Draken International awarded $30.5M contract for adversary air support at Kelly AFB, highlighting flight training needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,538,354 ($30.5M)

Contractor: Draken International, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-07-28

End Date: 2024-09-01

Contract Duration: 1,496 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ADVERSARY AIR SUPPORT FOR KELLY AFB.

Place of Performance

Location: JBSA LACKLAND, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78236

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.5 million to DRAKEN INTERNATIONAL, LLC for work described as: ADVERSARY AIR SUPPORT FOR KELLY AFB. Key points: 1. Contract value of $30.5M over nearly 5 years suggests significant demand for specialized training services. 2. Full and open competition indicates a healthy market for adversary air support providers. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability for the Air Force. 4. This contract supports essential flight training, crucial for maintaining pilot readiness and combat effectiveness. 5. Draken International's role underscores the importance of private sector partnerships in military readiness. 6. The duration of the contract (1496 days) points to a long-term requirement for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30.5M for nearly 5 years of adversary air support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for tactical training and support is difficult without more specific service details, but the duration and scope suggest a fair market price. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. With 3 bidders identified, this indicates a competitive landscape for adversary air support services. The level of competition likely contributed to achieving a fair price for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Military pilots at Kelly AFB benefit from realistic training scenarios provided by Draken International. The contract ensures the availability of essential adversary air support services for Air Force training programs. The geographic impact is centered around Kelly AFB in Texas, supporting regional military operations. This contract supports a specialized segment of the aviation services industry, potentially involving skilled pilots and support personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs beyond the defined fixed-price terms.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical training services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to safety standards throughout the contract duration requires diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type offers strong cost control for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term requirement being met efficiently.
Draken International's specialization in this niche area suggests expertise and capability.

Sector Analysis

Adversary air support is a critical component of military readiness, simulating enemy aircraft for training purposes. This sector involves specialized aviation services, often provided by private contractors who possess unique aircraft and operational expertise. The market size for such services is tied to defense spending and training requirements. This contract fits within the broader defense aviation services sector, where companies like Draken International play a vital role in supplementing organic military capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal unless Draken International engages them as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting plans and their potential benefit to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, with performance expectations tied to payment. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Combat Command Training Support
Tactical Training and Simulation Services
Military Flight Training Contracts
Air Force Readiness Programs

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Cost Control
Contractor Dependency
Safety Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.5 million to DRAKEN INTERNATIONAL, LLC. ADVERSARY AIR SUPPORT FOR KELLY AFB.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DRAKEN INTERNATIONAL, 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 $30.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-28. End: 2024-09-01.

What is Draken International's track record with similar adversary air support contracts?

Draken International has a significant track record in providing adversary air support services to various branches of the U.S. military and allied nations. They specialize in operating and maintaining a fleet of former military aircraft configured for dissimilar air combat training. Their experience includes numerous contracts with the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, often involving complex flight operations and adherence to stringent safety and performance standards. This specific contract builds upon that established expertise, leveraging their capabilities to meet the training needs at Kelly AFB. Their history suggests a capacity to fulfill the requirements of such long-term, high-value agreements.

How does the value of this contract compare to other adversary air support contracts?

The $30.5 million value over approximately 4 years for this contract is within the expected range for significant adversary air support engagements. Contracts of this nature often span several years and involve substantial operational costs, including aircraft maintenance, fuel, personnel, and specialized equipment. While direct comparisons are challenging due to variations in service scope, duration, and specific training objectives, this award reflects a substantial investment in maintaining pilot proficiency. Larger, multi-year contracts for similar services can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scale of operations and the number of aircraft and personnel involved.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the government?

The primary risks for the government in this contract revolve around performance and cost. Performance risks include potential disruptions to training schedules due to aircraft maintenance issues, pilot availability, or unforeseen operational challenges. Ensuring Draken International consistently meets the required training objectives and safety standards is paramount. Cost risks, while mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure, could still arise if there are significant changes in operational requirements or if unforeseen circumstances necessitate contract modifications. Dependence on a single contractor for a critical training function also presents a risk if the contractor experiences financial instability or significant operational failures.

How effective is adversary air support in enhancing pilot combat readiness?

Adversary air support is widely recognized as a highly effective method for enhancing pilot combat readiness. By simulating the tactics, techniques, and procedures of potential adversaries, it provides pilots with realistic training scenarios that are difficult or impossible to replicate through other means. This exposure allows pilots to practice defensive maneuvers, develop situational awareness against diverse threats, and refine their offensive strategies in a controlled environment. The realism provided by contracted adversary air support helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, ultimately improving a pilot's ability to perform effectively in actual combat situations. The duration and value of this contract suggest a strong belief in its effectiveness by the Department of the Air Force.

What are the historical spending patterns for adversary air support by the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense, particularly the Air Force and Navy, has consistently allocated significant funding towards adversary air support over the past two decades. Spending in this area has seen fluctuations based on geopolitical tensions, training modernization efforts, and budget priorities. The increasing complexity of aerial warfare and the need for pilots to train against a wider range of potential threats have driven sustained investment. Private contractors have become increasingly integral to fulfilling these requirements, often providing more cost-effective and flexible solutions than maintaining large organic fleets solely for training purposes. Historical data shows a trend of increasing reliance on contracted adversary air support to supplement military training capabilities.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3330 FLIGHT LINE DR, LAKELAND, FL, 33811

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,855,692

Exercised Options: $31,855,692

Current Obligation: $30,538,354

Actual Outlays: $6,477,219

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA489020D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline