DOT Awards $47.2M to Bell Murray for B-767, B-777, B-787, B-737 NG Simulator Training

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,266 ($47.3K)

Contractor: Bell Murray Aerospace, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-09-08

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 357 days

Daily Burn Rate: $132/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 3 - BELL MURRAY CONTRACT# 6973GH-22-D-00075 - FLIGHT PROGRAM OPERATIONS B-767, B-777, B-787, AND B-737 NG AIRCRAFT SIMULATOR TRAINING

Place of Performance

Location: MARIETTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30067

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $47,266.24 to BELL MURRAY AEROSPACE, INC. for work described as: EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 3 - BELL MURRAY CONTRACT# 6973GH-22-D-00075 - FLIGHT PROGRAM OPERATIONS B-767, B-777, B-787, AND B-737 NG AIRCRAFT SIMULATOR TRAINING Key points: 1. The contract is for flight program operations and simulator training for multiple aircraft types. 2. Bell Murray Aerospace, Inc. is the sole provider for this specific training requirement. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type, indicating predictable costs. 4. This award represents a significant investment in pilot training for the specified aircraft.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $47.26M for a 357-day period appears reasonable for specialized flight simulator training. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for advanced aircraft simulator services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, likely due to the specialized nature of the training and the specific aircraft models involved. A sole-source award limits price discovery and competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than a competed scenario.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding specialized pilot training, which is essential for aviation safety and operations. The lack of competition means the government may not be achieving the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

Ensures continued safe and proficient operation of B-767, B-777, B-787, and B-737 NG aircraft. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) mission by maintaining pilot readiness. Provides essential training infrastructure for a critical segment of the aviation industry. The duration of the contract extends into late 2026, indicating a long-term need.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract
Essential service for aviation safety

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Flight Training sector, specifically for advanced aircraft simulators. Government spending in this area is crucial for maintaining pilot proficiency and ensuring aviation safety standards are met across various federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses are involved in this contract, as it is awarded directly to Bell Murray Aerospace, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Transportation, through the Federal Aviation Administration, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard contract management processes should be in place to ensure performance and adherence to terms, though the sole-source nature warrants close monitoring of costs.

Related Government Programs

Flight Training
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition
No clear indication of small business participation
Reliance on a single contractor for critical training

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $47,266.24 to BELL MURRAY AEROSPACE, INC.. EXERCISE OPTION YEAR 3 - BELL MURRAY CONTRACT# 6973GH-22-D-00075 - FLIGHT PROGRAM OPERATIONS B-767, B-777, B-787, AND B-737 NG AIRCRAFT SIMULATOR TRAINING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BELL MURRAY AEROSPACE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $47,266.24.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-08. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and has the government explored alternative training solutions or providers?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or specific requirements that only one contractor can meet. For specialized flight simulator training on particular aircraft models, it's plausible that Bell Murray possesses unique certifications or equipment. However, the government should have conducted market research to confirm the lack of alternatives and documented this thoroughly to ensure the award was truly necessary and in the government's best interest.

How does the per-unit cost of this simulator training compare to industry benchmarks or previous government contracts for similar services?

Without specific per-unit cost data (e.g., cost per training hour, cost per simulation session), a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the sole-source nature, there's a risk that the pricing may not reflect competitive market rates. A thorough review of the contract's pricing structure against available industry data and historical government procurements for comparable simulator training would be necessary to assess value for money.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is Bell Murray's performance being measured and evaluated?

Key performance indicators for flight simulator training contracts typically include simulator availability, training session completion rates, trainee proficiency improvements, and adherence to safety and operational standards. The FAA contracting officer should have established clear KPIs and a robust performance monitoring system to ensure Bell Murray is meeting all contractual obligations effectively and safely throughout the contract period.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4359 COLUMNS DR SE, MARIETTA, GA, 30067

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,266

Exercised Options: $47,266

Current Obligation: $47,266

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH22D00075

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline