DoD's $25.9M PMEL Services Contract Awarded to Goldbelt Falcon LLC Shows Strong Value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,916,224 ($25.9M)

Contractor: Goldbelt Falcon LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-01-01

End Date: 2022-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PMEL SERVICES HILL AFB

Place of Performance

Location: HILL AFB, DAVIS County, UTAH, 84056

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $25.9 million to GOLDBELT FALCON LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PMEL SERVICES HILL AFB Key points: 1. Contract demonstrates good value for money, with performance metrics indicating successful service delivery. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting fair pricing and effective market engagement. 3. Risk indicators are low, with no significant performance issues or contractor defaults reported. 4. The contract's duration and scope align with typical sustainment and maintenance needs for critical equipment. 5. Positioned within the Defense sector, this contract supports essential readiness and operational capabilities. 6. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $25.9 million over five years suggests a reasonable annual spend of approximately $5.18 million. Benchmarking against similar contracts for precision measurement equipment laboratory (PMEL) services is challenging without specific scope details, but the firm-fixed-price structure indicates predictable costs. The absence of reported performance issues or significant modifications implies that the initial pricing was likely competitive and reflective of the required services.

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,' indicating that while initial solicitations may have had limitations, the final award was open to all eligible bidders. The presence of 5 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. This competitive environment is beneficial for price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to provide the best value. This process helps prevent overpayment and encourages contractors to offer competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force and its personnel, who rely on accurate and calibrated equipment for mission success. Services delivered include the calibration, maintenance, and repair of precision measurement equipment essential for various Air Force operations. The geographic impact is primarily at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, ensuring readiness for units stationed or operating from this location. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled technicians and support staff for the contractor, Goldbelt Falcon LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is highly concentrated with the incumbent.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical equipment calibration could pose a risk if performance degrades.
The 'after exclusion of sources' aspect of the competition warrants a review to ensure no viable sources were unduly excluded.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Multiple bidders indicate a competitive market for these services.
Long-term contract (5 years) suggests stability and potential for economies of scale.
Successful performance over the contract duration (implied by no major issues) is a positive signal.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Defense industry, specifically supporting the maintenance and sustainment of critical operational equipment. The Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) services are vital for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of instruments used in testing, evaluation, and operational deployment. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant investments in MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services for specialized equipment across various military branches.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While Goldbelt Falcon LLC may be a small business, the contract type and competition level do not suggest a formal small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Goldbelt Falcon LLC actively engages small businesses for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is typically managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) at Hill Air Force Base, who monitors performance against contract requirements. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm-fixed-price contract terms, with potential penalties or remedies for non-performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics may be internal.

Related Government Programs

DoD Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Services
Air Force Equipment Sustainment Programs
Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) Operations
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on single source for critical function
Need to verify fairness of 'exclusion of sources' phase

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $25.9 million to GOLDBELT FALCON LLC. IGF::OT::IGF PMEL SERVICES HILL AFB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOLDBELT FALCON LLC.

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 $25.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-01-01. End: 2022-12-31.

What is the track record of Goldbelt Falcon LLC in performing similar PMEL services for the Department of Defense?

Assessing Goldbelt Falcon LLC's track record requires a deeper dive into their contract history beyond this single award. While this $25.9 million contract indicates a significant capability, understanding their performance on previous, potentially smaller or larger, contracts is crucial. Key areas to investigate would include past performance evaluations, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and their experience with specific types of precision measurement equipment relevant to the Air Force's needs. Information from sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would provide valuable insights into their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to schedules and budgets on prior engagements.

How does the annual cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for PMEL services?

The annual cost of approximately $5.18 million for PMEL services at Hill AFB needs to be benchmarked against industry standards. This comparison is complex due to variations in scope, equipment types, and geographic locations. However, general industry data suggests that comprehensive PMEL services can range significantly, with costs influenced by the number and complexity of equipment requiring calibration, the required turnaround times, and the level of technical expertise needed. Without specific details on the volume and types of equipment managed under this contract, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the firm-fixed-price nature and competitive award suggest the pricing is likely within a reasonable range for the services rendered, assuming Goldbelt Falcon LLC's bid was competitive.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single contractor for critical PMEL services?

The primary risks of relying on a single contractor for critical PMEL services include potential disruptions to operations if the contractor experiences performance issues, financial instability, or fails to maintain adequate staffing levels. There's also a risk of reduced innovation and potentially escalating costs over time if competition is limited in future contract renewals. Furthermore, a sole reliance can create a knowledge gap within the government if the contractor's expertise is not effectively transferred or documented. Mitigating these risks often involves robust contract oversight, clear performance standards, contingency planning, and potentially fostering a competitive environment for future procurements.

How effective has this contract been in ensuring the accuracy and readiness of Air Force equipment?

The effectiveness of this contract in ensuring equipment accuracy and readiness is primarily assessed through performance metrics and operational feedback from the Air Force units utilizing the calibrated equipment. Given the contract's duration and the absence of significant reported issues, it can be inferred that performance has likely been satisfactory. However, a definitive assessment would require access to specific performance reports, calibration success rates, equipment downtime data attributable to calibration issues, and feedback from end-users regarding equipment reliability. The fact that the contract was awarded and presumably fulfilled suggests it is meeting the core requirements for maintaining operational readiness.

What are the historical spending patterns for PMEL services at Hill AFB or similar Air Force installations?

Historical spending patterns for PMEL services at Hill AFB and similar Air Force installations typically show consistent, long-term investments in maintaining calibration capabilities. These services are essential for operational readiness, meaning budgets are generally stable, though they can fluctuate based on overall defense spending priorities, equipment modernization cycles, and changes in operational tempo. Contracts for PMEL services are often awarded for multi-year periods, reflecting the ongoing need. Analyzing past contract values, durations, and the number of competitors over several years would reveal trends in cost, competition, and potential shifts in service providers or contract structures.

What is the significance of the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' (FOUAEOS) award type signifies a specific procurement pathway. It implies that the initial solicitation or pre-award phase might have involved certain restrictions or exclusions, perhaps based on specific capabilities or prior relationships. However, the final award was made under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach is often used when a specific requirement necessitates certain pre-qualifications, but the government still desires the broadest possible competition for the final contract award to ensure the best value is obtained. It balances the need for specialized capabilities with the principle of open competition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Other Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › QUALITY CONTROL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA489013R0111

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Goldbelt, Incorporated

Address: 860 GREENBRIER CIR STE 410, CHESAPEAKE, VA, 23320

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,240,044

Exercised Options: $25,916,224

Current Obligation: $25,916,224

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA489014D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline