DoD's $20.78M contract for flight training services awarded to Air 1st Aviation Companies, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,784,051 ($20.8M)

Contractor: AIR 1ST Aviation Companies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-01-01

End Date: 2010-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,615 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: 200304!000118!5700!JA36 !325 CONS/CC !F0863703C6004 !A!N! !Y! !20030101!20030930!102002441!102002441!102002441!N!AIR 1ST AVIATION COMPANIES, IN!234 AIR PARK BOULEVARD !AIKEN !SC!29805!72875!005!12!TYNDALL AFB !BAY !FLORIDA !+000001819441!N!N!000000000000!U099!OTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !611512!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!J!2!001!K! !C!N!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! !B!A! !B!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: PANAMA CITY, BAY County, FLORIDA, 32403

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.8 million to AIR 1ST AVIATION COMPANIES, INC. for work described as: 200304!000118!5700!JA36 !325 CONS/CC !F0863703C6004 !A!N! !Y! !20030101!20030930!102002441!102002441!102002441!N!AIR 1ST AVIATION COMPANIES, IN!234 AIR PARK BOULEVARD !AIKEN !SC!29805!72875!005!12!TYNDALL AFB !BAY … Key points: 1. Contract awarded for flight training services, indicating a need for specialized aviation instruction. 2. The contract duration is substantial, spanning over 8 years, suggesting a long-term requirement. 3. The award amount of $20.78 million represents a significant investment in personnel development. 4. The contractor, Air 1st Aviation Companies, Inc., is based in Aiken, South Carolina. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process. 6. The primary service category is 'Other Education & Training Services', with a specific NAICS code of 611512.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $20.78 million over approximately 8 years (2003-2010) averages to about $2.6 million per year. Without specific benchmarks for flight training services, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the duration suggests a sustained need and potentially a competitive pricing structure to secure a long-term provider. Further analysis would require comparing per-hour training costs or equivalent service costs from other providers or similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This indicates that the opportunity was broadly advertised, and multiple sources were allowed to bid. The specific exclusion of sources clause might suggest certain pre-qualification criteria were met by bidders, but the overall intent was competitive. The presence of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces. This approach aims to prevent overpayment and secure the best possible training services at a reasonable price.

Public Impact

Military personnel, likely pilots or aircrew, benefit from enhanced flight training capabilities. The services delivered include specialized flight instruction, crucial for maintaining operational readiness. The contract's geographic impact is centered around Tyndall AFB in Florida, indicating a specific base requirement. Workforce implications include potential support roles at the contractor's facility and specialized instructor positions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (over 8 years) could lead to price escalation if not managed carefully.
The 'AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' clause warrants understanding the specific criteria for exclusion to ensure fairness.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it hard to assess the quality of training received.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and broad market solicitation.
The contract is for a critical service (flight training), indicating investment in essential military capabilities.
The contractor is an established entity, potentially bringing expertise and reliability to the service.

Sector Analysis

The defense training sector is a significant market within the broader aerospace and defense industry. Contracts for flight training are essential for maintaining pilot proficiency and developing new aviators. This specific contract falls under 'Other Education & Training Services' (NAICS 611512), which encompasses specialized training programs. Benchmarking this contract would involve comparing its total value and duration against other similar flight training contracts awarded by the DoD or other branches of the military.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for support services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS, where basic details are made public. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Military Pilot Training Programs
Aviation Maintenance Training
Air Force Readiness Contracts
Defense Education and Training Services
Tyndall AFB Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may pose risks of price escalation or changing requirements.
Need to verify specific 'exclusion of sources' criteria for competitive fairness.
Lack of detailed performance data limits assessment of training quality and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.8 million to AIR 1ST AVIATION COMPANIES, INC.. 200304!000118!5700!JA36 !325 CONS/CC !F0863703C6004 !A!N! !Y! !20030101!20030930!102002441!102002441!102002441!N!AIR 1ST AVIATION COMPANIES, IN!234 AIR PARK BOULEVARD !AIKEN !SC!29805!72875!005!12!TYNDALL AFB !BAY !FLORIDA !+000001819441!N!N!000000000000!U099!OTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !611512!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AIR 1ST AVIATION COMPANIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-01-01. End: 2010-02-28.

What is the historical spending pattern for flight training services by the Department of the Air Force?

Historical spending on flight training by the Department of the Air Force (and the DoD broadly) is substantial and fluctuates based on strategic priorities, force structure, and aircraft modernization. This contract, awarded in 2003, represents a portion of that spending during that period. Analyzing historical data from FPDS or other government spending databases would reveal trends in contract values, types of training procured (e.g., initial pilot training, advanced tactical training, simulator training), and key contractors. For instance, periods of increased geopolitical tension or new platform introductions often correlate with higher spending on specialized training. Understanding these patterns helps contextualize the $20.78 million award as part of a larger, ongoing investment in aircrew proficiency and readiness.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar flight training contracts awarded around the same period?

Directly comparing the pricing of this $20.78 million contract for flight training services to similar contracts awarded around 2003 requires access to detailed pricing structures and service levels of those comparable contracts. The provided data lacks the granularity to perform a precise per-hour or per-student cost analysis. However, the fact that it was awarded under 'full and open competition' suggests that the pricing was vetted against market rates. To conduct a robust comparison, one would need to identify contracts with similar scope (e.g., fixed-wing flight training, specific aircraft types, duration) and analyze their total value, contract type (e.g., Firm Fixed Price), and the number of bidders. Without such comparative data, assessing whether this contract represented excellent, good, or fair value is challenging.

What is the track record of Air 1st Aviation Companies, Inc. with federal contracts prior to and after this award?

Air 1st Aviation Companies, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily with the Department of Defense. Prior to this $20.78 million flight training contract awarded in 2003, the company likely held other contracts, potentially for similar aviation services. Post-2010 (the contract's end date), their federal contracting activity would need to be examined to assess their continued performance and relationship with government agencies. A review of their contract history would reveal the types of services provided, award amounts, agencies served, and any performance issues or accolades. A strong track record with consistent performance and positive past performance reviews generally indicates a lower risk for future contract awards.

What are the specific performance metrics and quality standards associated with this flight training contract?

The provided summary data does not include specific performance metrics or quality standards for this flight training contract. Typically, such contracts would detail requirements related to training hours, syllabus completion, student proficiency assessments, safety records, instructor qualifications, and simulator uptime. The effectiveness of the training would be measured against these predefined standards. The Department of the Air Force would have mechanisms to monitor contractor performance, potentially through regular reviews, student feedback, and mission-readiness assessments of trained personnel. The absence of this detail in the summary prevents a thorough evaluation of the program's effectiveness.

What is the risk assessment associated with this contract, considering its duration and service type?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns due to its long duration (over 8 years), the possibility of technological obsolescence in training methods or equipment, and ensuring consistent quality of instruction over time. The service type, flight training, inherently carries safety risks that must be meticulously managed by the contractor. Mitigation strategies likely included performance-based payment schedules, regular contract reviews, and strict adherence to safety protocols. The competitive nature of the award suggests that bidders were expected to factor these risks into their pricing and proposed solutions. A thorough risk assessment would also consider the contractor's financial stability and past performance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Flight Training

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 234 AIR PARK BOULEVARD, AIKEN, SC, 02

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Veteran Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline