DoD Awards $2.5M Contract for Aircraft Refueling at RAF Fairford, UK
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,534,445 ($2.5M)
Contractor: Serco Limited
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-05-01
End Date: 2026-10-31
Contract Duration: 548 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT PROVIDE AIRCRAFT REFUELING AND MARSHALLING FOR THE 420TH ABS AT RAF FAIRFORD, UK
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.5 million to SERCO LIMITED for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT PROVIDE AIRCRAFT REFUELING AND MARSHALLING FOR THE 420TH ABS AT RAF FAIRFORD, UK Key points: 1. Contract awarded to SERCO LIMITED for essential aircraft refueling and marshalling services. 2. The contract supports the 420th Air Base Squadron at RAF Fairford, UK. 3. This is a Firm Fixed Price contract, indicating a defined cost for services. 4. The duration of the contract is 548 days, spanning from May 2025 to October 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.53 million for 548 days of service appears reasonable for specialized airport operations in the UK. Benchmarking against similar international base support contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely resulted in fair market pricing. The definitive contract type allows for flexibility in task orders.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary operational support.
Public Impact
Ensures continuous operational readiness for U.S. Air Force assets operating from RAF Fairford. Supports diplomatic and logistical ties with the United Kingdom through shared base operations. Provides essential services for transient aircraft, facilitating mission flexibility and deployment capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if additional services are required beyond initial definition.
- Geopolitical risks impacting base operations or service delivery in the UK.
Positive Signals
- Clear definition of services for aircraft refueling and marshalling.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Awarded under full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under airport operations, a critical support sector for military aviation. Spending in this area is benchmarked against the operational tempo and strategic importance of air bases.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, part of the Department of Defense. Standard oversight mechanisms for defense contracts are expected to be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Other Airport Operations
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Contractor performance risk
- Geopolitical instability affecting UK operations
- Potential for unforeseen operational requirements
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical services
Tags
other-airport-operations, department-of-defense, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $2.5 million to SERCO LIMITED. THE PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT PROVIDE AIRCRAFT REFUELING AND MARSHALLING FOR THE 420TH ABS AT RAF FAIRFORD, UK
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SERCO LIMITED.
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 $2.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-01. End: 2026-10-31.
What is the historical performance of SERCO LIMITED in providing similar aviation support services to government entities?
Information on SERCO LIMITED's past performance is crucial for assessing their capability to meet the requirements of this contract. Reviewing past contract awards, performance reviews, and any documented issues or successes would provide insight into their reliability and efficiency in delivering aircraft refueling and marshalling services.
Are there any specific performance metrics or KPIs tied to this contract to ensure service quality and timeliness?
The effectiveness of the contract hinges on measurable performance. Understanding if Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as response times, fuel quality, safety compliance, and marshalling efficiency are defined and tracked is essential. This ensures the Air Force receives the expected level of service and taxpayer value.
What is the potential impact of currency fluctuations or local regulatory changes on the firm fixed price contract?
While a Firm Fixed Price contract offers cost certainty, external factors can still pose risks. Analyzing the contract's clauses regarding currency exchange rates and adherence to UK aviation regulations is important. Any unforeseen changes could potentially impact the contractor's profitability or necessitate contract modifications, affecting overall value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Airport Operations
Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA557025R0001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Serco Inc
Address: SERCO HOUSE, HOOK
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,643,572
Exercised Options: $2,534,452
Current Obligation: $2,534,445
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-01
Current End Date: 2026-10-31
Potential End Date: 2030-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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