DoD's $102M 'BIG SAFARI' Contract Awarded to CAE USA Inc. for Technical Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,225,559 ($10.2M)
Contractor: CAE USA Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-01-01
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: BIG SAFARI
Place of Performance
Location: RIDGECREST, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93555
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.2 million to CAE USA INC. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Contract value of $102.26M for professional, scientific, and technical services. 2. Sole-source award to CAE USA Inc. raises questions about competition. 3. Risk of inflated costs due to lack of competitive bidding. 4. Services fall under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, combined with a sole-source award, makes it difficult to assess value without competitive benchmarks. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the overall pricing is not validated against market rates.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating no formal competition was sought. This method limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs for the government compared to a competitively bid contract.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these professional services.
Public Impact
Potential for reduced innovation due to lack of competitive pressure. Taxpayer funds may not be utilized in the most cost-effective manner. Limited transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source award.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Lack of competition
Positive Signals
- Definitive contract provides clear scope and duration
- Fixed fee component offers some cost predictability
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the broad category of professional, scientific, and technical services. Spending in this sector can vary widely, but competitive bidding is generally expected to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in subcontracting opportunities for this sole-source award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the Department of Defense received fair pricing and that all appropriate justifications for not competing were met.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency
- No small business set-aside indicated
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.2 million to CAE USA INC.. BIG SAFARI
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CAE USA 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 $10.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.
What specific justifications were provided for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternatives explored?
Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. This often occurs due to unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific government property requirements. The Department of Defense must have documented these justifications and explored if any competitive alternatives existed before proceeding with a sole-source procurement to ensure the government's best interests are served.
How will the government ensure cost control and value for money with a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract awarded without competition?
Cost control in a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract without competition relies heavily on robust government oversight, detailed cost accounting standards, and clear performance metrics. The fixed fee provides a ceiling for the contractor's profit, but the government must diligently monitor incurred costs to prevent overruns. Regular audits and performance reviews are crucial to ensure the contractor operates efficiently and delivers value.
What is the expected impact of this contract on the broader market for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'?
A sole-source award of this magnitude could potentially limit opportunities for other qualified small and large businesses in the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' sector. It may also set a precedent for similar future procurements if the justifications are not rigorously reviewed, potentially impacting market dynamics and competition.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5004 AIR CARGO RD, TAMPA, FL, 33614
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,559,991
Exercised Options: $10,225,559
Current Obligation: $10,225,559
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-01-01
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2027-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-02
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