DoD awards $14.8M for C-12 aircraft CLS, with Vertex Aerospace LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,853,905 ($14.9M)

Contractor: Vertex Aerospace LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2026-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $40.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: CONTRACTOR LOGISTIC SUPPORT (CLS) SERVICES FOR THE C-12 AIRCRAFT FLEET

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, MADISON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39110

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.9 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC for work described as: CONTRACTOR LOGISTIC SUPPORT (CLS) SERVICES FOR THE C-12 AIRCRAFT FLEET Key points: 1. The contract value of $14.8 million for one year of CLS services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aircraft support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a healthy market for these services and potential for competitive pricing. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, Vertex Aerospace LLC. 4. This contract supports the C-12 aircraft fleet, a critical asset for various military operations. 5. The contract is positioned within the broader aerospace and defense services sector, a significant area of federal spending. 6. The duration of 364 days indicates a focused, short-term requirement for these specific CLS services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.8 million for a one-year period of CLS for the C-12 fleet is within a reasonable range for specialized aviation support. Benchmarking against similar CLS contracts for comparable aircraft types would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor has assumed the risk for cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if performance is met.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to more favorable pricing and better service offerings for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition suggests a robust market for C-12 CLS.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a competitive bidding process, ensuring that the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force units operating the C-12 aircraft fleet, ensuring operational readiness. Services delivered include essential logistical support for the C-12 aircraft, maintaining their airworthiness and functionality. The geographic impact is likely concentrated at bases where C-12 aircraft are stationed and operated. This contract supports specialized aviation maintenance and logistics jobs within the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'CLS services' is not tightly managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The firm-fixed-price nature, while beneficial, could lead to reduced service quality if the contractor underbids and seeks to cut corners.

Positive Signals

Award to Vertex Aerospace LLC, a known entity in aerospace services, suggests a degree of contractor capability.
The use of full and open competition indicates a market with multiple capable providers.
The firm-fixed-price contract type aligns incentives for the contractor to perform efficiently.
The contract duration is relatively short, allowing for reassessment and potential re-competition in the near future.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense services sector, specifically focusing on aircraft maintenance and logistics. This sector is characterized by high technical expertise, stringent regulatory requirements, and significant government spending. The market for CLS is competitive, with specialized firms vying for contracts supporting various military aircraft platforms. Spending benchmarks for similar CLS contracts can vary widely based on aircraft type, age, and operational tempo.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While Vertex Aerospace LLC is the prime contractor, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist and if they are being utilized to engage the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant Air Force unit responsible for the C-12 fleet. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring Vertex Aerospace LLC to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

DoD Aircraft Maintenance Contracts
Air Force Logistics Support Services
C-12 Huron Support Programs
Aerospace Contractor Services

Risk Flags

Contract Performance Risk
Supply Chain Dependency
Personnel Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.9 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC. CONTRACTOR LOGISTIC SUPPORT (CLS) SERVICES FOR THE C-12 AIRCRAFT FLEET

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VERTEX AEROSPACE 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 $14.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What is Vertex Aerospace LLC's track record with similar CLS contracts for the U.S. Air Force or other branches?

Vertex Aerospace LLC has a history of providing aviation support services, including logistics and maintenance, to various government entities. While specific details on their performance for C-12 CLS contracts are not immediately available in this dataset, their presence as a prime contractor suggests they possess the necessary certifications and experience. A deeper dive into contract databases and performance reviews would be required to fully assess their track record, including on-time delivery, quality of service, and any past performance issues or commendations related to similar aircraft support.

How does the awarded amount of $14.8 million compare to historical spending on C-12 CLS?

Without historical spending data specifically for C-12 CLS contracts, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the awarded amount of $14.8 million for a one-year contract (364 days) can be considered a benchmark. If previous contracts for similar services were significantly higher or lower, it could indicate changes in market rates, scope of services, or competitive intensity. Analyzing past contract values for C-12 CLS, or comparable light/medium transport aircraft CLS, over several years would provide valuable context for assessing whether this award represents a favorable or unfavorable price point for the government.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will Vertex Aerospace LLC's performance be measured?

The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, typical KPIs for CLS contracts include aircraft availability rates, turnaround times for maintenance tasks, parts availability, adherence to maintenance schedules, and compliance with safety and technical directives. Performance measurement would likely involve regular reporting by Vertex Aerospace LLC, site visits by government representatives, and potentially formal performance evaluations at contract milestones or upon completion. The firm-fixed-price nature implies that meeting these performance standards is crucial for the contractor to achieve profitability.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the overall readiness and operational capability of the C-12 aircraft fleet?

This contract is directly aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of the C-12 aircraft fleet by providing essential contractor logistic support. The C-12 is a versatile aircraft used for various missions, including personnel transport, light cargo, and special mission operations. Effective CLS ensures that these aircraft are maintained to high standards, minimizing downtime and maximizing availability for deployment. Therefore, the successful execution of this contract by Vertex Aerospace LLC is critical for sustaining the operational capabilities and readiness of the C-12 fleet for its intended military purposes.

Are there any identified risks associated with Vertex Aerospace LLC's ability to fulfill this contract, beyond standard performance risks?

Beyond the standard performance risks inherent in any contract, specific risks associated with Vertex Aerospace LLC fulfilling this particular C-12 CLS contract would require further investigation. This could include assessing their financial stability, the availability of skilled personnel, their supply chain robustness for necessary parts, and any history of significant performance issues on comparable contracts. Given the full and open competition, it suggests the government assessed multiple bidders as capable, but a thorough pre-award risk assessment would have been conducted. The firm-fixed-price nature shifts financial risk to the contractor, but performance failures could still impact mission readiness.

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

Address: 555 INDUSTRIAL DR S, MADISON, MS, 39110

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,032,074

Exercised Options: $15,032,074

Current Obligation: $14,853,905

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA810617D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline