DOT's FAA awards $18.6M aviation safety inspector training contract to Abaris Training Resources Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,571 ($18.6K)

Contractor: Abaris Training Resources Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-10-08

Contract Duration: 184 days

Daily Burn Rate: $101/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FUND 21900010 COMPOSITE AWARENESS FOR THE AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTOR TRAINING; 6973GH-21-D-00025, FORTH OPTION YEAR; SOID 198719; MAY 5-8, 2026

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73169

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $18,571 to ABARIS TRAINING RESOURCES INC for work described as: FUND 21900010 COMPOSITE AWARENESS FOR THE AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTOR TRAINING; 6973GH-21-D-00025, FORTH OPTION YEAR; SOID 198719; MAY 5-8, 2026 Key points: 1. Contract provides essential training for aviation safety inspectors, crucial for maintaining air travel safety standards. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle, indicating a pre-established relationship and streamlined procurement. 3. Abaris Training Resources Inc. has a history of performing similar training services, suggesting a degree of contractor capability and reliability. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The contract duration of approximately 6 months for this option year suggests a focused scope of work. 6. The training is geographically focused on Oklahoma, impacting the local workforce and economy.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.6 million for an 184-day period (approximately 6 months) for specialized aviation safety inspector training appears reasonable given the niche nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar specialized technical training contracts is challenging due to the specific requirements of aviation safety. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability. The historical performance of Abaris Training Resources Inc. on similar contracts suggests they are likely delivering value for the investment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process that likely drove pricing and ensured a broad pool of qualified contractors were considered. This approach is generally favored for ensuring fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition benefits taxpayers by promoting a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and a wider selection of qualified service providers, ultimately maximizing the value of federal funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are aviation safety inspectors who receive critical training to perform their duties. The services delivered include specialized technical and trade instruction essential for maintaining aviation safety standards. The geographic impact is concentrated in Oklahoma, where the training is likely conducted, potentially benefiting local training facilities and instructors. Workforce implications include the upskilling and recertification of federal aviation personnel, ensuring a competent workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if the scope of training needs to expand beyond the current option year's parameters.
Reliance on a single contractor for this specific training could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The specialized nature of the training may limit the pool of qualified instructors, potentially impacting future competition.

Positive Signals

The contract is awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Abaris Training Resources Inc. has prior experience with similar training, indicating a level of proven capability.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The training directly supports the critical mission of the Federal Aviation Administration in ensuring air safety.

Sector Analysis

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operates within the broader transportation sector, with a significant focus on safety and regulatory compliance. This contract for inspector training falls under the category of professional services and specialized education. The market for aviation-specific training is niche, often dominated by specialized providers like Abaris. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within other government agencies requiring highly technical or safety-critical training programs, such as defense or emergency services, though direct comparisons are difficult due to unique aviation requirements.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans with small businesses. The focus on specialized aviation training may limit opportunities for broad small business subcontracting unless specific components of the training delivery or support services are outsourced to smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Aviation Administration contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified training services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are typically internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Aviation Safety Programs
Federal Aviation Administration Training
Technical and Trade School Services
Government Contractor Performance

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Contract Value
Contract Type
Competition Level
Contractor Performance History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $18,571 to ABARIS TRAINING RESOURCES INC. FUND 21900010 COMPOSITE AWARENESS FOR THE AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTOR TRAINING; 6973GH-21-D-00025, FORTH OPTION YEAR; SOID 198719; MAY 5-8, 2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ABARIS TRAINING RESOURCES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18,571.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-10-08.

What is the historical spending pattern for aviation safety inspector training by the FAA?

Analyzing historical spending for aviation safety inspector training by the FAA requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific contract represents an option year valued at $18.6 million, understanding the broader trend involves examining previous contract awards for similar training services, including base years and subsequent option periods. Factors such as changes in regulatory requirements, fleet expansion, and inspector workforce needs can influence year-over-year spending. Without access to a comprehensive historical database for this specific training category, it is difficult to provide precise figures. However, it is reasonable to infer that spending would fluctuate based on the FAA's operational demands and budget allocations for inspector development and recertification.

How does the cost per training day for this contract compare to industry benchmarks?

Determining a precise cost per training day requires knowing the exact number of inspectors trained and the total training days delivered under this contract. The contract value is $18.6 million over approximately 184 days. If we assume this covers a significant number of inspector training days, the daily cost could be substantial due to the specialized nature of aviation safety. Industry benchmarks for highly specialized technical training can range widely, from several hundred to several thousand dollars per attendee per day, depending on the complexity, equipment required, and instructor expertise. Given the critical safety implications and the need for certified instructors and potentially specialized facilities, the cost per day is likely at the higher end of the spectrum for professional training services. A direct comparison to general industry training would be misleading; it needs to be benchmarked against similar niche aviation or safety-critical training providers.

What is Abaris Training Resources Inc.'s track record with the federal government, specifically the FAA?

Abaris Training Resources Inc. has a documented history of receiving federal contracts, particularly with agencies like the FAA, for specialized training services. Their performance on previous contracts, including those related to aviation maintenance and safety inspector training, is generally reflected in contract databases. While specific performance ratings (e.g., past performance evaluations) are often proprietary, the fact that they are awarded option years and new contracts suggests a satisfactory or better performance history. The FAA's continued engagement with Abaris indicates confidence in their ability to meet the required training standards and deliver effective educational programs crucial for maintaining aviation safety.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the effectiveness of this training?

Key performance indicators for this aviation safety inspector training contract would likely focus on the successful completion rates of inspectors, their demonstrated proficiency in applying learned skills, and post-training performance assessments. The FAA would typically require that inspectors meet specific certification or recertification standards following the training. This could involve written examinations, practical skill demonstrations, and potentially on-the-job evaluations. Feedback from the inspectors themselves and their supervisors regarding the relevance and applicability of the training content to their daily duties would also be crucial. Ultimately, the effectiveness is measured by the continued safe operation of the national airspace system, supported by well-trained inspectors.

Are there any identified risks associated with the contractor's ability to deliver this specialized training?

Potential risks associated with Abaris Training Resources Inc. delivering this specialized training could include instructor availability, particularly for highly niche subjects, and the potential for outdated training materials if not regularly updated to reflect evolving aviation technologies and regulations. Another risk could be the contractor's financial stability, although this is typically assessed during the initial vetting process. Furthermore, reliance on a single provider for critical training could pose a risk if unforeseen circumstances impact their ability to deliver, such as natural disasters or significant operational disruptions. However, the FAA likely mitigates these risks through contract clauses, performance monitoring, and potentially requiring contingency plans from the contractor.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Other Technical and Trade Schools

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5401 LONGLEY LN STE 49, RENO, NV, 89511

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,571

Exercised Options: $18,571

Current Obligation: $18,571

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH21D00025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline