Air Force awards $431.7M EPASS contract to COLSA Corp for aircraft support services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $431,672,244 ($431.7M)

Contractor: Colsa Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-03-01

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 2,009 days

Daily Burn Rate: $214.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SCAT 1 ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER MOBILITY AND TRAINING AIRCRAFT, PRESIDENTIAL AND EXECUTIVE AIRLIFT, AND TANKER DIRECTORATES (AFLCMC/WL, WV, WK)

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $431.7 million to COLSA CORP for work described as: SCAT 1 ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER MOBILITY AND TRAINING AIRCRAFT, PRESIDENTIAL AND EXECUTIVE AIRLIFT, AND TANKER DIRECTORATES (AFLCMC/WL, WV, WK) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to COLSA Corp for engineering, professional, and administrative support. 2. Services cover Mobility, Training, Presidential, Executive Airlift, and Tanker aircraft directorates. 3. The contract has a significant value of over $431 million. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the primary NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost control. The total award value of $431.7M over its period of performance suggests a substantial investment in these specialized support services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition approach. This method may impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition, potentially leading to higher costs if not managed effectively.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for critical aircraft support, with the effectiveness of the competition method influencing the overall value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness and modernization of key Air Force aircraft fleets. Supports specialized engineering and administrative functions vital for program management. Potential for long-term impact on aircraft sustainment and development programs. The contract's duration and value suggest a significant commitment of resources.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may impact cost efficiency.
CPFF contract type requires robust oversight to manage costs.
Potential for scope creep given the broad service categories.

Positive Signals

Supports critical Air Force directorates.
Long-term contract provides stability for services.
Experienced contractor likely to deliver specialized support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically R&D. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and operational capabilities for the Air Force.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus, as the 'sb' field is false. This suggests that the prime contractor, COLSA Corp, is likely a large business, and opportunities for small businesses may be limited to subcontracting roles.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical given the CPFF contract type and the broad scope of services. The Department of the Air Force will need to ensure rigorous performance monitoring and cost control to maximize taxpayer value.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Limited competition may reduce price competitiveness.
Scope creep risk given broad service categories.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $431.7 million to COLSA CORP. SCAT 1 ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) FOR AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER MOBILITY AND TRAINING AIRCRAFT, PRESIDENTIAL AND EXECUTIVE AIRLIFT, AND TANKER DIRECTORATES (AFLCMC/WL, WV, WK)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COLSA CORP.

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 $431.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-03-01. End: 2025-08-31.

What is the specific breakdown of services provided under EPASS and how do they align with the R&D NAICS code?

The EPASS contract encompasses engineering, professional, and administrative support for various Air Force aircraft directorates. While the NAICS code is R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, the services likely include program management, systems engineering, technical support, and lifecycle management, which are essential for R&D programs and their sustainment, even if not purely research-focused.

How does the 'limited competition' structure affect the potential for cost savings or overspending?

Limited competition, especially after excluding sources, can reduce the pressure on contractors to offer the lowest possible price. While it ensures specific expertise, it necessitates strong negotiation and oversight by the government to prevent inflated costs and ensure fair pricing. The CPFF structure further emphasizes the need for diligent cost management.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of COLSA Corp's support services?

Specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data. However, effectiveness would likely be measured through metrics related to on-time delivery of support, quality of engineering and technical advice, adherence to budget constraints, successful program milestone achievement, and overall contribution to the operational readiness and modernization goals of the supported Air Force directorates.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6728 ODYSSEY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $797,767,604

Exercised Options: $573,418,994

Current Obligation: $431,672,244

Actual Outlays: $7,539,074

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $71,038,877

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS705

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline