DoD Awards $16.3M for Ukraine Air Force Aircraft Support, Highlighting Critical Defense Needs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,350,412 ($16.4M)
Contractor: Sabena Aerospace Engineering
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-05-07
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 481 days
Daily Burn Rate: $34.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TWO (2) UKRAINE AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.4 million to SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING for work described as: TWO (2) UKRAINE AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT Key points: 1. Significant investment in supporting allied air capabilities. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk appears moderate given the specialized nature of the support. 4. Sector focus is on defense support services, crucial for international operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award of $16.3 million for aircraft support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar complex aerospace support contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized to bolster the capabilities of an allied nation's air force, contributing to broader geopolitical stability and security objectives.
Public Impact
Enhances the operational readiness of the Ukrainian Air Force. Demonstrates U.S. commitment to supporting international partners. Contributes to global security by strengthening allied defense capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Geopolitical instability impacting delivery or scope.
- Potential for cost overruns in specialized aerospace maintenance.
Positive Signals
- Strengthens international partnerships.
- Supports critical defense infrastructure for an ally.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on support activities for air transportation. Spending in this area is often driven by national security needs and international commitments.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses, suggesting that larger, specialized aerospace firms likely participated in or were awarded this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement oversight processes should ensure accountability and proper execution of services.
Related Government Programs
- Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Geopolitical risks associated with supporting a nation in conflict.
- Potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges.
- Dependency on the availability of specialized parts and expertise.
- Ensuring long-term sustainability of support beyond the contract period.
Tags
other-support-activities-for-air-transpo, department-of-defense, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.4 million to SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING. TWO (2) UKRAINE AIR FORCE AIRCRAFT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING.
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 $16.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-07. End: 2026-08-31.
What is the specific nature of the 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' and how does it directly benefit the Ukraine Air Force aircraft?
The 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' likely encompasses a range of services such as maintenance, repair, overhaul, logistics, and technical support for specific aircraft types operated by the Ukraine Air Force. This support is critical for ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of these aircraft in their intended missions, directly contributing to their ability to perform defense operations.
What are the primary risks associated with providing specialized aerospace support to foreign military assets, and how are they mitigated?
Primary risks include geopolitical instability affecting delivery or operational use, potential for technical obsolescence of support equipment, and challenges in ensuring consistent quality of service. Mitigation strategies may involve robust security protocols, phased delivery schedules, close collaboration with the recipient nation's technical teams, and stringent quality assurance measures throughout the contract lifecycle.
How does this expenditure align with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives and defense strategies concerning Eastern Europe?
This expenditure aligns with U.S. foreign policy objectives by demonstrating tangible support for Ukraine's defense capabilities amidst ongoing regional security challenges. It reinforces strategic partnerships and contributes to the overall security architecture in Eastern Europe, aiming to deter aggression and promote stability in the region through sustained military assistance.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: AVENUE EMMANUEL MOUNIER, 2, WOLUWE SAINT LAMBERT
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,350,412
Exercised Options: $16,350,412
Current Obligation: $16,350,412
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA823222D0008
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-07
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-24
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