Coast Guard awards $24.4M contract for integral fuel tank repair of HC-144 aircraft

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,383 ($24.4K)

Contractor: Davcor Aviation Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-05-11

Contract Duration: 34 days

Daily Burn Rate: $717/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: INTEGRAL FUEL TANK REPAIR OF HC-144 AIRCRAFT.

Place of Performance

Location: ELIZABETH CITY, PASQUOTANK County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27909

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $24,382.89 to DAVCOR AVIATION SERVICES INC for work described as: INTEGRAL FUEL TANK REPAIR OF HC-144 AIRCRAFT. Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in maintaining the operational readiness of the HC-144 aircraft fleet. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are noted as 'COMPETED UNDER SAP', suggesting a streamlined procurement process. 3. The short duration of the contract (34 days) indicates a focused scope of work, likely for immediate maintenance needs. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 5. The award to DAVCOR AVIATION SERVICES INC highlights a specific vendor's capability in specialized aviation maintenance. 6. The North Carolina location of the contractor may have implications for regional economic impact and workforce development.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $24.4 million for integral fuel tank repair of HC-144 aircraft appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aviation maintenance. Benchmarking against similar, highly technical aircraft repair contracts would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overruns, contributing to good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of bidders compared to full and open competition. While this can expedite the procurement process, it may limit the breadth of price discovery and potentially reduce the number of competitive offers received.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, competing under SAP can lead to faster delivery of essential services but may result in slightly higher prices compared to a broader competitive process. The efficiency gains, however, can offset some of these potential cost increases.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard, ensuring the continued operational capability of its HC-144 aircraft fleet. The service delivered is critical maintenance and repair of integral fuel tanks, essential for flight safety and performance. The geographic impact is primarily centered around the operational bases of the HC-144 aircraft, likely within the United States. Workforce implications include specialized aviation mechanics and technicians employed by DAVCOR AVIATION SERVICES INC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to SAP procurement process.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical maintenance task.
The specific nature of fuel tank repair requires specialized expertise, potentially limiting the pool of qualified bidders.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Short contract duration suggests a focused and potentially efficient execution.
Award to a specific vendor indicates established capability in this niche aviation service.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aviation maintenance and repair services. The market for specialized aircraft component repair is highly technical and often dominated by a few key players with the necessary certifications and expertise. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining the readiness of government aviation assets, with comparable contracts varying widely based on aircraft type, complexity of repair, and service life extension programs.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary awardee is likely a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract may be minimal unless DAVCOR AVIATION SERVICES INC engages them for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services to a certain standard. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Services
Aviation Logistics Support
Fleet Readiness Programs
Homeland Security Aviation Assets

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition
Short contract duration may indicate urgent need or limited scope

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $24,382.89 to DAVCOR AVIATION SERVICES INC. INTEGRAL FUEL TANK REPAIR OF HC-144 AIRCRAFT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DAVCOR AVIATION SERVICES 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 $24,382.89.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-05-11.

What is the historical spending by the U.S. Coast Guard on HC-144 aircraft maintenance and repair over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending on HC-144 aircraft maintenance requires access to detailed federal procurement databases. However, general trends in aviation maintenance spending indicate a consistent need for component repairs and service life extensions. The U.S. Coast Guard, operating a diverse fleet, allocates significant resources to ensure aircraft readiness. Specific figures for HC-144 maintenance would reveal patterns of component failures, repair cycles, and the overall investment in keeping these aircraft operational. This contract's value of $24.4 million should be viewed in the context of the total lifecycle costs associated with the HC-144 fleet, which includes acquisition, sustainment, and eventual retirement.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for integral fuel tank repairs on similar aircraft platforms?

Benchmarking the $24.4 million award for HC-144 integral fuel tank repairs against industry standards is challenging without specific cost data for comparable aircraft. Integral fuel tank repairs are highly specialized, requiring specific engineering knowledge, materials, and certifications. The HC-144, a medium-range maritime patrol aircraft, has unique design characteristics. A thorough benchmark would involve comparing this contract's cost per flight hour or cost per repair event against similar maintenance actions on other aircraft in its class, such as turboprop or light jet platforms used for surveillance or transport. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests the contractor has assessed these costs and risks.

What is DAVCOR AVIATION SERVICES INC's track record with government contracts, particularly for aviation maintenance?

DAVCOR AVIATION SERVICES INC's track record with government contracts, especially in aviation maintenance, is a key indicator of their capability and reliability. A review of federal procurement data would reveal their past performance, including the types of contracts awarded, their value, and any reported issues or successes. For a specialized service like integral fuel tank repair, it's important to assess if they have previously performed similar work on the HC-144 or comparable aircraft. Positive past performance, demonstrated by successful contract completion and adherence to quality standards, provides confidence in their ability to execute this current award effectively.

What are the potential risks associated with the limited competition under SAP for this contract?

The primary risk associated with limited competition under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) is the potential for reduced price competition. When fewer vendors are involved, the government may not achieve the lowest possible price compared to a full and open competition where a wider range of suppliers can bid. This could lead to a higher cost for taxpayers. Additionally, limited competition might restrict the government's access to innovative solutions or specialized capabilities that a broader market could offer. However, SAP is designed for efficiency and speed in acquiring goods and services below certain dollar thresholds, balancing cost considerations with timely procurement needs.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard's HC-144 fleet?

This contract is directly aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard's HC-144 fleet by addressing critical integral fuel tank repairs. Fuel systems are vital for aircraft safety and performance; any deficiencies can ground aircraft or limit their mission capabilities. By ensuring these tanks are repaired and maintained to specification, the contract directly contributes to the availability of HC-144 aircraft for their intended missions, such as maritime patrol, search and rescue, and law enforcement. The timely completion of this repair work is crucial for maintaining the overall effectiveness and responsiveness of the Coast Guard's aviation assets.

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

Solicitation ID: 70Z03826QL0000092

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6222 KREMPEN AVE, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78233

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,383

Exercised Options: $24,383

Current Obligation: $24,383

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline