DoD Awards $47.9M to FlightSafety Defense for JASDF KC-46 Aircrew Training System
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,905,459 ($47.9M)
Contractor: Flightsafety Defense Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-07-11
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,024 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: JAPAN AIR SELF-DEFENSE FORCE (JASDF) KC-46 AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEM (ATS)
Place of Performance
Location: FORT WORTH, TARRANT County, TEXAS, 76155
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $47.9 million to FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION for work described as: JAPAN AIR SELF-DEFENSE FORCE (JASDF) KC-46 AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEM (ATS) Key points: 1. The contract is for the KC-46 Aircrew Training System for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. 2. FlightSafety Defense Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 4. The period of performance is from July 2023 to April 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $47.9 million for a 3-year training system appears reasonable given the specialized nature of KC-46 aircrew training. Benchmarking is difficult without specific details on training hours and system complexity, but it falls within typical ranges for advanced simulation and training systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs compared to a competitive process. The justification for sole-source is not provided but may relate to specific system integration or existing relationships.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for training equipment and services for a foreign ally, which can be viewed as an investment in international security cooperation.
Public Impact
Enhances interoperability and readiness between the US and Japan's air forces. Supports the operational capabilities of the KC-46 tanker aircraft. Contributes to the development of highly skilled aircrews for critical missions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs.
- Sole-source award requires strong justification for fairness.
Positive Signals
- Supports a key US ally's defense capabilities.
- Ensures effective training for advanced aircraft systems.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on training and simulation for advanced aircraft. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and operational readiness for both domestic and allied forces.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award. Future contracts related to this system should explore opportunities for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor meets performance requirements and that the firm fixed price remains appropriate throughout the contract duration, especially given the sole-source nature.
Related Government Programs
- Flight Training
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns
- Sole-source justification required
- Limited transparency on pricing basis
Tags
flight-training, department-of-defense, tx, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $47.9 million to FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION. JAPAN AIR SELF-DEFENSE FORCE (JASDF) KC-46 AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEM (ATS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FLIGHTSAFETY DEFENSE CORPORATION.
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 $47.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-07-11. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or essential integration requirements. To ensure fair and reasonable pricing, the Department of Defense would likely conduct a thorough price analysis, comparing costs to similar systems, historical data, or independent cost estimates. This process aims to validate the proposed price even without direct competition.
How does the cost of this KC-46 ATS compare to similar aircrew training systems for other advanced military aircraft?
Benchmarking the cost of this KC-46 ATS against similar systems is challenging without detailed specifications of training hours, simulation fidelity, and system complexity. However, advanced aircrew training systems for modern platforms like fighter jets or bombers can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. The $47.9 million for this specific system suggests a focused scope, potentially for a limited number of training devices or a specific phase of training.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract for critical aircrew training, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risk of a sole-source contract is the potential for inflated costs due to a lack of competitive pressure. Mitigation strategies include rigorous price negotiation, detailed cost analysis, and strong performance monitoring to ensure value for money. Additionally, clear performance metrics and phased payments tied to milestones can help manage risk and ensure the contractor delivers the required training capabilities effectively.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Flight Training
Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: FA862121R0010
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4800 DIPLOMACY ROAD, FORT WORTH, TX, 76155
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $48,000,000
Exercised Options: $47,905,459
Current Obligation: $47,905,459
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-07-11
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-12
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- 200611!000132!5700!fa8223!oo-Alc/Pkt/Ywk !F3365701D2078 !A!N! !N!QP02 ! !20060810!20070930!105699292!046173175!001024314!n!flightsafety Services Corporat!10770 E Briarwood AVE STE !centennial !co!80112!12815!005!08!centennial !arapahoe !colorado !+000000136501!n!n!000000000000!j069!maint&repair of Eq/Training Aids&devices !a1a!airframes and Spares !000 !NOT Discernable !336413!E! !5!A!S! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!j!2!006!n!3a!c!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!z!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! — $231.3M (Department of Defense)
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