GSA awards $2.5M for fixed-wing airlift support, with 3 bidders competing for a 2-year contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,542,556 ($2.5M)

Contractor: Berry Aviation, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2024-11-06

End Date: 2026-11-05

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Transportation

Official Description: AETC FIXED WING AIRLIFT SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: RANDOLPH AFB, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78150

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2.5 million to BERRY AVIATION, INC. for work described as: AETC FIXED WING AIRLIFT SUPPORT OPERATIONS Key points: 1. Contract value appears moderate for specialized aviation support services. 2. Competition level suggests a potentially healthy market for these services. 3. Risk indicators are low given the contract type and duration. 4. Performance context is tied to ongoing airlift operations. 5. Sector positioning is within air transportation support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.54 million over two years for fixed-wing airlift support is within a reasonable range for specialized aviation services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for airlift operations would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain controlled and aligned with market rates for labor and materials.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with three bidders participating. This level of competition is generally positive, indicating that multiple vendors were aware of and interested in the opportunity. The presence of three bidders suggests a reasonable degree of market interest and potential for competitive pricing, although a higher number of bidders could potentially drive prices lower.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best possible price for the required airlift support services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely government agencies requiring fixed-wing airlift support for various operations. Services delivered include essential support activities for air transportation. The geographic impact is centered in Texas, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications may involve specialized aviation personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials pricing if not closely monitored.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical support function.
Limited visibility into the specific operational needs driving the airlift support.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair process.
Contract duration of two years provides stability for service provision.
Contractor is based in Texas, potentially offering regional support advantages.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader air transportation support sector, specifically focusing on fixed-wing airlift operations. This sector is critical for logistics, personnel movement, and cargo delivery across various government functions. Market size for such specialized services can vary significantly based on agency needs and geographic scope, but typically involves a niche group of experienced aviation support providers.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed in this summary. Without specific subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment provisions tied to delivery. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific operational details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Aviation Support Services
Air Transportation Logistics
Fixed-Wing Aircraft Operations
Government Airlift Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost creep due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Need for robust government oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization.
Dependence on contractor's ability to maintain aircraft and operational readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2.5 million to BERRY AVIATION, INC.. AETC FIXED WING AIRLIFT SUPPORT OPERATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BERRY AVIATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-06. End: 2026-11-05.

What is the historical spending pattern for fixed-wing airlift support operations by the General Services Administration?

Analyzing historical spending for fixed-wing airlift support operations by the GSA requires accessing detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific contract is valued at approximately $2.54 million, understanding the GSA's broader investment in similar services would involve identifying all contracts categorized under 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' (NAICS 488190) or related codes. Trends in spending could indicate increasing reliance on outsourced airlift support, shifts in operational requirements, or changes in contracting strategies. For instance, a rising trend might suggest growing demand for these services, while a decrease could point to consolidation of government-owned assets or a reduction in specific mission requirements. Without access to a comprehensive historical database, a precise analysis of spending patterns is not feasible based solely on this single contract award.

How does the number of bidders (3) compare to similar GSA airlift support contracts?

A competition level of three bidders for a GSA airlift support contract is moderately competitive. Typically, full and open competitions for specialized services can see a range from 2 to over 10 bidders, depending on market saturation, contract complexity, and perceived profitability. A lower number, such as 1 or 2, might suggest barriers to entry, limited market interest, or potential issues with the solicitation. Conversely, a very high number of bidders could indicate a highly competitive market or a broadly scoped requirement. For airlift support, which requires specific certifications, equipment, and expertise, three bidders often represents a reasonable balance, suggesting sufficient market interest without being overly fragmented. Further analysis would involve comparing this to the average number of bidders for similar-sized and scoped contracts within the Federal Acquisition Service.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically associated with fixed-wing airlift support contracts?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for fixed-wing airlift support contracts commonly revolve around mission success, timeliness, safety, and cost control. Mission success can be measured by the percentage of scheduled flights completed, on-time departures and arrivals, and successful delivery of cargo or personnel. Timeliness is critical, often tracked through adherence to flight schedules and response times for unscheduled missions. Safety is paramount, measured by incident rates, accident-free flight hours, and compliance with aviation regulations. Cost control KPIs might include adherence to budget, efficient fuel consumption, and minimizing unscheduled maintenance. For this specific contract, the General Services Administration (GSA) would likely establish specific metrics within the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) to monitor Berry Aviation, Inc.'s performance against these critical areas.

What is the track record of Berry Aviation, Inc. in performing similar government contracts?

Berry Aviation, Inc. has a history of performing government contracts, particularly in aviation services. A thorough review of their track record would involve examining past performance evaluations available in federal procurement databases like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). These reports typically detail a contractor's performance regarding quality, timeliness, cost control, management, and customer satisfaction on previous awards. Analyzing CPARS data for Berry Aviation would reveal their consistency in meeting contractual obligations, any past issues or disputes, and overall client satisfaction. This information is crucial for assessing their capability and reliability in executing the current fixed-wing airlift support operations contract awarded by the GSA.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type influence risk and cost management for this airlift support contract?

The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for this airlift support contract introduces a different risk profile compared to fixed-price contracts. Under T&M, the government pays the contractor for the actual labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials used, plus a markup. This offers flexibility, allowing for adjustments in scope or unforeseen requirements during the contract period. However, it places a greater emphasis on government oversight to manage costs effectively. The primary risk for the government is the potential for cost overruns if labor hours are excessive or material costs are inflated. Conversely, the contractor bears less risk related to performance unknowns, as costs are reimbursed. Effective risk management for the government involves robust monitoring of timesheets, material invoices, and regular reviews of the contractor's efficiency to ensure fair and reasonable pricing.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFWA23R0009

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1807 AIRPORT DR, SAN MARCOS, TX, 78666

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,953,703

Exercised Options: $3,480,808

Current Obligation: $2,542,556

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFCA22D0109

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline