DoD's $53.8M MQ-9 Reaper maintenance contract awarded to Amentum Services, Inc. for OCONUS support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,377,220 ($5.4M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 333 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT ORGANIZATIONAL-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FOR THE MQ-9 REAPER WEAPONS SYSTEMS AT OUTSIDE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES LOCATION DP-44.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.4 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT ORGANIZATIONAL-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FOR THE MQ-9 REAPER WEAPONS SYSTEMS AT OUTSIDE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES LOCATION DP-44. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on organizational-level maintenance for MQ-9 Reaper systems in overseas locations. 2. Amentum Services, Inc. secured this contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is approximately 11 months, indicating a focused operational period. 4. This award falls under 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' (NAICS 488190). 5. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost structure. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking this specific contract's value is challenging without detailed scope and labor hour breakdowns. However, the award amount of $53.8 million for approximately 11 months of support for a critical weapons system like the MQ-9 Reaper appears reasonable given the operational complexities and geographic location. The firm-fixed-price structure generally promotes cost control for the government, assuming the scope was well-defined.

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. This process typically fosters a competitive environment, driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition indicates a robust market for these specialized services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring the government receives the best possible value through a wide range of offers and potentially lower pricing due to market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force units operating the MQ-9 Reaper weapons system in overseas locations. Services delivered include organizational-level maintenance, crucial for ensuring the operational readiness of the drones. The geographic impact is focused on specific outside contiguous United States (OCONUS) locations where MQ-9 operations are conducted. This contract supports a specialized technical workforce required for advanced aviation maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if maintenance requirements are not precisely defined.
Geopolitical instability in OCONUS locations could impact service delivery and costs.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical maintenance could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Award to an established contractor with experience in defense services.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment.
Focus on organizational-level maintenance ensures readiness of a key weapon system.

Sector Analysis

The Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) market, particularly for platforms like the MQ-9 Reaper, is a significant segment within the aerospace and defense industry. This contract for maintenance support fits within the broader category of aviation services and logistics. Spending in this sector is driven by evolving military requirements for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other contracts for RPA maintenance and support, both domestically and internationally.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements mentioned in the provided data. This suggests that the primary contractor, Amentum Services, Inc., will likely perform the majority of the work. The absence of small business participation in this specific award means there is no direct impact on the small business ecosystem through this particular contract, though larger prime contractors often engage small businesses for various support roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified maintenance services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, although detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

MQ-9 Reaper Operations and Support
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Maintenance Services
Defense Logistics and Sustainment Contracts
Air Force Aviation Maintenance Programs
OCONUS Military Support Services

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Geopolitical Instability
Supply Chain Risk
Workforce Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.4 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT ORGANIZATIONAL-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT FOR THE MQ-9 REAPER WEAPONS SYSTEMS AT OUTSIDE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES LOCATION DP-44.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, 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 $5.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-11-30.

What is Amentum Services, Inc.'s track record with similar DoD maintenance contracts?

Amentum Services, Inc. has a substantial track record with the Department of Defense, often handling complex logistics, maintenance, and base operations support across various military branches. They have previously held contracts for aviation maintenance, including for unmanned systems, and have experience operating in OCONUS environments. Their history suggests a capacity to manage large-scale, technically demanding service contracts. Specific details on past performance metrics for MQ-9 maintenance would require deeper analysis of contract databases and performance reviews, but their general profile indicates they are a significant player in this domain.

How does the value of this contract compare to previous MQ-9 maintenance contracts?

Direct comparison of this $53.8 million contract to previous MQ-9 maintenance contracts is difficult without knowing the exact scope, duration, and specific services rendered in prior awards. However, the MQ-9 Reaper fleet has been operational for many years, and sustainment costs are a significant factor. Annual sustainment costs for such platforms can range widely depending on operational tempo and fleet size. This contract, covering approximately 11 months, represents a substantial but potentially proportionate investment for ensuring the operational readiness of a key intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance asset in a challenging operational theater.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract's performance?

Key risks include operational disruptions due to geopolitical instability in the OCONUS location, potential for unforeseen maintenance issues requiring extensive repairs, and challenges in maintaining a skilled technical workforce in remote areas. Furthermore, the firm-fixed-price nature means that if costs exceed estimates due to contractor inefficiencies, the contractor bears the loss, but conversely, if the scope is not perfectly defined, the government might face challenges in getting all necessary work completed without additional funding requests. Supply chain disruptions for specialized parts could also impact maintenance timelines.

How effective is organizational-level maintenance for the MQ-9 Reaper in ensuring mission readiness?

Organizational-level maintenance is critical for ensuring the immediate readiness of the MQ-9 Reaper for its missions. This type of maintenance typically involves inspections, servicing, and minor repairs performed by the unit operating the aircraft. It is the first line of defense against degradation and ensures that the aircraft is available for its intended tasks, whether intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, or strike operations. Effective execution of these maintenance tasks directly translates to higher operational availability rates and mission success for the Air Force.

What are historical spending patterns for MQ-9 Reaper sustainment and maintenance?

Historical spending on MQ-9 Reaper sustainment and maintenance has been significant and generally increasing as the platform matures and its operational use expands. The U.S. Air Force has consistently allocated substantial budgets towards the operation and support of its RPA fleets. This includes costs for spare parts, contractor logistics support, depot-level maintenance, and training. Annual spending can fluctuate based on operational tempo, upgrades, and the number of aircraft in the fleet, but it represents a consistent and considerable portion of the Air Force's aviation procurement and sustainment budget.

What is the significance of performing this maintenance in an OCONUS location?

Performing maintenance in an Outside Contiguous United States (OCONUS) location is significant because it directly supports forward-deployed MQ-9 Reaper operations critical for national security objectives in specific regions. It reduces the need to transport aircraft or components back to CONUS for servicing, thereby increasing operational availability and responsiveness. However, OCONUS operations often entail higher logistical costs, security considerations, and potential challenges in accessing specialized personnel and parts, making contractor support essential for sustained operations in these theaters.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $122,303,446

Exercised Options: $19,583,140

Current Obligation: $5,377,220

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA489025D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline