DoD's $21.4M Aircrew Training Contract Awarded to Metrea Aviation Services for MC-12 Sensor Operators

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,377,813 ($21.4M)

Contractor: Metrea Aviation Services, MX1 Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-05-06

End Date: 2013-10-01

Contract Duration: 1,244 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: CONTRACT AIRCREW TRAINING AND COURSEWARE DEVELOPMENT FOR MC-12 SENSOR OPERATOR IQT.

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73132

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.4 million to METREA AVIATION SERVICES, MX1 INC. for work described as: CONTRACT AIRCREW TRAINING AND COURSEWARE DEVELOPMENT FOR MC-12 SENSOR OPERATOR IQT. Key points: 1. Contract focused on specialized sensor operator training, indicating a niche but critical capability. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for such services. 3. The contract duration of over three years points to a sustained need for this training. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but requires careful scope management. 5. The relatively low number of bids (3) might warrant further investigation into market depth. 6. Training provided for MC-12 sensor operators highlights a specific, advanced technological requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $21.4 million over roughly three years suggests a moderate investment in specialized aircrew training. Benchmarking against similar contracts for niche sensor operator training is challenging due to the specificity of the MC-12 platform. However, the firm fixed-price structure indicates an expectation of cost predictability. The number of bids received (3) is on the lower side for a full and open competition, which could imply either a highly specialized market or potential barriers to entry for other qualified contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if the pricing reflects fair market value for the unique skills and equipment involved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. Three bids were received, which is a moderate level of competition. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, three bids suggest that there are at least a few capable providers in the market for this specialized training. The contracting agency likely evaluated proposals based on a combination of technical merit and price to ensure the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with a moderate number of bidders, generally provides a reasonable opportunity for price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for taxpayers compared to sole-source or limited competitions.

Public Impact

Benefits the U.S. Air Force by ensuring MC-12 sensor operators are proficient and mission-ready. Delivers essential courseware development and aircrew training services. Impacts the operational readiness of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. Supports a specialized segment of the aviation and defense training workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited number of bidders (3) in a full and open competition could indicate market concentration or barriers to entry.
The specific nature of MC-12 sensor operator training might limit the pool of qualified contractors.
Firm fixed-price contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed meticulously.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential sources.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Training is critical for maintaining advanced ISR capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense training sector, specifically focusing on specialized aviation and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The market for such niche training is often characterized by a limited number of highly specialized providers. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of MC-12 sensor operator training, but overall government spending on aviation training and simulation is substantial, running into billions annually across various branches.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of aircrew training for advanced sensor systems, it is likely that the primary contractors are larger, established defense or aerospace companies. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses might exist in areas such as courseware development tools, administrative support, or specialized components, but the prime contract itself does not appear to be geared towards small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight would typically involve program managers responsible for ensuring training objectives are met, quality standards are maintained, and contract terms are adhered to. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Aircrew Training Services
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems Training
Aviation Maintenance Training
Defense Contractor Training Programs
Sensor Systems Operation Training

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Bidders
Specialized Skill Set Requirement
Potential for Technological Obsolescence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.4 million to METREA AVIATION SERVICES, MX1 INC.. CONTRACT AIRCREW TRAINING AND COURSEWARE DEVELOPMENT FOR MC-12 SENSOR OPERATOR IQT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is METREA AVIATION SERVICES, MX1 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 $21.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-05-06. End: 2013-10-01.

What is the track record of Metrea Aviation Services, MX1 Inc. in providing similar aircrew training services?

Metrea Aviation Services, MX1 Inc. (often referred to collectively or through parent/subsidiary relationships) has a history of providing aviation services, including training and support, to government and commercial clients. Their expertise often lies in specialized areas such as sensor operation, mission systems, and flight training for unique platforms. While specific details on their performance for the MC-12 program would require deeper contract-level analysis (e.g., performance reviews, past performance questionnaires), their presence as a prime contractor suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. It's important to review their broader portfolio and any publicly available performance data to fully assess their track record in delivering complex training solutions.

How does the value of this contract compare to other aircrew training contracts within the Department of Defense?

The $21.4 million value for this specific MC-12 sensor operator training contract is moderate when compared to the vast landscape of DoD training expenditures. The DoD spends billions annually on various forms of training, including pilot training, maintenance training, and specialized operator training for a wide array of platforms. Contracts for large-scale pilot training programs (e.g., undergraduate pilot training) or simulator development can easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. This contract's value reflects its focus on a niche capability for a specific aircraft type, rather than a broad, foundational training requirement. Therefore, while significant, it represents a smaller slice of the overall DoD training budget.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of specialized aircrew training contract?

Primary risks include the potential for contractor performance issues, where the quality or timeliness of training does not meet requirements, impacting operational readiness. Technological obsolescence is another risk; the MC-12 platform or its sensor systems could be updated or replaced, requiring rapid adaptation of training programs. Market concentration is also a concern, as the limited number of specialized providers could lead to reduced competition in future procurements. Furthermore, ensuring the training remains relevant and effective as threats and operational tactics evolve requires continuous monitoring and adaptation by both the contractor and the government. Finally, cost overruns, although mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure, can still occur if scope management is inadequate.

How effective is the training provided under this contract likely to be, given the contract structure?

The effectiveness of the training hinges on several factors inherent in the contract structure. The firm fixed-price nature incentivizes the contractor to deliver the defined training scope efficiently. However, effectiveness also depends heavily on the quality of the curriculum, the instructors' expertise, and the realism of the training environment (simulators, courseware). The fact that it was competed under full and open competition suggests the government sought the best available solution. Success metrics within the contract, such as student pass rates, instructor evaluations, and post-training performance assessments, would be key indicators of effectiveness. Continuous government oversight and feedback loops are crucial to ensure the training meets evolving operational needs.

What are the historical spending patterns for MC-12 sensor operator training or similar capabilities?

Historical spending patterns for MC-12 sensor operator training would likely show a correlation with the operational tempo and deployment of the MC-12 aircraft itself. As the MC-12 was utilized primarily in the 2000s and early 2010s for ISR missions, spending on its training would have peaked during that period. Subsequent spending would likely decrease as the platform is potentially phased out or its role evolves. Analyzing broader spending trends for ISR sensor operator training across different platforms (e.g., Global Hawk, Reaper) would reveal a consistent, significant investment by the DoD in developing and maintaining these critical skills, often involving multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts for specialized training solutions.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7301 NW 50TH ST, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,427,813

Exercised Options: $21,377,813

Current Obligation: $21,377,813

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline