FAA awards $168K for parachute rigger training, highlighting a niche but essential aviation safety service

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,800 ($16.8K)

Contractor: Parachute Laboratories Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-08

End Date: 2026-05-23

Contract Duration: 45 days

Daily Burn Rate: $373/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FUND PARACHUTE RIGGER TRAINING FAA28303 / 6973GH-23-D-00045, 2ND OPTION YEAR / SOID 199289 / APRIL 27-MAY 8, 2026

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73169

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $16,800 to PARACHUTE LABORATORIES INC for work described as: FUND PARACHUTE RIGGER TRAINING FAA28303 / 6973GH-23-D-00045, 2ND OPTION YEAR / SOID 199289 / APRIL 27-MAY 8, 2026 Key points: 1. This contract supports specialized technical training, crucial for maintaining aviation safety standards. 2. The fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government. 3. A short performance period suggests a focused, specific training requirement. 4. The award to a single vendor indicates a potentially specialized market for this service. 5. This training is vital for ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $168,000 for a 45-day training period appears reasonable given the specialized nature of parachute rigger training. Benchmarking against similar niche technical training contracts is challenging due to limited public data. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests the contractor assumed the risk for 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,' indicating that while the initial solicitation may have had restrictions, the final award was made after a broad competitive process. The specific details of 'exclusion of sources' are not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests multiple interested parties were considered. The level of competition for such a specialized service is likely moderate.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with prior exclusions, generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers compared to sole-source awards.

Public Impact

Aviation mechanics and maintenance personnel benefit from this specialized training. The training ensures the airworthiness and safety of aircraft parachute systems. The geographic impact is localized to the training facility, likely in Oklahoma. This contract supports a skilled workforce in a critical safety-related field.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public information on the specific curriculum and instructor qualifications.
Potential for vendor lock-in if this is a highly specialized and rare training service.

Positive Signals

Clear contract duration and defined deliverables.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget predictability.
Awarded by the FAA, a reputable agency with oversight capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The aviation services sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including maintenance, repair, and training. This contract falls within the specialized training sub-sector, focusing on critical safety equipment. While the overall aviation services market is substantial, niche training like parachute rigging represents a small but vital segment. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. The award to 'PARACHUTE LABORATORIES INC' suggests a focus on specialized expertise rather than broad small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices would apply. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though specific training details might be internal.

Related Government Programs

Aviation Maintenance Training
Technical and Trade School Services
Federal Aviation Administration Procurement

Risk Flags

Specialized Service Niche
Limited Public Performance Data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $16,800 to PARACHUTE LABORATORIES INC. FUND PARACHUTE RIGGER TRAINING FAA28303 / 6973GH-23-D-00045, 2ND OPTION YEAR / SOID 199289 / APRIL 27-MAY 8, 2026

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PARACHUTE LABORATORIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16,800.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-08. End: 2026-05-23.

What is the specific training curriculum covered under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific curriculum for the parachute rigger training. However, based on the nature of parachute rigger certification, the training likely covers the inspection, maintenance, packing, and repair of various types of parachutes used in aviation, including emergency systems for aircraft. It would adhere to strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines and standards to ensure the safety and reliability of these critical life-saving devices. The curriculum would typically involve both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical exercises.

How does the cost of this training compare to similar specialized aviation training programs?

Direct cost comparison for highly specialized aviation training like parachute rigger certification is difficult without access to proprietary data or a broader market survey of similar niche programs. The $168,000 award for a 45-day training period, which includes instructor time, materials, and potentially facility usage, suggests a significant per-day cost. However, given the regulatory importance and the specialized skills required, this cost may be within the expected range for such essential, low-volume training. The firm fixed-price nature indicates the contractor bears cost risks.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this training contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, typical performance indicators for such a training contract would likely include: successful completion rates of trainees, adherence to the training schedule, trainee satisfaction surveys, and compliance with FAA certification standards post-training. The contractor's ability to deliver the training within the specified timeframe and budget, and to ensure trainees meet the required competency levels for certification, would be paramount.

What is the track record of PARACHUTE LABORATORIES INC in providing similar training services?

The provided data does not include information on the track record of PARACHUTE LABORATORIES INC. To assess their performance, one would need to review past contract history, performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any reported issues or successes in delivering similar technical or specialized training. Given this is an option year exercise, it implies a prior successful performance, but further due diligence would be required for a comprehensive assessment.

What is the historical spending trend for parachute rigger training by the FAA?

The provided data only pertains to a single contract action for parachute rigger training. To understand historical spending trends, one would need to analyze the FAA's procurement history over several fiscal years, looking for previous contracts awarded for this specific service or closely related training. This would involve searching federal procurement databases for similar contract vehicles, award amounts, and contract durations to identify patterns, fluctuations, or consistent investment in this area.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1665 LEXINGTON AVE, DELAND, FL, 32724

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,800

Exercised Options: $16,800

Current Obligation: $16,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH23D00045

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline