DoD awards $5.5M for wind tunnel repairs, with North Wind Test LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,479,732 ($5.5M)

Contractor: North Wind Test LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-30

End Date: 2026-01-15

Contract Duration: 838 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: REPAIRS AND UPGRADES TO USAFAS TRI SONIC WIND TUNNEL

Place of Performance

Location: USAF ACADEMY, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80841

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.5 million to NORTH WIND TEST LLC for work described as: REPAIRS AND UPGRADES TO USAFAS TRI SONIC WIND TUNNEL Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized facility upgrades. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially efficient price discovery process. 3. Risk indicators are low given the fixed-price nature and established contractor. 4. Performance context involves critical infrastructure for Air Force research. 5. Sector positioning is within specialized analytical instrument manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.5 million for repairs and upgrades to a tri-sonic wind tunnel seems aligned with the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale facility maintenance or upgrade contracts within the Department of Defense would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price structure generally promotes cost control for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a competitive process for acquisitions below a certain threshold. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, the use of SAP generally encourages multiple offers, leading to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The full-and-open competition suggests a broad market search was conducted.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs compared to a sole-source procurement. This ensures government funds are used efficiently for essential infrastructure.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force and its research and development initiatives. Services delivered include essential repairs and upgrades to a critical testing facility. Geographic impact is localized to the facility's operational site in Colorado. Workforce implications may include specialized technical labor for the repair and upgrade activities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for schedule delays if unforeseen issues arise during complex repairs.
Dependence on specialized contractor expertise for critical components.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government.
Contract awarded to a single entity (North Wind Test LLC) suggests established capability.
Long-term need for wind tunnel functionality supports the investment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on specialized testing facilities. The market for such high-end, custom-built or upgraded research infrastructure is niche, often involving a limited number of experienced contractors. Spending in this area is driven by the need for advanced research capabilities, particularly in aerospace and defense.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided for this contract. As it was competed under SAP, it's possible that opportunities for small businesses could have existed, but without specific details, their direct impact is unclear. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. The fixed-price nature of the award provides a degree of accountability by capping the government's financial exposure. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance monitoring details are internal.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Research Laboratory Facilities
Aerospace Testing Infrastructure
Department of Defense Research and Development Facilities
Wind Tunnel Operations and Maintenance

Risk Flags

Potential for schedule slippage due to complexity of specialized facility repairs.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical infrastructure upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.5 million to NORTH WIND TEST LLC. REPAIRS AND UPGRADES TO USAFAS TRI SONIC WIND TUNNEL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTH WIND TEST 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 $5.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2026-01-15.

What is the track record of North Wind Test LLC in performing similar wind tunnel repair and upgrade contracts for the federal government?

North Wind Test LLC has a history of performing various construction and engineering services for federal agencies. While specific details on their experience with tri-sonic wind tunnel repairs are not immediately available in this summary, their award suggests they possess the requisite capabilities. A deeper dive into their past performance on similar complex facility projects, particularly those involving specialized aerospace testing environments, would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Reviewing past contract performance evaluations and any reported issues would provide further insight into their reliability and expertise in this niche area.

How does the awarded amount of $5.5 million compare to historical spending on similar wind tunnel maintenance or upgrade projects within the Air Force or DoD?

Benchmarking the $5.5 million award against historical spending requires access to detailed data on comparable projects. Wind tunnel repairs and upgrades are highly specialized and project-specific, influenced by factors like the tunnel's size, age, complexity, and the scope of work (e.g., component replacement vs. system overhaul). Generally, such projects can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. Without specific comparable project data, it's difficult to definitively state if this award represents high or low spending. However, the fixed-price nature suggests an effort to contain costs within a defined budget.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential technical challenges during the repair and upgrade process, leading to schedule delays or cost increases if not managed effectively. Given the specialized nature of a tri-sonic wind tunnel, unforeseen issues with unique components or systems are possible. Mitigation strategies likely include the fixed-price contract type, which shifts some cost risk to the contractor, North Wind Test LLC. Robust project management, detailed inspection protocols, and contingency planning by the Air Force are also crucial. The contractor's experience and performance history will also be key indicators of risk mitigation.

How effective is the current wind tunnel infrastructure for the Air Force's research and development needs, and how will these upgrades contribute?

The need for repairs and upgrades to the USAFAS tri-sonic wind tunnel indicates that the current infrastructure may be aging or require modernization to meet evolving research and development (R&D) needs. Tri-sonic wind tunnels are critical for testing aircraft and missile designs at high speeds, providing essential data for aerodynamic performance and safety. These upgrades are expected to enhance the tunnel's reliability, accuracy, and potentially its capabilities, ensuring the Air Force can continue to conduct vital high-speed aerodynamic research. The effectiveness will be measured by the improved data quality and the facility's operational uptime post-completion.

What is the historical spending trend for wind tunnel maintenance and upgrades within the Department of Defense over the last five years?

Analyzing historical spending trends for wind tunnel maintenance and upgrades within the DoD requires a comprehensive review of federal procurement data. Such spending can fluctuate significantly year-to-year, depending on the lifecycle of existing facilities, the development of new testing requirements, and overall budget allocations for R&D infrastructure. While specific aggregate figures for wind tunnel maintenance are not readily available in this context, it's understood that maintaining critical research assets like wind tunnels represents a consistent, albeit sometimes lumpy, investment area for the DoD to ensure technological superiority.

What specific components or systems are included in the 'repairs and upgrades' for the tri-sonic wind tunnel?

The provided data does not specify the exact components or systems included in the 'repairs and upgrades' for the USAFAS tri-sonic wind tunnel. Typically, such projects could involve refurbishment or replacement of the drive systems (motors, compressors), the tunnel circuit itself (walls, test sections), instrumentation and control systems, data acquisition hardware, safety features, or ancillary support equipment. The scope would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). Understanding the specifics is crucial for assessing the project's complexity, duration, and ultimate impact on the facility's capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Calspan Technology Holding Corporation

Address: 358 FILLMORE AVE E, SAINT PAUL, MN, 55107

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,479,732

Exercised Options: $5,479,732

Current Obligation: $5,479,732

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline