Coast Guard awards $124K for HC-144 aircraft repairs, highlighting need for specialized aviation parts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $124,327 ($124.3K)

Contractor: Aerokool Aviation Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-12-10

End Date: 2026-06-22

Contract Duration: 194 days

Daily Burn Rate: $641/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: VARIOUS REPAIRS FOR USE ON THE HC-144 AIRCRAFT. SECTION 2(D) APPLIES.

Place of Performance

Location: HIALEAH, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33010

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $124,327.18 to AEROKOOL AVIATION CORP for work described as: VARIOUS REPAIRS FOR USE ON THE HC-144 AIRCRAFT. SECTION 2(D) APPLIES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential repairs for a specific aircraft model, indicating specialized maintenance needs. 2. The award value is relatively small, suggesting a targeted scope for immediate operational requirements. 3. Competition under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) implies a streamlined process for smaller value procurements. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty for the government. 5. Delivery order structure suggests flexibility in timing and quantity of repairs needed. 6. The contractor, Aerokool Aviation Corp, is positioned to provide critical support for this niche aviation segment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $124,327.18 for aircraft repairs appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aviation maintenance. Benchmarking against similar repair contracts for specific aircraft models would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the government has negotiated a set cost for the defined scope of work, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of bidders and a less formal solicitation process than full and open competition. While the exact number of bidders is not specified beyond the fact that it was competed, SAP is designed for procurements below certain dollar thresholds, aiming for efficiency. The limited competition may result in less aggressive pricing compared to a broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP can sometimes lead to higher prices than if the contract were widely advertised. However, for specialized parts or services, a limited approach may be necessary to ensure qualified vendors are engaged efficiently.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard benefits from the continued operational readiness of its HC-144 aircraft fleet. Essential repairs ensure the safety and effectiveness of Coast Guard aviation operations. The contract supports specialized aviation maintenance services, contributing to the skilled workforce in this sector. Operations supported by the HC-144 aircraft often include maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement missions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases if competition remains limited for future repair needs.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized parts could create supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for this specific repair effort.
Streamlined SAP process ensures timely delivery of necessary repairs.
Contract supports the operational readiness of critical Coast Guard assets.

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense sector, particularly the segment focused on aircraft parts and maintenance, is characterized by high technical requirements and specialized expertise. This contract falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' category, indicating a focus on components and services beyond complete aircraft assembly. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain aging fleets and ensure the operational readiness of military and civilian aviation assets. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing repair costs for similar fixed-wing aircraft operated by government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under SAP and does not specify any small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, its direct impact on small business set-asides is unclear. However, the prime contractor, Aerokool Aviation Corp, may itself be a small business, or may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or parts. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities and the overall impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Coast Guard's contracting and program management offices. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, the initial award process likely underwent review. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases that record federal spending. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected in the procurement or execution of the contract.

Related Government Programs

HC-144 Maritime Patrol Aircraft Sustainment
Aviation Maintenance and Repair Services
Department of Homeland Security Aircraft Procurement
U.S. Coast Guard Fleet Readiness

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for supply chain disruption
Reliance on specialized contractor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $124,327.18 to AEROKOOL AVIATION CORP. VARIOUS REPAIRS FOR USE ON THE HC-144 AIRCRAFT. SECTION 2(D) APPLIES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AEROKOOL AVIATION CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $124,327.18.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-10. End: 2026-06-22.

What is the track record of Aerokool Aviation Corp in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for aircraft repairs?

Aerokool Aviation Corp's track record in fulfilling government contracts, especially for aircraft repairs, is a key factor in assessing performance risk. A review of historical contract data would reveal their past performance ratings, on-time delivery rates, and any instances of contract disputes or terminations. For this specific contract, the U.S. Coast Guard would have likely considered Aerokool's past performance when making the award, especially if it was competed under SAP where vendor qualifications are often pre-vetted. A history of successful, timely, and quality repairs would indicate a lower risk for this current award, while a pattern of issues could signal potential problems with delivery or quality.

How does the pricing of these HC-144 aircraft repairs compare to market rates for similar services?

Assessing the pricing of these HC-144 aircraft repairs against market rates requires detailed cost breakdowns and comparisons with commercial aviation maintenance providers. Given the specialized nature of military or government-specific aircraft like the HC-144, direct commercial comparisons might be challenging. However, benchmarks can be established by looking at the average cost per labor hour for certified aviation mechanics, the markup on specialized parts, and the overhead rates charged by similar MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities. The fixed-price nature of this contract provides some assurance of cost control, but without detailed cost data, a definitive value-for-money assessment relative to the open market is difficult. The U.S. Coast Guard likely has internal benchmarks or historical data to evaluate the fairness of the price.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in parts procurement, unforeseen complexities during repairs that could increase costs (though mitigated by fixed-price), and the contractor's ability to meet the required quality standards for aviation safety. A key risk is also the limited competition under SAP, which could impact future pricing if the need for repairs is ongoing. Mitigation strategies likely involve the Coast Guard's oversight, including regular progress reviews, quality inspections, and potentially performance bonds. The fixed-price structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently. For parts procurement, the contractor is responsible, but the government may monitor lead times.

How effective is the U.S. Coast Guard in managing its fleet readiness through such repair contracts?

The effectiveness of the U.S. Coast Guard in managing fleet readiness via repair contracts like this one can be gauged by several factors. Firstly, the operational availability rates of the HC-144 fleet are a direct indicator. If the aircraft are consistently mission-capable, it suggests effective maintenance and repair management. Secondly, the timeliness and quality of repairs executed under contracts are crucial; delays or subpar work directly impact readiness. The Coast Guard's ability to secure competitive pricing and ensure compliance with stringent aviation safety standards also speaks to its management effectiveness. Analyzing the frequency and duration of aircraft downtime for repairs, as well as the overall spending trends on HC-144 sustainment, provides further insight into the program's effectiveness.

What are the historical spending patterns for HC-144 aircraft maintenance and repair within the U.S. Coast Guard?

Historical spending patterns for HC-144 aircraft maintenance and repair within the U.S. Coast Guard would reveal the total investment over the life cycle of the aircraft program. This includes analyzing annual expenditures on parts, labor, depot-level maintenance, and contractor support. Trends might show increasing costs as the fleet ages, or fluctuations based on operational tempo and specific maintenance requirements. Understanding these patterns helps in budgeting, forecasting future needs, and identifying potential cost-saving opportunities or areas where spending may be disproportionately high. Comparing current contract values to historical averages provides context for the reasonableness of the awarded amount.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: VALVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1495 SE 10TH AVE, HIALEAH, FL, 33010

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $124,327

Exercised Options: $124,327

Current Obligation: $124,327

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z03822DL0000004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline