DoD's $195.7M C-5 ATS Support Contract Awarded to FlightSafety Defense Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $195,697,776 ($195.7M)

Contractor: Flightsafety Defense Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-03-11

End Date: 2020-03-12

Contract Duration: 3,289 days

Daily Burn Rate: $59.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: C-5 ATS SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, DENVER County, COLORADO, 80249

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $195.7 million to FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION for work described as: C-5 ATS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $195.7 million over 9 years. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk appears moderate given the long duration and fixed-price nature. 4. Sector is primarily defense training, a critical but specialized area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $195.7 million over 9 years averages approximately $21.7 million annually. This seems reasonable for specialized aviation training support for a major aircraft platform like the C-5.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for the widest range of potential bidders and can lead to more competitive pricing. The use of a definitive contract suggests a well-defined scope of work.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces, ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of C-5 aircrews through specialized training. Supports a critical component of the Air Force's strategic airlift capability. Potential for long-term employment for FlightSafety Defense Corporation staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or price increases if not managed.
  • Reliance on a single contractor for specialized training could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing.
  • Fixed-price contract incentivizes contractor efficiency.
  • Long-term support ensures continuity for a vital military asset.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on flight training and simulation. Spending benchmarks for such specialized training can vary widely based on platform complexity and required hours, but $195.7M over 9 years for C-5 ATS is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The prime contractor, FlightSafety Defense Corporation, is a large business, suggesting that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force, part of the Department of Defense. Oversight would typically involve program managers and contracting officers ensuring performance and adherence to contract terms, with potential for audits.

Related Government Programs

  • Flight Training
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Long-term contract dependency.
  • Potential for technological obsolescence in training systems.
  • Risk associated with specialized contractor workforce availability.
  • Contract performance monitoring complexity.

Tags

flight-training, department-of-defense, co, definitive-contract, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $195.7 million to FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION. C-5 ATS SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION.

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 $195.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-03-11. End: 2020-03-12.

What is the specific breakdown of training services provided under the C-5 ATS contract, and how does this align with current Air Force training requirements?

The contract likely encompasses simulator maintenance, instructor support, curriculum development, and potentially advanced simulation technologies for C-5 aircrews. Alignment with requirements would involve ensuring the training program effectively addresses evolving mission needs, technological advancements, and crew proficiency standards for the C-5 Galaxy's strategic airlift role.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of the C-5 ATS support, and what are the historical performance trends?

Key performance indicators could include simulator uptime, training hour completion rates, aircrew proficiency scores, instructor qualifications, and adherence to training schedules. Historical performance trends would need to be reviewed through contract performance reports (e.g., CPARS) to assess the contractor's track record in meeting these metrics and overall satisfaction.

Given the $195.7M value and 9-year duration, what is the potential for cost overruns or scope creep, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential for cost overruns exists due to the long duration and the inherent complexity of advanced aviation training systems. Mitigation strategies likely include strict change control processes, regular performance reviews, robust oversight by the contracting officer's representative (COR), and clear definition of deliverables and performance standards within the contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational ServicesTechnical and Trade SchoolsFlight Training

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENTMAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Address: 10770 E BRIARWOOD AVE STE 100, CENTENNIAL, CO, 80112

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $368,823,930

Exercised Options: $195,985,484

Current Obligation: $195,697,776

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $17,442,189

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2011-03-11

Current End Date: 2020-03-12

Potential End Date: 2020-03-12 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-03-23

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