FAA awards $2M instructional support contract to SJ Innovations LLC for flight training

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,015,451 ($2.0M)

Contractor: SJ Innovations LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-08-28

End Date: 2025-04-30

Contract Duration: 245 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS TRAINING DIVISION INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT (T/O ISSC)

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73115

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.0 million to SJ INNOVATIONS LLC for work described as: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS TRAINING DIVISION INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT (T/O ISSC) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized instructional support services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration is relatively short, indicating a need for timely delivery. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 5. The contract supports critical flight training operations for the FAA.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2 million for a 245-day period seems aligned with specialized instructional support services. Benchmarking against similar FAA training contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

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,' which implies that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded based on predefined criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition framework generally promotes price discovery and encourages multiple vendors to submit proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is intended to ensure that the government receives the best value by allowing all responsible sources to participate, potentially leading to more competitive pricing for taxpayers.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential instructional support. The services delivered are critical for maintaining the proficiency and standards of aviation personnel. The contract's geographic impact is focused on FAA operations, likely within Oklahoma where the contractor is based. Workforce implications include the potential for instructors and support staff employed by SJ Innovations LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if 'exclusion of sources' criteria were overly restrictive.
Risk of vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is developed and not easily transferable.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Use of full and open competition generally leads to better pricing.
Short contract duration allows for flexibility and reassessment of needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on instructional support and training. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized training solutions. The FAA, as a major government agency, frequently procures training services to maintain its operational capabilities and regulatory oversight.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside criterion for this specific contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is minimal. However, SJ Innovations LLC, as a prime contractor, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the contracting officer and program managers within the FAA's Federal Aviation Administration. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price terms and performance requirements outlined in the contract. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, though detailed performance metrics are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

FAA Pilot Training Programs
Aviation Safety Training
Technical Training Services
Government Instructional Services

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'Exclusion of Sources'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.0 million to SJ INNOVATIONS LLC. TECHNICAL OPERATIONS TRAINING DIVISION INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT (T/O ISSC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SJ INNOVATIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-28. End: 2025-04-30.

What is the track record of SJ Innovations LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

Information regarding SJ Innovations LLC's specific track record with federal contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on similar engagements. Federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems (like CPARS) would be the primary sources for this information. Understanding their experience with instructional support, particularly in the aviation sector, is crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this contract effectively.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar instructional support contracts within the FAA or other agencies?

The awarded amount of approximately $2 million for a 245-day contract for instructional support services needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. Factors such as the scope of training, number of personnel trained, complexity of the subject matter, and duration are critical for a fair comparison. Without specific details on these comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, which aids in value assessment.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is performance being measured?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or the detailed performance measurement plan for this contract. Typically, instructional support contracts would include metrics related to training effectiveness, participant satisfaction, adherence to curriculum, timely delivery of training modules, and instructor qualifications. The FAA's contracting officer and technical monitors would be responsible for tracking these KPIs against the contract's statement of work and ensuring SJ Innovations LLC meets the required standards.

What is the potential risk associated with the 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in the competition type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' clause indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain potential bidders were explicitly excluded. The risk lies in understanding the justification for these exclusions. If the exclusions were based on legitimate, objective criteria directly related to the specialized needs of the contract, the risk to taxpayers is minimal. However, if the exclusions were arbitrary or served to unduly limit competition, it could lead to higher prices or reduced innovation, posing a risk to value for money.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar instructional support services by the FAA?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar instructional support services by the FAA is essential for context. This involves examining previous contracts for flight training, technical instruction, and curriculum development. Understanding the volume, frequency, and average cost of these services over several fiscal years can reveal trends, identify potential cost efficiencies, or highlight areas where spending has increased significantly. Such analysis helps in assessing whether the current contract's value is consistent with historical investment in these capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Flight Training

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3101 TINKER DIAGONAL SUITE 2-S, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73115

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,016,141

Exercised Options: $2,015,451

Current Obligation: $2,015,451

Actual Outlays: $2,015,446

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH18D00094

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline