DoD's Air Force awards $10M C-130 FSIP contract to Mercer University for Engineering Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,007,527 ($10.0M)
Contractor: THE Corporation of Mercer University
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-01-01
End Date: 2027-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,033 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: C-130 HERCULES DIVISION FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM INTEGRITY PROGRAM (FSIP).
Place of Performance
Location: MACON, BIBB County, GEORGIA, 31207
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.0 million to THE CORPORATION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY for work described as: C-130 HERCULES DIVISION FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM INTEGRITY PROGRAM (FSIP). Key points: 1. The contract focuses on engineering services for the C-130 Hercules program. 2. Mercer University, a non-profit, is the awardee. 3. The contract is a delivery order with a significant duration. 4. No small business participation is indicated.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $10,007,527 for a 1033-day duration appears reasonable for specialized engineering services. Benchmarking against similar complex aerospace engineering contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. The lack of competition may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price for these critical engineering services.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness for the C-130 Hercules fleet. Supports specialized engineering expertise within the Department of Defense. Potential for long-term reliance on a single provider for critical systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns due to sole-source award
- Limited visibility into alternative solutions
Positive Signals
- Award to a university suggests potential for research and development integration
- Focus on a critical aircraft platform
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace and defense. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized engineering services on major aircraft platforms can vary widely based on complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any provisions for small business participation. This suggests that the prime contractor, Mercer University, will likely perform all work internally or subcontract to large businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award, this contract warrants close oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective performance. The Department of the Air Force should monitor deliverables and costs diligently.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of small business participation
- Long contract duration
- Potential for cost creep
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, ga, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.0 million to THE CORPORATION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY. C-130 HERCULES DIVISION FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM INTEGRITY PROGRAM (FSIP).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE CORPORATION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY.
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 $10.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2027-10-31.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent requirements that cannot be met by other sources. Without further details, it's difficult to assess if these criteria were met, but it's a key area for oversight to ensure the government wasn't foregoing competitive pricing opportunities.
What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source contract for C-130 FSIP?
The primary risks include inflated pricing due to lack of competition, potential for vendor lock-in, and reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or improve efficiency. There's also a risk that the government might not be aware of or have access to more cost-effective or technologically superior solutions available elsewhere.
How will the effectiveness of Mercer University's engineering services be measured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through performance metrics tied to system integrity, operational availability of C-130 aircraft, timely completion of engineering tasks, and adherence to technical specifications. Regular reviews and milestone assessments by the Department of the Air Force will be crucial to gauge performance and ensure mission objectives are met.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 135 OSIGIAN BLVD, WARNER ROBINS, GA, 31088
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,007,527
Exercised Options: $10,007,527
Current Obligation: $10,007,527
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA853020D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-01-01
Current End Date: 2027-10-31
Potential End Date: 2027-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-30
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