DHS Awards $85M for Multirole Enforcement Aircraft to Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $85,055,012 ($85.1M)

Contractor: Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2027-10-17

Contract Duration: 1,843 days

Daily Burn Rate: $46.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MULTIROLE ENFORCEMENT AIRCRAFT LAND INTERDICTION (MEA LI) - QUANTITY 1

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35824

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $85.1 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: MULTIROLE ENFORCEMENT AIRCRAFT LAND INTERDICTION (MEA LI) - QUANTITY 1 Key points: 1. Significant investment in specialized aircraft for border enforcement. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration extends over four years, indicating a long-term need. 4. Focus on aircraft manufacturing highlights a critical defense/security sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $85.06 million for a single aircraft appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar specialized aircraft contracts would be necessary for a definitive assessment, but the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: $85,055,012.13

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it encourages multiple bids and potentially drives down costs compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Public Impact

Enhanced border security capabilities through advanced aircraft technology. Potential for improved interdiction of illegal activities. Supports the operational readiness of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High per-unit cost for a single aircraft.
Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed-price contract type offers cost predictability.
Addresses critical national security needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, which is a high-value, technology-intensive industry. Spending in this sector is often driven by defense, security, and transportation needs, with significant R&D investment.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business, as indicated by the 'sb': false field. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracting opportunities within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Oversight will be crucial to ensure the aircraft meets specifications and is delivered on time and within budget, especially given the long duration.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

High per-unit cost.
Single unit award.
Long contract duration.
Potential for vendor lock-in for sustainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $85.1 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. MULTIROLE ENFORCEMENT AIRCRAFT LAND INTERDICTION (MEA LI) - QUANTITY 1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $85.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2027-10-17.

What specific capabilities does the Multirole Enforcement Aircraft (MEA LI) offer that justify its high per-unit cost?

The MEA LI likely incorporates advanced sensor suites, communication systems, and potentially specialized weapons or surveillance equipment tailored for complex interdiction missions. Its multirole capability suggests adaptability for various tasks such as surveillance, pursuit, and apprehension, which commands a premium over standard aircraft.

What are the primary risks associated with a single-unit award for such a critical asset?

The primary risk is the lack of redundancy; if this single aircraft experiences significant downtime due to maintenance or damage, it could severely impact operational capabilities. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in for future sustainment and upgrades, potentially leading to higher long-term costs if competition is not maintained.

How effectively will this aircraft contribute to the overall mission objectives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection given its specialized nature?

The effectiveness hinges on the specific threats and operational environments it's designed for. If the MEA LI directly addresses identified gaps in current interdiction capabilities, it could significantly enhance mission success. Regular performance reviews and operational data will be key to assessing its true contribution.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

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: 248 DUNLOP BLVD SW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35824

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $85,055,012

Exercised Options: $85,055,012

Current Obligation: $85,055,012

Actual Outlays: $57,522,791

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 22

Total Subaward Amount: $69,564,294

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B02C22D00000019

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline