Coast Guard awards $412K for MH-65 aircraft landing light repair to Quality Aviation Instruments Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,200 ($41.2K)

Contractor: Quality Aviation Instruments Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-02-03

End Date: 2026-04-14

Contract Duration: 70 days

Daily Burn Rate: $589/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REPAIR OF HOVER LANDING LIGHTS TO BE UTILIZED ON THE MH-65 AIRCRAFT.

Place of Performance

Location: WHITE OAK, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15131

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $41,200 to QUALITY AVIATION INSTRUMENTS INC for work described as: REPAIR OF HOVER LANDING LIGHTS TO BE UTILIZED ON THE MH-65 AIRCRAFT. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential maintenance for MH-65 helicopter fleet. 2. Limited duration suggests a specific repair or upgrade project. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 4. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, indicating a smaller value contract. 5. Geographic location of the awardee in Pennsylvania may influence logistics. 6. The specific part number (488190) points to a specialized component.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $412,000 for the repair of hover landing lights for MH-65 aircraft appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aviation components and maintenance. While direct comparisons are difficult without more specific data on the exact repairs or parts involved, the fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty. The duration of the contract (70 days) suggests a focused scope, which can help in managing expenses effectively. Benchmarking against similar aviation maintenance contracts would provide a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition for contracts valued below certain thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, SAP is designed to encourage competition. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors were likely considered, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government compared to sole-source awards.

Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices through a bidding process, even for smaller value contracts.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard benefits from the continued operational readiness of its MH-65 helicopter fleet. Aviation maintenance services are delivered, ensuring the functionality of critical safety equipment. The primary geographic impact is within the operational areas of the MH-65 fleet, likely nationwide. Workforce implications include skilled technicians at Quality Aviation Instruments Inc. performing the repairs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for supply chain disruptions affecting specialized aviation parts.
Dependence on a single awardee for a critical repair could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting potential for good value.
Focus on essential aircraft maintenance supports operational readiness.

Sector Analysis

The aviation maintenance and repair sector is a critical component of the aerospace industry, supporting the operational readiness of military and civilian aircraft. This contract falls within the broader category of aerospace support services. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for regular maintenance, component repair, and upgrades to ensure safety and performance. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing contracts for similar aircraft types or maintenance services across different government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false) and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses (sb: false). Therefore, this particular award does not appear to directly benefit the small business ecosystem through set-asides or mandated subcontracting. However, the prime contractor, Quality Aviation Instruments Inc., may itself be a small business, which would represent a direct award to a small entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Coast Guard's contracting and program management offices. As a competed contract awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases. The specific Inspector General jurisdiction would likely be that of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Coast Guard, to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

MH-65 Helicopter Maintenance
Aviation Component Repair
U.S. Coast Guard Aircraft Support
Department of Homeland Security Aviation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain delays impacting delivery schedule.
Risk of performance issues if contractor lacks specific expertise.
Need for verification of component authenticity and certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $41,200 to QUALITY AVIATION INSTRUMENTS INC. REPAIR OF HOVER LANDING LIGHTS TO BE UTILIZED ON THE MH-65 AIRCRAFT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is QUALITY AVIATION INSTRUMENTS INC.

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 $41,200.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-02-03. End: 2026-04-14.

What is the track record of Quality Aviation Instruments Inc. in performing similar aviation repair services for the government?

Assessing the track record of Quality Aviation Instruments Inc. requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. This would involve examining contract databases for previous awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or corrective actions. A positive track record with similar aviation repair services, particularly for rotary-wing aircraft or specific avionics components, would indicate a lower performance risk for this contract. Conversely, a history of poor performance, missed deadlines, or quality issues would raise concerns about their ability to successfully execute this delivery order.

How does the awarded price of $412,000 compare to market rates for repairing hover landing lights on MH-65 aircraft?

Benchmarking the $412,000 award against market rates for repairing hover landing lights on MH-65 aircraft is challenging without specific details on the scope of work and parts involved. However, the U.S. Coast Guard's use of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) suggests the value is within a range typically considered for smaller, well-defined procurements. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify comparable contracts for similar services, consult industry pricing guides for aviation components and labor, or gather quotes from other qualified aviation maintenance providers. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some assurance against cost overruns, but the initial price's competitiveness is key to ensuring value for taxpayer money.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential delays in parts procurement, technical challenges during the repair process, and the possibility of the awarded contractor, Quality Aviation Instruments Inc., not meeting performance standards. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract structure and oversight. The fixed-price nature helps mitigate cost escalation risks. The competitive award process suggests a selection of a capable vendor. The U.S. Coast Guard's program management and quality assurance teams will provide oversight during the contract performance period, monitoring progress and ensuring adherence to specifications. Clear delivery schedules and performance metrics are crucial for managing these risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for the repair of hover landing lights or similar components for the MH-65 aircraft by the U.S. Coast Guard?

Analyzing historical spending for MH-65 hover landing light repairs requires accessing federal procurement data over several fiscal years. This would involve searching for contracts awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard (or potentially other agencies using the MH-65) for maintenance, repair, or overhaul of these specific components or related systems. Understanding past spending levels, contract durations, and awardees can reveal trends in maintenance needs, cost fluctuations, and the typical competitive landscape. Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending could indicate changes in aircraft utilization, component lifespan, or new maintenance strategies. This context helps in evaluating the current $412,000 award as being in line with, or deviating from, historical norms.

What is the significance of the part number '488190' in the context of MH-65 aircraft maintenance?

The part number '488190' is a specific identifier for a component used on the MH-65 aircraft, likely related to the hover landing light system mentioned in the contract description. In aviation, part numbers are crucial for ensuring the correct, certified components are used for maintenance and repair, guaranteeing airworthiness and safety. This specific number allows for precise identification of the required part, facilitating accurate procurement and inventory management. For the repair process, it ensures that Quality Aviation Instruments Inc. is sourcing and installing the exact, approved component, thereby maintaining the integrity and performance standards of the MH-65's lighting system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 903 MCKEE RD, WHITE OAK, PA, 15131

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,200

Exercised Options: $41,200

Current Obligation: $41,200

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z03821DB2000009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline