Air Force awards $8.1M for hydrant refueling systems, with 3 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,130,461 ($8.1M)

Contractor: Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-08-19

End Date: 2026-06-08

Contract Duration: 658 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: R20 HYDRANT REFUEL

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35824

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.1 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: R20 HYDRANT REFUEL Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the firm-fixed-price contract type and competitive nature. 2. Competition dynamics show moderate interest with three bidders, suggesting a healthy but not hyper-competitive market. 3. Risk indicators are low due to the firm-fixed-price structure and established product category. 4. Performance context is for aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment, a critical component of air operations. 5. Sector positioning is within aerospace manufacturing, supporting essential military logistics.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.1 million for hydrant refueling systems appears within a reasonable range for specialized aerospace components. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aircraft support equipment suggests this award is competitive, especially considering the specific technical requirements for hydrant refueling systems.

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 offerors were solicited. With three bidders participating, the competition level suggests a reasonable degree of market interest and price discovery. This level of competition is generally sufficient to drive competitive pricing and ensure the government receives a fair value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this hydrant refueling system contract helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering price reductions and encouraging innovative solutions from multiple vendors.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force is the primary beneficiary, receiving critical refueling equipment. Services delivered include the provision of specialized hydrant refueling systems essential for aircraft operations. The geographic impact is primarily within Alabama, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include support for manufacturing jobs within the aerospace supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type limits cost uncertainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding environment.
Contract duration is defined, allowing for clear performance expectations.
Awarded to a single contractor, indicating a clear point of accountability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment. The market for such specialized systems is driven by defense spending and airline industry needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other procurements for aircraft ground support equipment, where pricing can vary significantly based on technical complexity and volume.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though larger prime contractors may engage small businesses in their supply chains.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability is established through the firm-fixed-price contract terms and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific performance details may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair
Ground Support Equipment
Aerospace Manufacturing
Defense Logistics

Risk Flags

Contract awarded after exclusion of sources, requires justification for limited competition.
Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
Dependence on specific technology may lead to obsolescence concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.1 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. R20 HYDRANT REFUEL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, 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 $8.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-19. End: 2026-06-08.

What is the track record of SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for aerospace components?

A comprehensive review of SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC's contract history would be necessary to fully assess their track record. While this award indicates they are capable of securing defense contracts, their past performance on similar projects, including on-time delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget, is crucial. Examining past performance evaluations and any reported issues or successes on previous contracts would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in the aerospace components sector. Without specific historical data on this contractor's performance, it is difficult to definitively assess their reliability beyond their current award.

How does the $8.1 million award compare to historical spending on similar hydrant refueling systems by the Department of Defense?

To benchmark this $8.1 million award, historical spending data for similar hydrant refueling systems by the Department of Defense would need to be analyzed. This would involve identifying previous contracts for comparable equipment, noting their values, contract types, and the number of bidders. Factors such as inflation, technological advancements, and specific system requirements (e.g., capacity, mobility, integration capabilities) would need to be considered for a fair comparison. If this award is significantly higher or lower than historical averages for similar systems, it could indicate shifts in market prices, changes in technical specifications, or varying levels of competition.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential delays in delivery, technical performance issues with the hydrant refueling systems, and contractor financial instability. However, these risks appear to be mitigated by several factors. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts the financial risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to complete the work within budget. The competition among three bidders suggests a healthy market, reducing the risk of sole-source dependency and potentially improving quality. Furthermore, the defined contract duration and delivery schedule provide clear performance expectations. The Department of the Air Force's oversight and acceptance processes would also serve as crucial mitigation measures against technical performance issues.

What is the expected effectiveness of these hydrant refueling systems in supporting Air Force operations?

The effectiveness of these hydrant refueling systems is expected to be high, as they are critical components for enabling rapid and efficient aircraft refueling operations. Hydrant systems typically offer advantages over mobile refuelers in terms of speed, volume, and reduced ground traffic at airfields, which is vital for maintaining operational tempo. The specific design and capabilities of the systems procured under this contract will determine their precise effectiveness, but their role in supporting sortie generation and overall mission readiness is fundamental. The Air Force's decision to procure these systems underscores their perceived importance for operational efficiency and logistical support.

How has spending on aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336413) trended over the past five years for the Department of the Air Force?

Analyzing the spending trends for NAICS code 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) for the Department of the Air Force over the past five years would reveal patterns in investment in this sector. This would involve aggregating contract data for this specific industry classification. A rising trend might indicate increased demand for new or upgraded aircraft components, while a declining trend could suggest a shift in procurement priorities or a maturation of existing fleets. Understanding these trends provides context for the current $8.1 million award, indicating whether it aligns with or deviates from established spending patterns in this critical manufacturing area.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT/REPAIR SHOP EQPT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 248 DUNLOP BLVD, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35824

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,130,461

Exercised Options: $8,130,461

Current Obligation: $8,130,461

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $7,780,348

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA853221D0010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline