DoD's $44M aircraft structural component repair contract awarded to DynCorp International LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,035,957 ($44.0M)

Contractor: Dyncorp Technical Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2004-10-01

End Date: 2005-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $121.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200505!000010!5700!FA8108!OC-ALC/LAD CFT !F3460197D0422 !A!N! !N!0143 ! !20041001!20050930!608461898!003242013!009581091!N!DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC !6500 WEST FWY STE 500 !FORT WORTH !TX!76116!60650!037!24!PATUXENT RIVER NAS !ST. MARY S !MARYLAND !+000016020300!N!N!000000000000!J015!MAINT & REPAIR OF EQ/AIRCRAFT STRUCTURAL COMPS !A1C!OTHER AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT !000 !* !336413!E! !5!B!M! !A! !20200930!B! ! !A! !A!U!Y!2!004!B! !C!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !C!A!A!A!000!A!C!N! ! ! !Y!1700! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: PATUXENT RIVER, ST. MARY'S County, MARYLAND, 20670

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $44.0 million to DYNCORP TECHNICAL SERVICES INC for work described as: 200505!000010!5700!FA8108!OC-ALC/LAD CFT !F3460197D0422 !A!N! !N!0143 ! !20041001!20050930!608461898!003242013!009581091!N!DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC !6500 WEST FWY STE 500 !FORT WORTH !TX!76116!60650!037!24!PATUXENT RIVER NAS !ST. … Key points: 1. Contract value of $44M for aircraft structural component repair. 2. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force. 3. Contract duration of approximately one year. 4. Service performed at Patuxent River NAS, Maryland. 5. Contract type is Time and Materials. 6. DynCorp Technical Services Inc. is the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $44 million for a one-year period for aircraft structural component repair appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized maintenance services. However, without specific benchmarks for the types of repairs performed or the complexity of the aircraft components, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Time and Materials pricing structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored, but it also allows for flexibility in addressing unforeseen repair needs. Further analysis would require comparing this contract's unit rates and overall cost to similar repair services for comparable aircraft.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of four bids suggests a competitive environment, which generally benefits the government by driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The specific details of the bidding process, such as the number of proposals received and the evaluation criteria, would provide further insight into the effectiveness of the competition in securing the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and ensures that the contract is awarded to the most capable and cost-effective provider.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force benefits from the maintenance and repair of its aircraft structural components, ensuring operational readiness. Services delivered include repair of structural components for aircraft. Geographic impact is centered at Patuxent River NAS in Maryland. Workforce implications include employment for skilled technicians and support staff at the contractor's location and the naval air station.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to Time and Materials contract type if not managed diligently.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical structural repair services.
Limited visibility into the specific repair processes and quality control measures without further data.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Contractor has a track record in providing technical services, implying some level of expertise.
Service location at a major naval air station indicates alignment with operational needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft components. The market for aircraft MRO is substantial, driven by the need to maintain aging fleets and ensure the operational readiness of military and commercial aircraft. Spending in this area is critical for national security and economic activity, supporting a specialized workforce and supply chain. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically consider the type of aircraft, the complexity of the components, and the scope of repair work required.

Small Business Impact

There is no explicit indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements in the provided data. The contract was awarded to DynCorp Technical Services Inc., a large business. Further investigation would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities were mandated or voluntarily pursued by the prime contractor to engage small businesses in the performance of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contract administration team within the Department of the Air Force. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and financial oversight are standard mechanisms to ensure the contractor meets the terms of the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific oversight reports or inspector general investigations related to this particular contract are not detailed in the provided data.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Services
Aerospace Component Manufacturing and Repair
Defense Logistics and Support Services
Naval Air Station Operations and Support

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
Limited data on specific repair quality metrics or performance outcomes.
Contract duration is relatively short, potentially leading to continuity issues if not re-competed effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $44.0 million to DYNCORP TECHNICAL SERVICES INC. 200505!000010!5700!FA8108!OC-ALC/LAD CFT !F3460197D0422 !A!N! !N!0143 ! !20041001!20050930!608461898!003242013!009581091!N!DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC !6500 WEST FWY STE 500 !FORT WORTH !TX!76116!60650!037!24!PATUXENT RIVER NAS !ST. MARY S !MARYLAND !+000016020300!N!N!000000000000!J015!MAINT & REPAIR OF EQ/AIRCRAFT STRUCTURAL COMPS !A1C!OTHER AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT !000 !* !336413!E! !5!B!M! !A! !202

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DYNCORP TECHNICAL SERVICES INC.

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 $44.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-10-01. End: 2005-09-30.

What is DynCorp International LLC's track record with similar Department of Defense contracts?

DynCorp International LLC, and its subsidiary DynCorp Technical Services Inc., have a significant history of performing various services for the Department of Defense, including aviation maintenance, logistics, and technical support. They have been awarded numerous contracts across different branches of the military, often involving complex operational support and maintenance tasks. While this specific contract focuses on aircraft structural component repair, their broader experience suggests a capacity to handle such requirements. A deeper dive into their past performance reviews, contract modifications, and any past disputes or awards would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and effectiveness in fulfilling similar DoD obligations.

How does the $44 million contract value compare to similar aircraft structural repair contracts?

Comparing the $44 million contract value requires context regarding the specific aircraft types, the scope of structural components repaired, and the duration of the contract. For a one-year contract, $44 million is a substantial amount, suggesting either a high volume of repairs, repairs on complex or large aircraft, or a combination of both. Benchmarking against similar contracts would involve identifying awards for structural repair services on comparable military aircraft (e.g., fighters, bombers, transport planes) over similar timeframes. Without access to a database of comparable contract values with detailed service descriptions, it is difficult to definitively state whether this represents excellent, fair, or concerning value. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with four bidders suggests that the pricing was deemed competitive at the time of award.

What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials contract?

The primary risk associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns if not managed effectively. T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used, plus a fixed fee or profit. This structure can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if the scope of work is not well-defined or if the contractor's efficiency is low. For the government, risks include a lack of cost certainty and the potential for inflated invoices if oversight is insufficient. To mitigate these risks, robust oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours and material costs, and clear performance standards are essential. The government must actively manage the contract to ensure that the work performed is necessary, efficient, and billed appropriately.

What is the expected program effectiveness based on the contract details?

The expected program effectiveness hinges on DynCorp Technical Services LLC's ability to deliver timely and quality repairs for aircraft structural components. The contract's objective is to ensure the structural integrity and airworthiness of aircraft, which is critical for mission readiness and safety. Effectiveness will be measured by the successful completion of repairs, adherence to specifications, and the impact on aircraft availability and operational capability. Given the contract was awarded competitively and is for a defined period, the expectation is that it will fulfill its intended purpose. However, actual effectiveness depends on the contractor's performance, the quality of the repairs, and the government's oversight in ensuring standards are met.

How has spending on aircraft structural repair and maintenance evolved within the Department of Defense?

Spending on aircraft structural repair and maintenance within the Department of Defense is a consistent and significant expenditure, driven by the need to maintain a large and aging fleet of aircraft. This spending fluctuates based on factors such as the age of the fleet, operational tempo, new aircraft procurements, and budget allocations. Historically, the DoD has relied on a mix of organic (in-house) maintenance capabilities and contracted services from companies like DynCorp. The trend has often been towards increased reliance on private contractors for specialized maintenance and repair tasks to leverage industry expertise and potentially achieve cost efficiencies, although the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing versus organic maintenance is a subject of ongoing debate and analysis.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6500 WEST FWY STE 600, FORT WORTH, TX, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F3460197D0422

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline