DoD's $12.8M Big Safari contract awarded to Sierra Nevada Company for aircraft parts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,857,122 ($12.9M)

Contractor: Sierra Nevada Company, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: BIG SAFARI

Place of Performance

Location: SPARKS, WASHOE County, NEVADA, 89434

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.9 million to SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Value for money is difficult to assess due to limited competition. 2. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, raising questions about price discovery. 3. Risk indicators include the lack of competitive bidding and potential for cost overruns. 4. Performance context is limited as this is a delivery order for aircraft parts. 5. This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically aircraft components.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its sole-source nature and the specific nature of the 'Big Safari' program, which often involves unique or specialized requirements. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to ascertain if Sierra Nevada Company's pricing reflects fair market value. Comparisons to similar contracts for specialized aircraft parts are also limited by the proprietary aspects of the Big Safari program.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded using a sole-source justification, meaning it was not competed openly. This approach is typically used when only one responsible source can provide the required goods or services. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to achieve the best possible price and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best value due to the absence of competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had bid.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from the acquisition of specialized aircraft parts. Services delivered include the provision of critical components for military aircraft. Geographic impact is likely concentrated around military installations utilizing these aircraft. Workforce implications may involve specialized manufacturing and technical support roles within Sierra Nevada Company.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Potential for cost creep without competitive oversight.

Positive Signals

Award to an established contractor with potential expertise in specialized aircraft parts.
Contract supports critical defense capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense sector is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and significant government procurement. Contracts for specialized aircraft parts, especially within classified or specialized programs like 'Big Safari,' often involve unique specifications and limited vendor pools. Spending in this sub-sector can fluctuate based on modernization efforts and specific platform needs, with typical contract values varying widely based on complexity and quantity.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the sole-source nature and the likely specialized requirements of the 'Big Safari' program, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless Sierra Nevada Company proactively engages them for specific components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be defined by the contract terms and conditions. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source award and the nature of the 'Big Safari' program, which may involve classified or sensitive information. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Big Safari Program
Special Operations Forces Support
Aerospace Component Procurement
Defense Logistics Agency Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Limited competition
Potential for cost overruns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.9 million to SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, LLC. BIG SAFARI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIERRA NEVADA COMPANY, 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 $12.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the specific nature of the 'Big Safari' program and why was a sole-source award necessary?

The 'Big Safari' program is an Air Force initiative focused on rapidly developing and fielding special mission aircraft and associated systems. It is known for its agility and ability to quickly adapt to evolving threats and operational requirements. Sole-source awards are often utilized within 'Big Safari' due to the highly specialized, unique, or classified nature of the technologies and modifications involved. This can mean that only one contractor possesses the specific intellectual property, technical expertise, or security clearances required to fulfill the requirement, thus precluding full and open competition.

Can the $12.8 million contract value be benchmarked against similar sole-source awards for aircraft parts?

Benchmarking this $12.8 million contract value against similar sole-source awards for aircraft parts is challenging due to the inherent limitations of sole-source procurements and the specialized nature of the 'Big Safari' program. Publicly available data on comparable sole-source contracts for highly specific or classified aircraft components is scarce. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to establish a market price. However, the value itself is substantial, suggesting significant or critical components are being procured. Further analysis would require access to proprietary data or detailed justifications for the sole-source award.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical aircraft parts?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical aircraft parts include a lack of price competition, which can lead to inflated costs for the government and taxpayers. There's also a reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or maintain the highest levels of efficiency, as they face no direct competitive threat. Furthermore, sole-source awards can limit the government's leverage in negotiating terms and conditions. Dependence on a single supplier also introduces supply chain risks; if the contractor experiences production issues or goes out of business, the government may face significant delays or be forced into another costly sole-source procurement.

What is Sierra Nevada Company's track record with the Department of Defense, particularly on 'Big Safari' or similar programs?

Sierra Nevada Company (SNC), now part of Textron, has a significant track record with the Department of Defense, including extensive involvement in special mission aircraft and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, which aligns with the 'Big Safari' program's objectives. They have been awarded numerous contracts for aircraft modifications, sensor integration, and electronic warfare systems. While specific details of their involvement in 'Big Safari' may be classified or proprietary, their history suggests they are a capable and experienced provider of complex aerospace solutions for defense applications. Their performance on previous contracts would be a key factor in the justification for this sole-source award.

How does this $12.8 million contract fit into the broader context of Department of the Air Force spending on aircraft parts and modifications?

This $12.8 million contract represents a small fraction of the Department of the Air Force's overall annual spending on aircraft parts and modifications, which can amount to billions of dollars. However, its significance lies in its specific application within the 'Big Safari' program, which focuses on rapid, specialized capabilities. While large-scale fleet-wide procurements or upgrades might dominate total spending figures, contracts like this are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the effectiveness of specialized assets. The spending pattern for such specialized contracts is often project-driven rather than based on routine fleet sustainment, reflecting the unique and evolving needs of special missions.

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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Sierra Nevada Corporation

Address: 444 SALOMON CIR, SPARKS, NV, 89434

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,857,122

Exercised Options: $12,857,122

Current Obligation: $12,857,122

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 19

Total Subaward Amount: $4,707,160

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862023D4045

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline