DoD Awards Boeing $23M for C-17 Training System Bridge Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,072,892 ($23.1M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-01

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $63.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: UCA 2.0 FOR THE C-17 TRAINING SYSTEM TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL TRAINING AND SUPPORT AS A BRIDGE CONTRACT.

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63134

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.1 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: UCA 2.0 FOR THE C-17 TRAINING SYSTEM TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL TRAINING AND SUPPORT AS A BRIDGE CONTRACT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, large incumbent provider. 2. Focus on essential training and support for C-17 aircraft. 3. Bridge contract indicates potential for future, larger procurements. 4. Limited visibility into specific performance metrics or value beyond cost.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $23M for a 364-day duration appears reasonable for specialized training systems. Benchmarking against similar C-17 sustainment or training contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the award type is a delivery order, which may have been competed separately or as part of a larger IDIQ.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential military training, which is a necessary expenditure for national defense readiness.

Public Impact

Ensures continued pilot and maintenance training for the C-17 fleet. Supports the operational readiness of a critical strategic airlift aircraft. Provides essential services to maintain the effectiveness of the C-17 training system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of detailed performance metrics.
  • Potential for sole-source follow-on if not managed.
  • Bridge contract nature may obscure true long-term costs.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Addresses critical training needs.
  • Supports a vital military asset.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on training systems. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining pilot proficiency and aircraft operational readiness, with benchmarks often tied to aircraft fleet size and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals or participation by small businesses in this particular contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The use of a bridge contract suggests a need for continued services while a more permanent solution is sought, requiring careful monitoring to ensure fair pricing and performance.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of detailed performance metrics.
  • Potential for vendor lock-in with incumbent.
  • Bridge contract may indicate planning or competition issues.
  • Limited transparency on specific technological advancements.

Tags

other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, mo, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.1 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. UCA 2.0 FOR THE C-17 TRAINING SYSTEM TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL TRAINING AND SUPPORT AS A BRIDGE CONTRACT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BOEING COMPANY.

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 $23.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-01. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the specific value proposition of UCA 2.0 compared to previous versions or alternative training solutions?

The provided data does not detail the specific enhancements or value proposition of UCA 2.0. Further documentation would be required to assess its advantages over prior systems or potential alternatives. Understanding these improvements is key to justifying the contract's cost and ensuring it meets evolving training requirements effectively.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured to ensure effectiveness?

The data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Effective oversight would require clearly defined metrics related to training completion rates, simulation fidelity, instructor performance, and system uptime. Without these, assessing the true effectiveness and value for money becomes challenging.

How does the $23M cost compare to the total lifecycle cost of the C-17 training system, and what is the long-term cost projection?

This $23M represents a bridge contract for one year, not the total lifecycle cost. To assess long-term value, one must consider the ongoing sustainment, upgrades, and potential future procurements for the C-17 training system. This single award provides limited insight into the overall financial commitment required for this training capability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingOther Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENTMAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

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: 6200 JAMES S MCDONNELL BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63134

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $149,973,800

Exercised Options: $138,437,354

Current Obligation: $23,072,892

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862123DB027

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-12-01

Current End Date: 2026-11-30

Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-17

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