State Department awards $2M for refurbishing eight UH-1H aircraft, with delivery expected by February 2026
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,989,900 ($2.0M)
Contractor: Arista Aviation Services, LLC.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2024-02-02
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 757 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: REFURBISH AND RETURN TO SERVICE EIGHT UH1II AIRCRAFT (67-17339, 67-17669, 71-20305, 73-21744, 73-21791, 73-21859, 74-22299, 74-22336)
Place of Performance
Location: ENTERPRISE, COFFEE County, ALABAMA, 36330
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $2.0 million to ARISTA AVIATION SERVICES, LLC. for work described as: REFURBISH AND RETURN TO SERVICE EIGHT UH1II AIRCRAFT (67-17339, 67-17669, 71-20305, 73-21744, 73-21791, 73-21859, 74-22299, 74-22336) Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the scope of refurbishing eight aircraft, though detailed cost breakdowns are not public. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate selection of qualified bidders. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, primarily related to the age and operational status of the aircraft being refurbished. 4. Performance context involves extending the service life of critical aviation assets for the State Department. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader aerospace and defense services industry, supporting government aviation needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of approximately $2 million for refurbishing eight UH-1H aircraft averages to $250,000 per aircraft. This figure needs to be benchmarked against the cost of new aircraft or the extent of refurbishment required. Without specific details on the scope of work (e.g., engine overhaul, avionics upgrades, structural repairs), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, compared to acquiring new helicopters, refurbishment is often a more cost-effective solution for extending the life of existing platforms.
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.' This suggests that while the competition was broadly open, specific criteria or pre-qualification steps may have been used to narrow the field of potential bidders initially. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competitive process was intended, aiming to secure the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation, leading to better use of public funds.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of State, which will receive refurbished aircraft essential for its operations. Services delivered include the refurbishment and return to service of eight specific UH-1H aircraft. The geographic impact is likely global, as these aircraft support diplomatic and security missions worldwide. Workforce implications include employment for skilled technicians and engineers involved in aircraft maintenance and repair.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise during the refurbishment of older aircraft.
- Dependence on the availability of specialized parts for the UH-1H model, which may be aging.
- Ensuring timely delivery to meet operational requirements given the refurbishment timeline.
Positive Signals
- Extending the operational life of existing, valuable aviation assets.
- Utilizing a competitive bidding process to ensure fair pricing.
- Supporting domestic aerospace maintenance and repair capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). The market for government aircraft MRO is substantial, driven by the need to maintain aging fleets and support diverse operational requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other contracts for similar refurbishment projects or fleet modernization efforts within government agencies.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Arista Aviation Services, LLC, is the prime contractor. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would require further investigation into the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and performance.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards, delivery schedules, and payment milestones. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed technical specifications and cost breakdowns may be considered sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- Department of State Aviation Support
- UH-1 Huey Helicopter Fleet Modernization
- Government Aircraft Maintenance and Repair
- Aerospace Services Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays due to unforeseen technical issues.
- Risk of cost escalation if extensive repairs beyond initial estimates are required.
- Dependence on specialized parts availability for older aircraft models.
Tags
defense, department-of-state, aircraft-refurbishment, uh-1h, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, arista-aviation-services, alabama, aerospace, aviation-maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $2.0 million to ARISTA AVIATION SERVICES, LLC.. REFURBISH AND RETURN TO SERVICE EIGHT UH1II AIRCRAFT (67-17339, 67-17669, 71-20305, 73-21744, 73-21791, 73-21859, 74-22299, 74-22336)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ARISTA AVIATION SERVICES, LLC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-02-02. End: 2026-02-28.
What is the specific scope of work included in the refurbishment of the eight UH-1H aircraft?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'REFURBISH AND RETURN TO SERVICE EIGHT UH-1II AIRCRAFT'. However, the specific details of the refurbishment are not publicly available in this summary. This would typically include a comprehensive inspection, repair of structural components, overhaul or replacement of engines and transmissions, avionics upgrades, and repainting. The extent of these tasks directly impacts the value and timeline of the contract. Without a detailed statement of work, it's difficult to ascertain the full scope and associated costs beyond the overall contract value.
How does the $2 million contract value compare to the cost of acquiring new UH-1H aircraft or comparable helicopters?
The contract value of $2 million for refurbishing eight UH-1H aircraft equates to approximately $250,000 per aircraft. This is significantly less than the cost of acquiring new helicopters. For context, new utility helicopters can range from $5 million to over $20 million depending on size, capabilities, and manufacturer. Therefore, refurbishing existing platforms is a common strategy for government agencies to extend the service life of their assets cost-effectively, provided the refurbishment is comprehensive and the aircraft are structurally sound.
What are the primary risks associated with refurbishing older UH-1H aircraft?
The primary risks associated with refurbishing older aircraft like the UH-1H include the potential for discovering unforeseen structural damage or component wear during disassembly and inspection, which could lead to cost overruns and schedule delays. Availability of spare parts for aging platforms can also be a challenge, potentially requiring custom fabrication or sourcing from limited suppliers. Furthermore, the operational lifespan extension achieved through refurbishment is finite, and the aircraft may still face limitations compared to modern platforms in terms of performance, safety features, and fuel efficiency.
What is the track record of Arista Aviation Services, LLC in performing similar aircraft refurbishment contracts for the government?
Information regarding Arista Aviation Services, LLC's specific track record with government aircraft refurbishment contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including client satisfaction, adherence to schedule and budget, and quality of work. Their ability to successfully complete this contract will depend on their technical expertise, project management capabilities, and established supply chain for necessary parts and services.
What are the historical spending patterns for UH-1H aircraft maintenance and refurbishment by the Department of State?
Historical spending patterns for UH-1H aircraft maintenance and refurbishment by the Department of State are not provided in the current data. To analyze this, one would need to examine past contract awards for similar services, tracking the frequency and value of refurbishment projects over several fiscal years. Understanding these patterns could reveal trends in fleet management, the typical lifecycle costs of these aircraft, and the agency's reliance on refurbishment versus replacement strategies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 19AQMM22R0006
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 690 AVIATION BLVD, ENTERPRISE, AL, 36330
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,989,900
Exercised Options: $1,989,900
Current Obligation: $1,989,900
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM23D0051
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-02-02
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-28
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