DoD's $20.5M SOF Aircraft Modification contract awarded to DMAero, LLC, with 4 orders issued
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,545,361 ($20.5M)
Contractor: Dmaero, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-11-17
End Date: 2026-11-26
Contract Duration: 1,105 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT FOR THE SPECIAL OPERATION FORCES PERSONNEL RECOVERY FIXED WING AND ROTARY DIVISION AIRCRAFT MODIFICATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: BYRON, HOUSTON County, GEORGIA, 31008
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.5 million to DMAERO, LLC for work described as: INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT FOR THE SPECIAL OPERATION FORCES PERSONNEL RECOVERY FIXED WING AND ROTARY DIVISION AIRCRAFT MODIFICATIONS Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of SOF aircraft modifications. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a fixed-price contract type mitigating cost overruns. 4. Performance context is within aircraft manufacturing and modification services. 5. Sector positioning is within defense aerospace, a critical area for national security. 6. The contract duration of 1105 days allows for phased execution of modifications.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the modifications. However, the total award of over $20.5 million for specialized SOF aircraft modifications suggests a significant investment. The firm fixed-price contract type is generally favorable for the government, as it shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor. Compared to similar complex aerospace modification contracts, the pricing will depend heavily on the scope and technical requirements of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple potential bidders were considered. The presence of four delivery orders suggests that the initial competition was robust enough to lead to subsequent taskings. A competitive process generally helps ensure that the government receives fair market prices and that the most capable contractor is selected.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition provides taxpayers with assurance that the contract was awarded based on merit and competitive pricing, rather than preferential treatment.
Public Impact
Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel will benefit from enhanced aircraft capabilities. Services delivered include modifications to fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around military bases where SOF aircraft are operated and maintained. Workforce implications include skilled labor in aerospace engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if modification requirements are not clearly defined.
- Dependence on a single contractor, DMAero, LLC, for specialized modifications.
- Long-term sustainment and upgrade costs for modified aircraft are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract type limits government exposure to cost overruns.
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment.
- Multiple delivery orders indicate successful initial performance and ongoing need.
Sector Analysis
The defense aerospace sector is characterized by high technological complexity, stringent regulatory requirements, and significant government investment. This contract fits within the aircraft manufacturing and modification sub-sector, which is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of military fleets. Comparable spending benchmarks in this area are highly variable, depending on the specific aircraft type and the extent of modifications required. The market is dominated by a few large prime contractors and specialized subcontractors.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, DMAero, LLC, is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award notice. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether DMAero, LLC engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or components.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to meet specifications within budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Special Operations Forces Support Contracts
- Military Aircraft Maintenance and Repair
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Defense Contractor Performance Management
- Fixed-Wing Aircraft Modifications
- Rotary-Wing Aircraft Modifications
Risk Flags
- Potential for technical complexity leading to schedule delays.
- Dependence on a single contractor for specialized modifications.
- Need for robust quality assurance to meet SOF operational standards.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, special-operations-forces, aircraft-modification, fixed-wing-aircraft, rotary-wing-aircraft, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, aerospace, manufacturing, georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.5 million to DMAERO, LLC. INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY CONTRACT FOR THE SPECIAL OPERATION FORCES PERSONNEL RECOVERY FIXED WING AND ROTARY DIVISION AIRCRAFT MODIFICATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DMAERO, LLC.
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 $20.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-11-17. End: 2026-11-26.
What is the specific nature of the 'Special Operation Forces Personnel Recovery Fixed Wing and Rotary Division Aircraft Modifications' being performed under this contract?
The contract description indicates modifications to fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft intended for Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel recovery missions. While the exact technical specifications are not publicly detailed, these modifications likely involve enhancing survivability, operational range, sensor suites, communication systems, or mission-specific equipment to support the unique and often high-risk requirements of SOF personnel recovery operations. This could include upgrades to avionics, defensive systems, internal configurations for specialized equipment, or structural enhancements to improve performance in challenging environments. The 'Personnel Recovery' aspect suggests a focus on capabilities that aid in locating, accessing, and extracting personnel in contested or austere areas.
How does the total contract value of approximately $20.5 million compare to similar SOF aircraft modification contracts?
Direct comparison of this $20.5 million contract to similar SOF aircraft modification contracts is difficult without access to a comprehensive database of classified or sensitive defense procurements. However, for specialized military aircraft modifications, especially those involving advanced technology, unique mission requirements for elite units like SOF, and potentially low-volume production runs, this figure appears within a reasonable range. Larger, more extensive platform upgrades or fleet-wide modifications for conventional forces can run into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. Conversely, simpler, less technologically intensive modifications might cost significantly less. The value here reflects the specialized nature and critical mission role of SOF assets.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of Defense?
The primary risks for the Department of Defense (DoD) in this contract include potential technical challenges in implementing the modifications, which could lead to delays or performance issues. Although the contract is firm fixed-price, there's a residual risk of contractor underperformance or failure to meet stringent SOF requirements. Another risk is the long-term sustainment and upgrade path for these modified aircraft; initial modifications might become obsolete or require further costly upgrades. Dependence on a single contractor, DMAero, LLC, for these specialized services also poses a risk if the contractor faces financial instability or operational difficulties. Finally, ensuring the modifications do not negatively impact other critical aircraft systems or introduce unforeseen vulnerabilities is a key concern.
What is the track record of DMAero, LLC in performing similar defense modification contracts?
Information regarding DMAero, LLC's specific track record on similar defense modification contracts is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their capabilities, one would typically need to review their past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous government contracts. Federal procurement databases often contain past performance information, which is crucial for evaluating a contractor's reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet deadlines and technical specifications. Without this specific data, it's challenging to definitively gauge their experience and success rate in executing complex aerospace modifications, particularly for demanding SOF requirements.
How has spending on SOF aircraft modifications evolved over the past five years?
Historical spending data on SOF aircraft modifications is not provided in this specific contract award notice. A comprehensive analysis of spending trends would require accessing broader federal procurement databases (like FPDS) and filtering for contracts related to SOF aircraft modifications across various agencies and years. Generally, spending in this area is influenced by evolving threats, technological advancements, the operational tempo of SOF units, and overall defense budget allocations. Periods of heightened operational activity or the introduction of new SOF platforms often correlate with increased investment in specialized modifications and upgrades to maintain a technological edge.
What are the implications of the 'Aircraft Manufacturing' NAICS code (336411) for this contract?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 336411, 'Aircraft Manufacturing,' indicates that the primary business activity of the contractor or the nature of the work performed falls under the manufacturing of aircraft, spacecraft, and parts. For this contract, it signifies that DMAero, LLC is involved in the production or significant modification of aircraft components or systems. This code suggests a need for specialized facilities, skilled labor (engineers, technicians, machinists), adherence to strict quality control standards (like AS9100), and compliance with aviation regulations. It implies that the work goes beyond simple repair or maintenance, potentially involving integration of new technologies, structural changes, or assembly of complex systems onto the aircraft.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT › MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: FA850919R0002
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 106 JESSE HALL CT, BYRON, GA, 31008
Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,841,571
Exercised Options: $20,545,361
Current Obligation: $20,545,361
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA850920D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-11-17
Current End Date: 2026-11-26
Potential End Date: 2027-11-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-20
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