Dod's $2.08M Slep Aircraft Contract Awarded to Sabena Aerospace Engineering for 589 Days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,079,994 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Sabena Aerospace Engineering

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2026-01-08

End Date: 2027-08-20

Contract Duration: 589 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SLEP AIRCRAFT 89-2008

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $2.1 million to SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING for work described as: SLEP AIRCRAFT 89-2008 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of aircraft sustainment. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 4. Performance period spans over 1.5 years, allowing for sustained support. 5. The contract falls under 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation', a critical niche within aerospace. 6. Fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.08 million for a 589-day period for aircraft sustainment services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized aerospace engineering support. Without specific details on the exact services rendered (e.g., number of aircraft, type of SLEP), a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor has priced their services to cover all anticipated costs and profit, and the competitive award process should have driven a fair market price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 2 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific delivery order. While more bidders could potentially lead to lower prices, the fact that it was competed openly is a positive sign for price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple companies to bid, which can drive down costs and ensure the government receives competitive pricing for its needs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force, ensuring the continued operational readiness of its aircraft fleet. Services delivered include sustainment activities for SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) aircraft, crucial for maintaining aging assets. The geographic impact is likely centered around the Air Force bases where the supported aircraft are stationed or maintained. Workforce implications include skilled aerospace engineers and technicians employed by SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'SLEP AIRCRAFT' is not precisely defined.
Dependence on contractor's technical expertise for critical aircraft sustainment.
Risk of unforeseen technical challenges impacting schedule or cost, despite fixed-price.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market.
Clear performance period (589 days) allows for defined support duration.

Sector Analysis

This contract operates within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft sustainment and life extension programs. The market for such specialized engineering services is competitive, with a mix of large prime contractors and niche providers. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining the operational readiness of aging military fleets, and contracts like this are essential for extending the useful life of expensive assets, thereby potentially deferring costly new procurements.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of aerospace engineering and aircraft sustainment, it is possible that larger, established firms like SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING are the primary awardees. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating in the supply chain or subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contract administration team within the Department of the Air Force. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and compliance with contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Maintenance Services
Aerospace Engineering Services
Defense Logistics Support
Air Transportation Support
Service Life Extension Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for undefined scope in 'SLEP AIRCRAFT' description.
Limited competition (2 bids) may impact price optimization.
Reliance on contractor's specialized expertise requires strong oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $2.1 million to SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING. SLEP AIRCRAFT 89-2008

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 $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-08. End: 2027-08-20.

What is the specific nature of the 'SLEP AIRCRAFT' being supported under this contract?

The data provided indicates 'SLEP AIRCRAFT 89-2008' as the description. 'SLEP' stands for Service Life Extension Program, which is a process to upgrade or refurbish aging aircraft to extend their operational lifespan. The '89-2008' likely refers to a specific aircraft model or series, possibly indicating aircraft manufactured or inducted into the SLEP program between 1989 and 2008. Without access to the detailed contract statement of work (SOW), the precise aircraft type and the specific sustainment tasks (e.g., structural repairs, avionics upgrades, engine overhauls) remain unspecified. This detail is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the contract's value and technical scope.

How does the awarded price compare to similar aircraft sustainment contracts within the Department of Defense?

Benchmarking this contract's value requires comparison with similar Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) sustainment contracts for comparable aircraft types and durations. The provided data shows a $2.08 million contract for 589 days (approx. 1.6 years) awarded to SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING. To assess value, one would need to identify contracts with similar scope (e.g., SLEP for fighter jets vs. cargo planes), service level (e.g., depot-level maintenance vs. field support), and contractor capabilities. Given the limited information (only 2 bids received), it's challenging to definitively state if this price is highly competitive without broader market data. However, the fixed-price nature suggests the contractor has assumed cost risk, which can be favorable for the government if managed effectively.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and risk mitigation strategies associated with this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly detail the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or risk mitigation strategies for this specific contract. However, for aircraft sustainment contracts, typical KPIs often include aircraft availability rates, turnaround times for repairs, quality of work (e.g., defect rates), and adherence to schedule. Risk mitigation strategies would likely involve robust quality assurance processes, clear communication protocols between the government and the contractor, contingency planning for unforeseen technical issues, and potentially performance bonds. The fixed-price contract type inherently shifts some cost risk to the contractor, but schedule and performance risks remain areas for government oversight.

What is the track record of SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING in performing similar defense contracts?

SABENA AEROSPACE ENGINEERING's track record in performing similar defense contracts is a critical factor in assessing the risk and potential success of this award. While the provided data identifies the contractor and the contract details, it does not include historical performance information. A thorough analysis would involve reviewing the contractor's past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), their experience with SLEP programs, and their history of delivering on time and within budget for similar government contracts. A strong past performance record would increase confidence in their ability to execute this contract successfully.

How does this contract fit into the broader strategy for maintaining the Air Force's aging aircraft fleet?

This contract for SLEP AIRCRAFT sustainment directly supports the Air Force's strategy of extending the operational life of its aging aircraft fleet. Instead of procuring entirely new platforms, investing in SLEP programs allows the Air Force to maintain the readiness and capability of existing assets, often at a lower cost than replacement. This specific contract, valued at approximately $2.08 million over 589 days, contributes to ensuring that a portion of the fleet remains mission-capable. It reflects a common approach in defense budgeting where sustainment and modernization of legacy systems are prioritized alongside new acquisitions.

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: $2,079,994

Exercised Options: $2,079,994

Current Obligation: $2,079,994

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