DoD Awards $18.7M Contract for F-15 Aircraft Trainer Modifications to Battelle Memorial Institute
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,720,334 ($18.7M)
Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-06-10
End Date: 2013-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,846 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: (CPFF) PRIME CONTRACTOR ENGINEERING AND RELATED SERVICES TO MODIFY THE ROYAL SAUDI AIR FORCE F-15S AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TRAINER AND THE INTEGRATED AVIONICS TRAINER WITH THE GENERAL ELECTRIC RE-ENGINE TRAINING CAPABILITY
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.7 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: (CPFF) PRIME CONTRACTOR ENGINEERING AND RELATED SERVICES TO MODIFY THE ROYAL SAUDI AIR FORCE F-15S AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TRAINER AND THE INTEGRATED AVIONICS TRAINER WITH THE GENERAL ELECTRIC RE-ENGINE TRAINING CAPABILITY Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical F-15 aircraft trainer upgrades for the Royal Saudi Air Force. 2. Battelle Memorial Institute, a research and development organization, is the prime contractor. 3. The contract involves engineering services for trainer modifications, including re-engine training capability. 4. Spending is within the context of defense modernization and foreign military sales.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount of $18.7 million for trainer modifications needs to be benchmarked against similar defense training system development contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a limited competition. This method may not have resulted in the most competitive pricing, as potential bidders were restricted.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for this contract, supporting foreign military sales and defense readiness.
Public Impact
Enhances pilot and maintenance training for a key U.S. ally's air force. Supports the operational readiness and effectiveness of F-15S aircraft. Contributes to the technological advancement of military training systems. Potential for follow-on contracts related to trainer sustainment or upgrades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
- CPFF contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
- Foreign military sales contracts can be complex to oversee.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical defense capabilities for an allied nation.
- Addresses specific technological needs for advanced aircraft training.
- Leverages expertise of a specialized research and development contractor.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on aerospace and training systems. Spending on military trainers is essential for maintaining pilot proficiency and aircraft readiness, with costs varying based on complexity and technology.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Battelle Memorial Institute, a large research and development organization, and there is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for CPFF contracts to ensure costs are reasonable and work is performed efficiently. The Department of the Air Force is responsible for monitoring contractor performance and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited competition may not yield best value.
- Complexity of integrating new training capabilities.
- Dependency on contractor's specialized expertise.
- Ensuring effective technology transfer and sustainment planning.
Tags
other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, oh, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.7 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. (CPFF) PRIME CONTRACTOR ENGINEERING AND RELATED SERVICES TO MODIFY THE ROYAL SAUDI AIR FORCE F-15S AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TRAINER AND THE INTEGRATED AVIONICS TRAINER WITH THE GENERAL ELECTRIC RE-ENGINE TRAINING CAPABILITY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.
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 $18.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-06-10. End: 2013-06-30.
What is the specific justification for excluding other sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?
The justification for excluding other sources would typically relate to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or specific requirements that only Battelle Memorial Institute could meet. Without further details, it's difficult to ascertain the precise reason, but it implies a specialized need that limited the pool of eligible contractors.
How does the CPFF contract structure mitigate risks associated with complex engineering and modification projects?
The CPFF structure allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee, providing an incentive for efficient performance. However, it shifts cost risk to the government, necessitating robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and within budget. Effective management is key to controlling potential overruns.
What is the long-term strategic value of investing in these specific trainer modifications for the Royal Saudi Air Force?
Investing in these trainer modifications ensures the continued effectiveness and safety of the F-15S fleet for a key U.S. ally. It enhances pilot proficiency with advanced training capabilities, potentially reducing operational risks and improving mission success rates. This also strengthens interoperability and strategic partnerships.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT › MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 505 KING AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OH, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Federally Funded Research and Development Corp, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,720,334
Exercised Options: $18,720,334
Current Obligation: $18,720,334
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-06-10
Current End Date: 2013-06-30
Potential End Date: 2013-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-01-09
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