DoD's A-10 Aircrew Training System Contract Exceeds $114M, Awarded to CYMSTAR LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $114,653,284 ($114.7M)
Contractor: Cymstar LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-12-31
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $52.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: A-10 AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: BROKEN ARROW, TULSA County, OKLAHOMA, 74012
State: Oklahoma Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $114.7 million to CYMSTAR LLC for work described as: A-10 AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract value of $114.65M for A-10 aircrew training. 2. CYMSTAR LLC is the sole contractor for this system. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and lack of competitive pricing. 4. The sector is Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $114.65M appears substantial for an aircrew training system. Without specific benchmarks for similar systems, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but the duration and scope suggest a significant investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the specific award type (Delivery Order) and the single contractor (CYMSTAR LLC) for the system may limit ongoing price competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this significant training system. While competition was initially employed, ongoing cost controls and performance monitoring are crucial to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Ensures continued readiness and proficiency for A-10 pilots. Supports the operational capabilities of a key Air Force asset. Potential for long-term reliance on a single vendor for critical training.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of ongoing competition for system sustainment.
- Potential for cost overruns if not closely managed.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical training infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Contract aims to ensure pilot readiness.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing sector. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining the readiness and technological edge of the U.S. Air Force's aviation assets.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement or subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are being leveraged.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The firm fixed price contract and delivery order structure suggest a need for diligent monitoring of performance and costs to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Limited ongoing competition.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown provided.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical training.
Tags
other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, ok, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $114.7 million to CYMSTAR LLC. A-10 AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CYMSTAR 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 $114.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-12-31. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the specific breakdown of costs within the $114.65M contract, and how do these costs compare to industry standards for similar training systems?
The provided data lacks a detailed cost breakdown. A comprehensive analysis would require access to contract line item numbers (CLINs) and supporting documentation. Benchmarking against similar training systems, considering factors like simulation fidelity, maintenance, and instructor support, is essential to determine if the pricing is competitive and represents good value for taxpayer dollars.
What are the potential risks associated with a single contractor, CYMSTAR LLC, providing the A-10 Aircrew Training System for an extended period?
The primary risks include vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on CYMSTAR LLC, potentially leading to reduced negotiation leverage and higher prices in the future. There's also a risk of complacency or reduced innovation if competition is absent. Furthermore, if CYMSTAR LLC faces financial or operational difficulties, it could disrupt critical pilot training.
How effectively does this training system contribute to A-10 pilot readiness and overall Air Force mission effectiveness, given the significant investment?
The effectiveness hinges on the system's fidelity, realism, and availability. A well-executed training system should significantly enhance pilot skills, reduce training costs compared to live-flying, and improve mission success rates. Regular performance reviews, pilot feedback, and objective metrics are necessary to confirm the system's contribution to readiness and its return on investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1700 W ALBANY ST STE 500, BROKEN ARROW, OK, 74012
Business Categories: Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $152,095,898
Exercised Options: $125,049,057
Current Obligation: $114,653,284
Actual Outlays: $233,875
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862115D6257
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-12-31
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2028-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
More Contracts from Cymstar LLC
- Training System Acquisitions III Task Order, C-5 AIR Crew Training System — $272.5M (Department of Defense)
- AMC Boom Operator Weapons System Trainer (bowst) — $31.7M (Department of Defense)
- NCM3 Trainer Unit Number 17 -26 and WSG for Trainer #1 - #2 — $27.2M (Department of Defense)
- E-4B Training System Device — $25.0M (Department of Defense)
- THE Requirement Will Modernize Seven Marine Common Aircrew Trainer (mcat) Devices (2H166A-3, 2H166A-5, 2H166B-1, 2H166A-1, 2H166A-6, 2H166A-2, and 2H166A-4), Relocate Device 2H166A-2 and Procure Three Months of Contractor Logistic Support (CLS) — $16.8M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)