DOJ's $7.98M Air Charter Contract Awarded to Flightworks Inc. for U.S. Marshals Service Operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,975,122 ($8.0M)

Contractor: Flightworks Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AIR CHARTER SERVICES (SMALL AIRCRAFT)

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73159

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $8.0 million to FLIGHTWORKS INC for work described as: AIR CHARTER SERVICES (SMALL AIRCRAFT) Key points: 1. Contract value of $7.98 million over two years for air charter services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. The contract duration is 729 days, aligning with the specified start and end dates. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 481211 points to nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7.98 million for air charter services appears moderate for a federal agency like the Department of Justice, specifically the U.S. Marshals Service. Benchmarking against similar contracts for nonscheduled air transportation is challenging without more specific details on flight routes, aircraft types, and service levels. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to manage costs. The award amount is below the reported benchmark of $10,940 for this type of service, which could indicate a favorable price, but this needs further investigation into the scope of services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service options for the government. The data indicates there were 4 bids received, suggesting a reasonable level of competition for this specific delivery order.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive market rates, preventing potential overspending.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from reliable and flexible air transportation for its operational needs. Services include nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, crucial for law enforcement and judicial support. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting the U.S. Marshals Service's broad mission. Workforce implications are minimal for the contracting agency, but the contractor will utilize its own personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price creep if contract scope expands beyond initial expectations.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical air charter services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements for air charter operations.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
The contractor, Flightworks Inc., has been awarded this contract, suggesting they met the government's requirements.
The contract is a delivery order, which is a standard method for procuring services under existing IDIQ vehicles.

Sector Analysis

The air charter services sector is a niche but essential part of the broader transportation industry. Federal agencies frequently utilize these services for time-sensitive missions, law enforcement activities, and logistical support where commercial airline schedules are insufficient. The market size for federal air charter services is difficult to quantify precisely but is driven by the operational needs of agencies like the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and others requiring rapid, flexible, and often secure transportation. This contract fits within the nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation segment.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. Furthermore, there is no information regarding subcontracting plans with small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular award is not evident from the data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the U.S. Marshals Service contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed operational oversight are internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Contracts
U.S. Marshals Service Operations
Air Transportation Services
Nonscheduled Chartered Air Service

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope changes
Dependence on contractor performance
Regulatory compliance risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $8.0 million to FLIGHTWORKS INC. AIR CHARTER SERVICES (SMALL AIRCRAFT)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLIGHTWORKS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of Flightworks Inc. in performing federal contracts, particularly for air charter services?

Assessing the track record of Flightworks Inc. requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. This would involve examining contract databases for previous awards, delivery orders, and any reported performance issues or successes. Specifically, looking for contracts with similar scope, duration, and agency requirements would provide insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to meet deadlines and budgetary constraints. Without access to detailed past performance reviews or contract histories, it is difficult to definitively state their track record. However, being awarded this contract suggests they have met the minimum requirements and possess the necessary certifications and capabilities.

How does the awarded price of $7.98 million compare to market rates for similar air charter services?

The awarded price of $7.98 million for 729 days of service needs to be benchmarked against market rates for comparable nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation. Factors influencing market rates include the type and size of aircraft, passenger capacity, flight duration, routes, and required amenities. The provided benchmark of $10,940 is a single data point and may not accurately reflect the cost for the specific services rendered under this contract. A comprehensive comparison would involve analyzing multiple quotes from other air charter providers for similar service packages, considering the operational tempo and geographic coverage required by the U.S. Marshals Service. The firm fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to lock in a rate, but its competitiveness depends on the thoroughness of the government's market research.

What are the primary risks associated with this air charter contract for the U.S. Marshals Service?

The primary risks associated with this air charter contract include operational disruptions due to weather, mechanical issues, or pilot availability, which could impact the U.S. Marshals Service's mission-critical activities. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the scope of services expands beyond the initial delivery order's parameters, although the firm fixed-price contract aims to mitigate this. Dependence on a single contractor for essential transportation can create vulnerabilities if Flightworks Inc. experiences financial difficulties or performance degradation. Ensuring consistent adherence to safety regulations and security protocols is paramount, as any lapse could have severe consequences. Finally, the potential for price increases in future contract renewals, especially if competition diminishes, is a long-term risk.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money in this scenario?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood. For air charter services, FFP helps the government lock in a cost for a specific set of services, transferring most of the cost risk to the contractor. This encourages the contractor to manage their own costs efficiently to maximize profit. However, the effectiveness hinges on the accuracy of the initial cost estimates and the clarity of the service requirements. If the government underestimates the required flight hours or complexity, the FFP might not cover all needs, potentially leading to change orders or a need for a new contract. Conversely, if the government overestimates, they might pay more than necessary. For this contract, the FFP provides cost certainty, but the true value for money depends on whether the negotiated price reflects competitive market rates for the actual services delivered.

What are the historical spending patterns for air charter services by the Department of Justice or the U.S. Marshals Service?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for air charter services by the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) would provide crucial context for this $7.98 million contract. This involves examining contract databases over several fiscal years to identify trends in contract values, awardees, types of services procured (e.g., passenger vs. cargo, specific aircraft types), and competition levels. Understanding whether spending has increased, decreased, or remained stable can indicate changes in operational needs or procurement strategies. Comparing the current award amount to previous similar contracts awarded by the USMS or other DOJ components can help determine if this contract represents a significant deviation or aligns with historical norms. Such analysis is vital for assessing the reasonableness of the current expenditure and identifying potential areas for cost savings or efficiency improvements in future procurements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 15M30024QA3700031

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1755 MCCOLLUM PKWY NW, KENNESAW, GA, 30144

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,555,752

Exercised Options: $7,975,122

Current Obligation: $7,975,122

Actual Outlays: $212,027

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS33F0008U

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline