DoD's $4.6M contract for aircraft manufacturing support awarded to Strategic Mission Systems, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,587,373 ($4.6M)

Contractor: Strategic Mission Systems, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-01-31

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,124 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73110

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $4.6 million to STRATEGIC MISSION SYSTEMS, LLC for work described as: NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for aircraft manufacturing support, indicating a need for specialized services. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The contract duration of 1124 days spans over three years, indicating a significant project. 5. The award was made by the Department of the Air Force, a major defense spender. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 336411 points to aircraft manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $4.59 million contract is challenging without specific deliverables or comparable contract data. The firm-fixed-price structure provides some cost control. However, the absence of detailed performance metrics or unit cost data makes a comprehensive value assessment difficult. Further analysis would require understanding the scope of 'NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION' and comparing it to similar support services within the aerospace sector.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and allows the government to select the most advantageous offer. The open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized aircraft manufacturing support services.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing and the assurance that the government sought the best value through an open process, rather than being limited to a single provider.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of the Air Force and its operational readiness, through enhanced aircraft manufacturing support. The services delivered are related to 'NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION', suggesting critical defense capabilities. The geographic impact is centered around the contractor's operations and the Air Force facilities receiving support, likely within the United States. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities within Strategic Mission Systems, LLC, and its supply chain, particularly in specialized manufacturing support roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess contractor efficiency and effectiveness.
The specific nature of 'NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT' is not fully detailed, raising questions about the scope and criticality.
Limited information on the competitive landscape (number of bidders) hinders a full assessment of price reasonableness.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration suggests a sustained need and commitment to the service.

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense manufacturing sector is characterized by high technological complexity, significant R&D investment, and stringent regulatory requirements. Contracts within this sector often involve specialized components, advanced materials, and critical support services. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 336411, 'Aircraft Manufacturing,' places this contract within a segment focused on the production and assembly of aircraft. Spending in this area is substantial, driven by national security needs and technological advancements. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other contracts for aircraft component manufacturing, assembly, or specialized support services within the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated by small business set-aside provisions. The primary contractor, Strategic Mission Systems, LLC, is not identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if the prime contractor has its own small business subcontracting goals or if small businesses are involved in the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract structure, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods or services. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, though detailed performance reports and Inspector General oversight would depend on the specific nature of the services and any identified issues.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Manufacturing
Defense Communications Systems
Aerospace Support Services
National Security Programs

Risk Flags

Limited detail on specific services and deliverables.
Lack of data on the number of bidders in the full and open competition.
No explicit small business subcontracting requirements noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $4.6 million to STRATEGIC MISSION SYSTEMS, LLC. NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STRATEGIC MISSION SYSTEMS, 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 $4.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-31. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the specific nature of the 'NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION' services being procured?

The provided data offers limited detail on the specific services encompassed by 'NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION'. The NAICS code 336411 suggests a connection to aircraft manufacturing. However, the 'SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION' nomenclature implies a specialized system or component related to communication, potentially for nuclear-capable aircraft or command and control systems. Without further documentation, such as the Statement of Work (SOW) or contract line item numbers (CLINs), it is difficult to ascertain the precise technical requirements, deliverables, and the criticality of these communication support functions within the broader defense context.

How does the awarded price of $4.59 million compare to similar aircraft manufacturing support contracts?

Directly comparing the $4.59 million contract value to similar aircraft manufacturing support contracts is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of comparable procurements with detailed scope and duration. The firm-fixed-price nature of this contract suggests a defined scope of work. However, the uniqueness of 'NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION' may limit direct comparisons. To establish a benchmark, one would need to identify contracts with similar NAICS codes (336411), similar contract types (firm-fixed-price), and comparable contract durations (1124 days). Factors such as the specific aircraft platforms supported, the complexity of the communication systems, and the level of technical expertise required would also be crucial for a meaningful value assessment.

What is the track record of Strategic Mission Systems, LLC in performing similar defense contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Strategic Mission Systems, LLC in performing defense contracts similar to 'NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT (N2CS) SPECTRE (CAP 3 LITE) INC 1 PRODUCTION' is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing the company's past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government contracts, particularly those within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sectors. Understanding their experience with communication systems, nuclear-related support, or specific aircraft platforms would be essential to gauge their capability and reliability for this particular award.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, given its focus on nuclear communication support?

Given the contract's focus on 'NATIONAL AND NUCLEAR COMMUNICATION SUPPORT,' potential risks include the high criticality of the systems involved, demanding stringent security protocols, reliability, and adherence to specialized technical standards. Any failure or delay in providing support could have significant national security implications. Furthermore, the specialized nature of the work may lead to a limited pool of qualified contractors, potentially increasing reliance on Strategic Mission Systems, LLC. Risks could also stem from evolving technological requirements in nuclear communications, potential cybersecurity threats targeting sensitive systems, and the need for highly cleared personnel, which can impact contractor availability and retention.

How has spending in the aircraft manufacturing support sector (NAICS 336411) trended for the Department of the Air Force?

Analyzing historical spending trends for the Department of the Air Force under NAICS code 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) would require access to historical contract databases and budget data. Generally, spending in this sector is influenced by modernization programs, maintenance requirements, and the overall defense posture. For the Air Force, significant investments are typically made in maintaining and upgrading its fleet of aircraft, including bombers, fighters, and support aircraft. Spending can fluctuate based on specific program needs, geopolitical events, and congressional appropriations. A detailed trend analysis would involve examining annual spending figures, identifying major contract awards, and understanding the strategic priorities driving procurement in this area over several fiscal years.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing

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

Address: 2501 LIBERTY PKWY STE 200, MIDWEST CITY, OK, 73110

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,587,373

Exercised Options: $4,587,373

Current Obligation: $4,587,373

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA810617D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline