DoD's $59M 'BIG SAFARI' Contract Awarded to BAE Systems for Aircraft Parts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $59,030,124 ($59.0M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-05-16

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,325 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: BIG SAFARI

Place of Performance

Location: NASHUA, HILLSBOROUGH County, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03060

State: New Hampshire Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $59.0 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $59 million for aircraft parts. 2. Sole-source award to BAE Systems raises questions about competition. 3. Potential risk associated with limited competition and pricing. 4. Spending falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts' manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $59 million is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar contracts for aircraft parts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no competition. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to taxpayers paying more than necessary for these aircraft parts.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the absence of competitive bidding. The Department of Defense relies on BAE Systems for critical aircraft components. The long contract duration (until Dec 2025) means sustained potential overpayment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

Awarded to a known defense contractor
Supports critical aircraft parts

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on defense needs and technological advancements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. This represents a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny from oversight bodies to ensure fair pricing and justification for the lack of competition.

Related Government Programs

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for inflated pricing
No small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $59.0 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC.. BIG SAFARI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC..

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 $59.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-16. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves specific circumstances such as the uniqueness of the product or service, the urgency of the requirement, or the unavailability of other sources. Without further details, it's difficult to ascertain the precise reason, but it implies that competitive alternatives were deemed unsuitable or unavailable by the Department of the Air Force.

What is the potential financial risk to taxpayers due to the lack of competition?

The primary financial risk to taxpayers stems from the absence of competitive pressure. Without competing bids, BAE Systems may not be incentivized to offer the lowest possible price. This can lead to inflated costs compared to what might be achieved in a competitive environment, potentially resulting in millions of dollars in overspending over the contract's duration.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of Air Force operations?

This contract is for 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing,' suggesting it provides essential components for maintaining and operating Air Force aircraft. While the specific parts are not detailed, their provision is likely critical for ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of the Air Force's fleet. The sole-source nature, however, raises questions about the cost-effectiveness of this contribution.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ball Corporation

Address: 65 SPIT BROOK RD, NASHUA, NH, 03060

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,030,124

Exercised Options: $59,030,124

Current Obligation: $59,030,124

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $49,608,769

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4028

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline