DoD Awards $40.2M for Adversary Air Support to Train Fighter Pilots

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,193,698 ($40.2M)

Contractor: Tactical AIR Support Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-28

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $55.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ADVERSARY AIR SUPPORT SERVICES TO TRAIN FIGHTER PILOTS

Place of Performance

Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23666

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $40.2 million to TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT INC for work described as: ADVERSARY AIR SUPPORT SERVICES TO TRAIN FIGHTER PILOTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Tactical Air Support Inc. for essential pilot training. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is 729 days, indicating a medium-term need. 4. The service falls under Flight Training, a critical component of air readiness. 5. The award amount is significant, reflecting the importance of advanced training.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $40.2M for 729 days suggests a reasonable price for specialized adversary air support. Benchmarking against similar training contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of capable vendors to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical defense training services.

Public Impact

Enhances fighter pilot readiness through realistic combat simulation. Supports the development of advanced aerial combat tactics. Contributes to the overall effectiveness of the Air Force's training programs. Provides crucial experience against simulated adversary aircraft. Bolsters national security by improving pilot proficiency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial delivery order.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical training function.
Geopolitical factors could impact training schedules or requirements.

Positive Signals

Utilizes full and open competition to ensure best value.
Supports a vital aspect of military readiness.
Clear contract duration and pricing structure.
Awarded by a major defense agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on specialized training services. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining pilot proficiency and national security, with benchmarks often tied to aircraft hours and simulation complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and performance monitoring should ensure accountability and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Flight Training
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is relatively short (729 days), potentially requiring follow-on contracts.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical training function.
Potential for scope creep in future delivery orders.
Limited visibility into the specific performance metrics and quality control measures.
Geopolitical instability could impact training operations or requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $40.2 million to TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT INC. ADVERSARY AIR SUPPORT SERVICES TO TRAIN FIGHTER PILOTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT 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 $40.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-29. End: 2026-09-28.

What is the specific nature of the 'adversary air support' provided, and how does it directly contribute to pilot skill development?

Adversary air support typically involves contracted aircraft and pilots simulating enemy threats during training exercises. This provides fighter pilots with realistic combat scenarios, allowing them to practice engagement tactics, threat identification, and defensive maneuvers against a dynamic, unpredictable opponent, thereby significantly enhancing their combat readiness and survivability.

What are the primary risks associated with relying on a private contractor for adversary air support services?

Key risks include potential contractor performance issues, such as aircraft availability or pilot quality, which could disrupt training schedules. There's also a risk of over-reliance, where the military might lose organic capabilities. Furthermore, sensitive operational tactics could be exposed if security protocols are not robustly enforced by the contractor.

How effective is this type of contracted adversary air support in preparing pilots for modern aerial combat compared to organic Air Force assets?

Contracted adversary air support can be highly effective by providing a consistent and scalable source of realistic training, often at a lower cost than using active duty fighter squadrons. It allows pilots to face a wider variety of simulated threats. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the quality of the contractor's aircraft, pilots, and adherence to training objectives, and may not fully replicate the complexity of state-level adversaries.

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: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14505 MOUNT ANDERSON ST, RENO, NV, 89506

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $191,293,778

Exercised Options: $75,556,200

Current Obligation: $40,193,698

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA489020D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline