simulation, a deeper dive into their contract history would be necessary. This would involve examining past awards, contract performance ratings (if available), and any reported issues or successes on similar projects. Their ability to secure a significant portion of a $175.3 million contract suggests they have the capacity and capability, but a comprehensive review of past performance is essential for a full assessment.
What are the potential risks associated with the long duration (over 3 years) of this contract?
The long duration of this contract (1275 days) presents several potential risks. Technological obsolescence is a key concern; training aids, especially those involving software or complex electronics, can become outdated quickly. There's also a risk of scope creep if requirements evolve significantly over the contract period, potentially leading to cost increases if not managed carefully. Furthermore, maintaining contractor performance and engagement over an extended period requires consistent oversight. Finally, economic fluctuations or changes in defense priorities could impact the continued need for or funding of these specific training aids.
How does the geographic location of the primary performance site (Cherry Point, NC) influence the contract's execution and impact?
The designation of Cherry Point, North Carolina, as a primary performance or delivery location suggests that the training aids are intended for use at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. This location is a major hub for naval aviation training and operations. Having the performance site there could facilitate closer collaboration between the contractor and end-users, allowing for more direct feedback and potentially faster integration of the training aids. It also implies a direct impact on the readiness and training capabilities of the personnel stationed or training at that specific base.
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: 2
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
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N6133903D5017
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-08-31
Current End Date: 2010-02-26
Potential End Date: 2010-02-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-08-09
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