DoD's $4.35M Precision Measurement Equipment Lab Services Contract Awarded to APRO International, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,350,479 ($4.4M)

Contractor: Apro International, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-02-01

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 972 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PROVIDES PRECISION MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT LAB SERVICES AT ARNOLD, TN AFB

Place of Performance

Location: ARNOLD AFB, COFFEE County, TENNESSEE, 37389

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $4.4 million to APRO INTERNATIONAL, INC for work described as: PROVIDES PRECISION MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT LAB SERVICES AT ARNOLD, TN AFB Key points: 1. Contract provides essential lab services for precision measurement equipment, crucial for military readiness. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 972 days indicates a significant, long-term need for these services. 4. Services are located at Arnold, TN AFB, highlighting a specific geographic and operational focus. 5. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 6. This contract supports the Air Force's maintenance and calibration capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.35 million over approximately 2.7 years appears reasonable for specialized lab services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for precision measurement equipment calibration and repair is difficult without more specific service details. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The number of bids received (4) indicates some level of market interest, which can contribute to fair pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which typically means the solicitation was broadly advertised, but specific circumstances led to excluding certain potential bidders. With 4 bids received, there was a degree of competition, which generally benefits price discovery. The exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to understand its impact on the competitive landscape and final pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award, despite potential source exclusions, likely resulted in a fair market price for taxpayers. A broader competition could potentially drive prices lower, but the current level of bidding suggests a reasonable outcome.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force units relying on calibrated precision measurement equipment for operational effectiveness. Services delivered include the calibration, maintenance, and repair of critical measurement tools. The geographic impact is centered at Arnold, TN AFB, supporting local operations. This contract supports a specialized technical workforce involved in metrology and equipment maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential impact of 'Exclusion of Sources' on the breadth of competition and ultimate price.
Need for clarity on the specific types of precision measurement equipment serviced to fully assess value.
Ensuring continued availability of qualified personnel for specialized metrology services.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a structured procurement process.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
Long-term contract duration (972 days) suggests a stable and ongoing requirement.
Services are critical for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of military equipment.

Sector Analysis

The precision measurement equipment services sector is a niche but vital part of the broader defense industrial base. Companies in this sector provide calibration, repair, and maintenance for highly accurate instruments used across various industries, particularly defense, aerospace, and manufacturing. The market size is difficult to quantify precisely but is driven by the stringent accuracy requirements of government and commercial entities. This contract fits within the defense sector's need for reliable metrology support to ensure the operational integrity of its assets.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or if APRO International, Inc. is a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities for small businesses and their overall impact on the small business ecosystem related to this contract.

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 embedded in the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like SAM.gov. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Services
Metrology Services
Calibration and Repair Services
Department of Defense Maintenance and Logistics Support
Air Force Readiness and Sustainment Programs

Risk Flags

Potential impact of 'Exclusion of Sources' on competition.
Need for detailed performance history of APRO International, Inc.
Lack of specific service details for comprehensive value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $4.4 million to APRO INTERNATIONAL, INC. PROVIDES PRECISION MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT LAB SERVICES AT ARNOLD, TN AFB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APRO INTERNATIONAL, 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 $4.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-01. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of APRO International, Inc. in performing similar government contracts?

APRO International, Inc. has a history of performing contracts related to equipment maintenance and repair services for the U.S. government. Analysis of their contract history reveals a portfolio that includes services for various military branches. Specific performance metrics, past performance evaluations, and any significant issues or commendations on prior contracts would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capability in executing this precision measurement equipment lab services contract. A review of their award data suggests experience in similar technical service domains, but detailed performance reports are necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar precision measurement equipment lab services?

Determining the precise market rate comparison for this $4.35 million contract is challenging without granular data on the specific types of equipment serviced, the required calibration standards, and the geographic location's labor costs. However, the contract's fixed-price nature and the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition (albeit with source exclusions) suggest that the pricing was vetted against market expectations. The number of bidders (4) provides some indication of market interest. A deeper analysis would involve benchmarking against contracts for similar services at other Air Force bases or DoD facilities, considering factors like service scope and contract duration.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential performance issues if APRO International, Inc. lacks sufficient specialized expertise or resources, delays in service delivery impacting operational readiness, and cost overruns if the fixed-price model proves inadequate for unforeseen complexities. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust performance monitoring by the Air Force, clear service level agreements, and defined penalties for non-compliance. The 'Exclusion of Sources' aspect also presents a risk if it limited the competitive pool, potentially leading to less favorable pricing or innovation. The government's oversight and the contractor's own quality control processes are crucial for managing these risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for precision measurement equipment lab services at Arnold AFB?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for precision measurement equipment lab services at Arnold AFB requires access to detailed procurement data over multiple fiscal years. This specific contract, valued at $4.35 million over approximately 2.7 years, represents a significant investment. Understanding past spending would involve identifying previous contracts for similar services, their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Significant fluctuations or consistent high spending could indicate a stable, critical need or potential areas for cost optimization. Without historical data, it's difficult to contextualize this award within a long-term spending trend for the base.

What is the strategic importance of these lab services to the Air Force's mission at Arnold AFB?

Precision measurement equipment (PME) is fundamental to the Air Force's ability to conduct operations accurately and reliably. PME includes instruments used for measuring physical quantities like length, mass, time, and electrical parameters, which are critical for everything from aircraft maintenance and weapons systems calibration to scientific research and development. At Arnold AFB, which hosts significant research, development, and testing activities, the accurate functioning of PME is paramount. This contract ensures that the specialized calibration, maintenance, and repair services required to keep these instruments within tolerance are available, directly supporting the base's mission effectiveness and the overall readiness of Air Force assets.

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: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 344 MAPLE AVENUE SUITE 174, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,026,366

Exercised Options: $4,469,200

Current Obligation: $4,350,479

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA489019D1002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline