Coast Guard awards $156K for HC-144 aircraft repairs, highlighting specialized aviation support needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $156,241 ($156.2K)

Contractor: Aerokool Aviation Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-01-21

End Date: 2026-06-01

Contract Duration: 131 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/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 $156,240.8 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 the HC-144 aircraft, ensuring operational readiness. 2. AEROKOOL AVIATION CORP secured this delivery order, indicating a role in specialized aircraft maintenance. 3. The contract value is relatively modest, suggesting a need for specific, potentially high-skill, repair services. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the Department of Homeland Security. 5. The award duration is approximately 5 months, indicating a focused scope of work. 6. Geographic location in Florida may point to specific operational bases or maintenance facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $156,240.80 for aircraft repairs appears reasonable for specialized aviation maintenance. Benchmarking against similar repair contracts for mid-size aircraft like the HC-144 would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the fixed-price nature suggests an effort to establish clear cost expectations. Without specific details on the nature of the repairs, a direct comparison of value-for-money is challenging, but the amount is not indicative of excessive spending for such services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), suggesting it was likely solicited from a limited pool of pre-qualified vendors or through a streamlined process for smaller dollar amounts. The presence of 3 bidders indicates some level of competition, but it is not a full and open competition. This approach is common for procurements below certain thresholds, aiming for efficiency while still seeking competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: While not a full competition, the 3 bidders likely resulted in a more competitive price than a sole-source award. Taxpayers benefit from the cost efficiencies gained through this limited competition, avoiding the higher administrative costs of a broader solicitation for a relatively small value contract.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard benefits directly through the maintenance and repair of its HC-144 aircraft fleet. This contract ensures the operational readiness of critical aviation assets used for maritime security and search and rescue missions. The services are likely performed in Florida, supporting local aviation maintenance capabilities. The contract supports specialized jobs within the aviation repair and maintenance sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition to result in higher-than-market prices if not carefully managed.
Reliance on a specific contractor for specialized repairs could create future dependency.
Scope creep could increase costs if not strictly managed under the fixed-price agreement.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) ensure efficient procurement for smaller dollar values.
Multiple bidders (3) indicate some level of market interest and potential for competitive pricing.

Sector Analysis

The aviation maintenance and repair sector is a critical component of the aerospace industry, supporting both military and civilian fleets. Contracts for specialized aircraft parts and repairs, like this one for the HC-144, are essential for maintaining operational capabilities. The market for such services is often characterized by specialized expertise and certifications. Spending in this area is driven by the need for fleet readiness and the lifecycle management of aircraft.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the nature of specialized aviation repair, it's possible that larger, specialized firms or those with specific OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) certifications are more likely to bid. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed but could arise if the prime contractor requires specialized support services.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of financial oversight by establishing a ceiling cost. The Department of Homeland Security's internal audit and contracting offices would oversee performance and payment. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Services
Aviation Parts and Components
Department of Homeland Security Procurement
U.S. Coast Guard Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition impact on price.
Need for detailed repair scope for full value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $156,240.8 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 $156,240.8.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-21. End: 2026-06-01.

What is the specific nature of the 'VARIOUS REPAIRS' required for the HC-144 aircraft?

The provided data does not detail the specific 'VARIOUS REPAIRS' needed for the HC-144 aircraft. These could range from routine maintenance and component replacements to more complex structural or system repairs. Understanding the exact nature of the work is crucial for a comprehensive value assessment, as the complexity and required expertise directly influence cost. Without this information, it's difficult to benchmark the $156,240.80 against specific repair tasks. Further analysis would require access to the contract's statement of work (SOW) or task order details.

How does the pricing of AEROKOOL AVIATION CORP compare to other providers of HC-144 aircraft maintenance?

Direct price comparison for AEROKOOL AVIATION CORP's services on the HC-144 is challenging without access to historical pricing data for similar repairs or quotes from other potential bidders. The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) with 3 bidders, suggesting some competitive pressure. However, the limited competition inherent in SAP may not yield the lowest possible market price. A thorough benchmark would involve analyzing pricing structures for similar aircraft maintenance contracts, considering factors like labor rates, parts markup, and overhead, across multiple qualified vendors in the aviation support industry.

What is the track record of AEROKOOL AVIATION CORP with the U.S. Coast Guard or similar agencies?

Information regarding AEROKOOL AVIATION CORP's specific track record with the U.S. Coast Guard or similar agencies is not provided in the summary data. To assess their reliability and performance history, one would need to review past contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or issues. A positive track record with government contracts, particularly in aviation maintenance, would increase confidence in their ability to deliver quality services on time and within budget for this HC-144 repair task.

What is the strategic importance of the HC-144 aircraft to the U.S. Coast Guard's mission?

The HC-144 Ocean Sentry is a significant asset for the U.S. Coast Guard, primarily serving as a medium-range maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft. It is utilized for a wide range of missions including search and rescue (SAR), counter-narcotics operations, homeland security patrols, and environmental monitoring. Ensuring the operational readiness of the HC-144 fleet through timely and effective maintenance, as addressed by this contract, is therefore critical to the Coast Guard's ability to fulfill its diverse and vital missions in safeguarding U.S. maritime interests and responding to emergencies.

What has been the historical spending trend for HC-144 aircraft maintenance by the U.S. Coast Guard?

The provided data focuses on a single delivery order and does not offer insight into historical spending trends for HC-144 aircraft maintenance. To analyze historical spending, one would need to examine cumulative contract obligations over several fiscal years for HC-144 support, potentially including multiple delivery orders under various indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts or other contract vehicles. This would reveal patterns in maintenance needs, the number of contractors utilized, and the overall budget allocated to sustaining this aircraft platform.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: REFRIG, AIR CONDIT/CIRCULAT EQPT

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: $156,241

Exercised Options: $156,241

Current Obligation: $156,241

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z03822DL0000004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline