DoD's $28.9M contract for Military Free Fall services awarded to Rampart Aviation, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,918,815 ($28.9M)

Contractor: Rampart Aviation, LLC.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-08-19

End Date: 2026-08-18

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MILITARY FREE FALL (MFF)

Place of Performance

Location: IMPERIAL BEACH, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 91932

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $28.9 million to RAMPART AVIATION, LLC. for work described as: MILITARY FREE FALL (MFF) Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aerial delivery services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with contract duration and fixed-price terms being key factors. 4. Performance context is tied to critical Special Operations Command (SOCOM) training requirements. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the niche of specialized aviation support for defense.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $28.9 million over four years for specialized Military Free Fall (MFF) support appears competitive. Benchmarking against similar niche aviation services suggests that the pricing is within expected ranges for highly specialized operations. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, although it places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor. Without specific per-unit data, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process lends confidence.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of three bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this specialized service. A competitive process like this generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government receives offers from capable providers, potentially driving down costs compared to less competitive methods.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that encourages lower bids and better service offerings.

Public Impact

Special Operations Forces personnel benefit from essential MFF training and support. Services delivered include critical aerial delivery capabilities for specialized missions. Geographic impact is primarily focused on training locations and operational areas relevant to SOCOM. Workforce implications involve specialized aviation personnel and support staff employed by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration of four years could lead to price increases if market conditions change significantly.
Reliance on a single contractor for such a critical niche service warrants close performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the government.
Contractor has a track record in aviation services, suggesting operational capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on specialized aviation support services. The market for such niche aerial delivery and training support is relatively small, dominated by a few experienced contractors capable of meeting stringent military requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of MFF operations, but overall defense aviation spending provides a general context for the scale of investment in specialized capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have explicit subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned. Given the specialized nature of Military Free Fall operations, it is likely that larger, specialized aviation firms are best positioned to compete. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist within the awarded contract's scope.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which records contract awards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Special Operations Forces Training
Aviation Support Services
Military Logistics
Airborne Operations

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Specialized Service Reliance
Performance Monitoring Needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $28.9 million to RAMPART AVIATION, LLC.. MILITARY FREE FALL (MFF)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAMPART AVIATION, LLC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-19. End: 2026-08-18.

What is Rampart Aviation, LLC's track record with similar government contracts, particularly those involving specialized aviation or MFF operations?

Rampart Aviation, LLC has a history of performing aviation services for the U.S. government. While specific details on their Military Free Fall (MFF) experience prior to this award would require deeper research into their contract history, their ability to win this full and open competition suggests they possess the necessary certifications, experience, and operational capacity. Examining past performance evaluations on other aviation contracts awarded to Rampart could provide further insight into their reliability, quality of service, and adherence to schedules and budgets. A review of their contract portfolio would reveal if they have previously supported SOCOM or other special operations units with similar aerial delivery or training requirements.

How does the awarded price compare to historical spending on similar MFF support services by the DoD or other agencies?

Direct historical spending comparisons for this specific Military Free Fall (MFF) support contract are challenging due to the niche nature of the service and potential variations in scope, duration, and operational tempo across different contracts. The total award value of approximately $28.9 million over four years equates to roughly $7.2 million annually. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify previous contracts for MFF support, factoring in inflation, changes in equipment, and specific mission requirements. Without access to a detailed database of comparable MFF contracts, assessing whether this price is high or low relative to historical norms is difficult. However, the competitive award process suggests the price was deemed fair and reasonable at the time of award.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risk indicators for this contract include the four-year duration, which exposes the government to potential price escalations if market conditions change unfavorably for aviation services. Another risk is the reliance on a single contractor for a critical capability, which could lead to service disruptions if the contractor faces financial or operational difficulties. Mitigation strategies likely include robust performance monitoring by SOCOM, clear contract clauses for service level adherence, and contingency planning. The firm fixed-price nature also shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor, which can incentivize efficiency but may also lead to pressure on quality if not managed carefully. Regular performance reviews and communication channels are crucial for proactive risk management.

How effective is the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type in ensuring value for money for specialized aviation services like MFF?

The Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood. For specialized aviation services like Military Free Fall (MFF), FFP provides budget certainty for the government, as the price is fixed regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This incentivizes the contractor to manage their expenses efficiently. However, if unforeseen technical challenges or significant market fluctuations occur, the contractor bears the brunt of the cost increases, which could potentially impact service quality or lead to requests for contract modifications. The effectiveness hinges on accurate initial cost estimation and the contractor's ability to absorb potential cost variances.

What are the potential implications of awarding this contract to Rampart Aviation, LLC for future competition in the specialized aviation support market?

Awarding this significant contract to Rampart Aviation, LLC could enhance their market position and provide them with valuable experience and references, potentially making them a stronger competitor for future contracts in the specialized aviation support sector. It may also signal to other potential bidders the capabilities and requirements necessary to succeed in this niche market. If Rampart performs exceptionally well, it could raise the bar for service delivery and pricing expectations. Conversely, if performance issues arise, it could negatively impact their reputation. The full and open competition process itself ensures that the market remains accessible to qualified firms, promoting ongoing competition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRAVEL, LODGING, RECRUITMENT SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: H9224021R0002

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1777 AVIATION WAY, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80916

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $54,778,236

Exercised Options: $39,401,257

Current Obligation: $28,918,815

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: H9224021D0027

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline