NASA awards $18.66M contract for comprehensive aircraft readiness and support services to YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,664,574 ($18.7M)
Contractor: Yulista Solutions, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-03-01
End Date: 2025-09-30
Contract Duration: 944 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: COMPREHENSIVE AIRCRAFT READINESS, LIFECYCLE, ENGINEERING, AND SUPPORT (CHARLES). CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, LOGISTICS, ENGINEERING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONAL SUPPORT, AIRBORNE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Place of Performance
Location: WALLOPS ISLAND, ACCOMACK County, VIRGINIA, 23337
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $18.7 million to YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: COMPREHENSIVE AIRCRAFT READINESS, LIFECYCLE, ENGINEERING, AND SUPPORT (CHARLES). CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, LOGISTICS, ENGINEERING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONAL SUPPORT, AIRBORNE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical aircraft maintenance, logistics, and engineering support. 2. YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC, a single awardee, will provide a wide range of services. 3. The contract duration spans over two years, indicating a medium-term commitment. 4. Services include airborne research and development, suggesting advanced operational needs. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can introduce cost variability. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total contract value of $18.66 million over approximately two years suggests a moderate investment in aircraft support. Benchmarking this against similar comprehensive aircraft readiness contracts is challenging without more specific service details and performance metrics. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government reimburses YULISTA SOLUTIONS for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can sometimes lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts if cost controls are not robust. However, CPFF is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined, allowing for flexibility.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be full and open, certain sources were excluded, leading to a limited competitive pool. The specific reasons for excluding other sources are not detailed, which raises questions about the extent of true competition. A limited competition may result in less favorable pricing and fewer innovative solutions compared to a truly full and open process with multiple bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the most competitive pricing due to the exclusion of certain sources. The limited competition could mean that the government did not fully leverage the market to drive down costs for these essential aircraft support services.
Public Impact
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the primary beneficiary, ensuring operational readiness of its aircraft fleet. Services delivered include maintenance, logistics, engineering, project management, and operational support. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around NASA facilities where aircraft operations are based. Workforce implications include potential job creation or retention within YULISTA SOLUTIONS and its subcontractors, particularly in specialized aviation support roles.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type if not managed diligently.
- Limited competition may have restricted the range of innovative solutions and potentially inflated prices.
- Lack of transparency regarding the exclusion of sources in the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process.
Positive Signals
- Contract addresses comprehensive aircraft readiness, a critical function for NASA's operational and research missions.
- YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC is tasked with a broad scope of services, indicating a single point of accountability for these needs.
- The contract duration provides a stable period for essential support services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense services sector, specifically focusing on aviation support and lifecycle management. The market for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services is substantial, with significant government spending allocated to ensuring fleet readiness. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other large-scale aviation support contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense or NASA to similar prime contractors, looking at cost per flight hour or total contract value relative to fleet size.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, as indicated by 'ss': false and 'sb': false. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications specifically mandated for small businesses through this award. The prime contractor, YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC, may still choose to engage small businesses as subcontractors, but it is not a requirement of this specific contract. The absence of a set-aside means that larger, established companies were eligible to compete and potentially win the award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight and auditing of YULISTA SOLUTIONS' incurred costs will be crucial to ensure compliance with contract terms and prevent unnecessary expenditures. NASA's contracting officers and program managers will be responsible for monitoring performance, approving invoices, and ensuring deliverables meet requirements. Transparency will depend on NASA's reporting practices and any public disclosures related to contract performance.
Related Government Programs
- Aircraft Maintenance Services
- Logistics Support Contracts
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Government Aviation Support
- Research and Development Contracts
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may impact price.
- CPFF contract type carries cost overrun risk.
- Exclusion of sources requires further scrutiny.
- Scope definition for R&D services could be ambiguous.
Tags
nasa, aviation-support, aircraft-maintenance, logistics, engineering-services, research-and-development, cost-plus-fixed-fee, limited-competition, yulista-solutions, virginia, full-and-open-competition-after-exclusion-of-sources, other-support-activities-for-air-transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $18.7 million to YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC. COMPREHENSIVE AIRCRAFT READINESS, LIFECYCLE, ENGINEERING, AND SUPPORT (CHARLES). CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, LOGISTICS, ENGINEERING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONAL SUPPORT, AIRBORNE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-03-01. End: 2025-09-30.
What is YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC's track record with NASA and other federal agencies for similar aircraft support contracts?
YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC has a history of performing services for various government agencies, including NASA and the Department of Defense. Their experience often encompasses aviation support, logistics, and maintenance. Analyzing past performance reviews, contract modifications, and any past performance issues or successes on similar contracts would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capability. For instance, reviewing their performance on previous NASA contracts, if any, would be particularly relevant to assess their understanding of NASA's specific operational needs and compliance standards. A detailed review of their contract history would reveal the types and scale of aircraft supported, the duration of previous engagements, and any documented instances of exceptional performance or challenges.
How does the $18.66 million contract value compare to similar comprehensive aircraft readiness contracts awarded by NASA or other agencies?
The $18.66 million contract value for comprehensive aircraft readiness, lifecycle, engineering, and support services awarded to YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC is a moderate figure for such a broad scope over approximately two years. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts with similar service inclusions (maintenance, logistics, engineering, R&D) and contract durations. For example, NASA or the Department of Defense might award larger contracts for fleet-wide support or smaller, more specialized contracts for specific aircraft types or components. Factors like the number of aircraft supported, the complexity of the fleet (e.g., research vs. transport aircraft), and the specific technical requirements significantly influence contract value. Without these details, a direct comparison is difficult, but the value suggests a focused support effort rather than an entire agency's fleet-wide overhaul.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this aircraft support services procurement?
The primary risk associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this procurement is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. While the fee is fixed, the total cost is not. If YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC does not effectively manage its costs, or if unforeseen circumstances lead to increased expenses, the total amount paid by NASA could exceed initial estimates. This necessitates robust oversight from NASA to scrutinize incurred costs, ensure efficiency, and prevent scope creep that inflates expenses. The risk is mitigated by the fixed fee, which incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their profit margin, but the government still bears the risk of higher overall expenditure.
What does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' designation imply for the effectiveness of competition and price discovery?
The designation 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies a nuanced approach to competition. While the intent was to allow all responsible sources to submit offers, the subsequent exclusion of certain sources indicates that the competitive pool was deliberately narrowed. The effectiveness of competition and price discovery hinges on the reasons for this exclusion and the number of remaining bidders. If only a few sources remained, or if the excluded sources were significant potential competitors, the competition may have been less robust, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing. True price discovery is best achieved when a wide range of capable vendors can compete freely. This designation suggests that while a competitive process occurred, its breadth might have been compromised, potentially impacting the final price achieved for the government.
How does this contract align with NASA's broader strategic goals for its aviation research and operational capabilities?
This contract directly supports NASA's strategic goals by ensuring the readiness, reliability, and operational capability of its aircraft fleet, which are crucial for various missions, including airborne research, technology development, and operational support. Maintaining a high level of aircraft readiness allows NASA to execute its scientific and exploratory missions effectively. The inclusion of engineering and R&D services suggests that the contract also contributes to the advancement of aviation technology and the development of new capabilities. By outsourcing these critical support functions to YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC, NASA can focus its internal resources on core scientific and space exploration objectives, leveraging specialized expertise to maintain its vital aviation assets.
What are the potential implications for workforce development and specialized skills within the aviation support sector due to this contract?
This contract has several implications for workforce development and specialized skills in the aviation support sector. By awarding a comprehensive support contract to YULISTA SOLUTIONS, LLC, there is an expectation of job creation or sustained employment for skilled aviation technicians, engineers, logisticians, and project managers. The nature of the services required—maintenance, engineering, R&D—demands a highly skilled workforce with expertise in specific aircraft systems and aviation technologies. This contract can foster the development and retention of these specialized skills, potentially leading to advancements in training programs and best practices within the industry. Furthermore, it signals continued demand for these critical roles within the federal contracting space, encouraging individuals to pursue careers in aviation support.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8600 ADVANCED GTWY SW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35808
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,454,609
Exercised Options: $21,454,609
Current Obligation: $18,664,574
Actual Outlays: $18,017,494
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC023DA017
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-03-01
Current End Date: 2025-09-30
Potential End Date: 2025-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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