Air Force awards $25M contract for E-4B training devices to CYMSTAR LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,030,765 ($25.0M)

Contractor: Cymstar LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-14

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 2,024 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: E-4B TRAINING SYSTEM DEVICE

Place of Performance

Location: BROKEN ARROW, TULSA County, OKLAHOMA, 74012

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $25.0 million to CYMSTAR LLC for work described as: E-4B TRAINING SYSTEM DEVICE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential training equipment supporting the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft. 2. The contract is structured as a Firm Fixed Price delivery order, indicating predictable costs. 3. CYMSTAR LLC, the contractor, has a track record that warrants further examination for performance consistency. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The contract duration extends through March 2026, providing long-term support. 6. The geographic location of performance is in Oklahoma, potentially impacting local economies.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $25 million for E-4B training devices appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized military equipment. Benchmarking against similar complex training systems is challenging due to the unique nature of the E-4B platform. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that cost overruns are the contractor's responsibility, which is a positive indicator for value. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns and comparisons to industry standards for simulation and training equipment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. The specific number of bids received is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The open competition suggests that the government sought the best value from a broad range of potential suppliers, rather than restricting the field.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective solution for essential training equipment, preventing potential price inflation associated with sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force personnel who operate and maintain the E-4B aircraft, ensuring they receive adequate and up-to-date training. The contract delivers critical training system devices, essential for maintaining the operational readiness of the E-4B fleet. Performance is located in Oklahoma, potentially creating or sustaining jobs within the state's aerospace or defense sector. The availability of advanced training devices supports the specialized skills required for operating the E-4B, a highly complex and critical national asset.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics or past performance data for CYMSTAR LLC on similar complex training systems.
The specialized nature of the E-4B platform may limit the pool of experienced contractors, potentially impacting long-term competition.
Potential for scope creep or change orders if training requirements evolve significantly during the contract period.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs and manage budget predictability.
Contract duration extends to March 2026, providing stable support for a critical training need.

Sector Analysis

The defense training and simulation market is a significant segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry. This contract for E-4B training devices falls under specialized military equipment manufacturing and support. The market is characterized by high barriers to entry due to technical complexity, stringent security requirements, and the need for specific government certifications. Spending in this sector is driven by the need to maintain readiness for aging platforms and to train personnel on new, advanced systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific award, as the 'sb' field is false. There is no indication of a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist if CYMSTAR LLC utilizes them, but this is not explicitly detailed in the provided information. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless significant subcontracting occurs.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which places cost risk on the contractor. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being made under full and open competition. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

E-4B National Airborne Operations Center
Aircrew Training Systems
Defense Simulation and Training
Aerospace Manufacturing
Military Aircraft Support Equipment

Risk Flags

Contractor experience with highly specialized platforms
Long-term sustainment planning for training devices
Potential for technical obsolescence in simulation technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $25.0 million to CYMSTAR LLC. E-4B TRAINING SYSTEM DEVICE

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 $25.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-14. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the track record of CYMSTAR LLC in delivering complex defense training systems?

Information regarding CYMSTAR LLC's specific track record in delivering complex defense training systems, particularly for platforms as specialized as the E-4B, is not readily available in the provided data. While the company has secured this contract, a deeper dive into their past performance, client satisfaction, and experience with similar simulation technologies would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Examining previous contracts, any performance reviews, or awards received by CYMSTAR LLC would provide crucial context on their capability to meet the demanding requirements of this E-4B training device contract. Without this detailed historical data, it is difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and expertise in this niche area.

How does the $25 million contract value compare to similar E-4B related procurements or industry benchmarks?

Direct comparisons for the E-4B training system device contract are difficult due to the unique and highly specialized nature of the E-4B aircraft, often referred to as 'Doomsday planes'. This platform has a limited number of units and serves a very specific strategic role, meaning the market for its training systems is not broad. Therefore, standard industry benchmarks for more common aircraft training systems may not be directly applicable. The $25 million figure should be evaluated in the context of the specific functionalities and complexity required for these advanced training devices, which likely include sophisticated simulation capabilities, realistic environmental modeling, and integration with other command and control systems. A thorough value assessment would require detailed technical specifications and cost breakdowns from the contractor.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of Defense?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues if CYMSTAR LLC lacks sufficient experience with the specific technical demands of E-4B training systems, leading to delays or subpar equipment. There's also a risk of cost growth if the firm fixed-price contract contains ambiguities or if unforeseen technical challenges arise that necessitate contract modifications, although the FFP structure aims to mitigate this. Furthermore, the long-term sustainment and upgradeability of these specialized training devices could pose a challenge, depending on the contractor's long-term viability and commitment to supporting the system throughout its lifecycle. Ensuring the training devices accurately reflect the E-4B's operational environment and capabilities is critical for effective aircrew readiness.

How effective is the E-4B training system device likely to be in enhancing aircrew readiness?

The effectiveness of the E-4B training system device hinges on its fidelity to the actual aircraft systems and operational scenarios. If designed and implemented correctly, these devices can significantly enhance aircrew readiness by providing a safe, repeatable, and cost-effective environment to practice complex procedures, emergency responses, and mission execution. Realistic simulations allow crews to gain proficiency without the risks and costs associated with actual flight training. The contract's success in delivering a high-fidelity system will directly correlate to its ability to prepare crews for the unique challenges of operating the E-4B, a critical national asset, thereby bolstering overall mission capability and response readiness.

What are the historical spending patterns for E-4B training systems or related support?

Historical spending patterns for E-4B training systems are not detailed in the provided data. However, given the E-4B's role as a strategic command and control platform, investments in its training and support infrastructure are likely consistent and substantial over its operational lifespan. Procurements for such specialized systems often occur periodically to update or replace aging training equipment, or to adapt to evolving mission requirements. The total lifecycle cost for such a unique platform would encompass initial procurement, sustainment, upgrades, and training development. This $25 million award represents a specific investment within that broader, long-term spending context for maintaining the E-4B's operational readiness.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

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: $25,469,995

Exercised Options: $25,030,765

Current Obligation: $25,030,765

Actual Outlays: $10,247

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