DoD's $21.9M Charter Airlift Contract with Rampart Aviation Faces Scrutiny Over Value and Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,936,570 ($21.9M)
Contractor: Rampart Aviation, LLC.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-08-01
End Date: 2023-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,552 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Transportation
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CHARTERED PASSENGER AIRLIFT BETWEEN NORTH ISLAND NAVAL AIR STATION AND SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND - AIR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: CORONADO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.9 million to RAMPART AVIATION, LLC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CHARTERED PASSENGER AIRLIFT BETWEEN NORTH ISLAND NAVAL AIR STATION AND SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND - AIR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Rampart Aviation, LLC for airlift services represents a significant expenditure. 2. Competition details are unclear, raising questions about price discovery and potential value for taxpayers. 3. The duration of the contract (1552 days) suggests a long-term need, but the specific value proposition requires further analysis. 4. The sector is Air Transportation, a critical but often complex area for government procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's total value of $21.9M over approximately 4 years needs to be benchmarked against similar airlift services. Without clear per-unit cost data or comparison to market rates, assessing the value for money is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
While advertised as full and open competition, the award details do not provide sufficient information to confirm the extent of competition or the number of bids received. This lack of transparency can impact price discovery and potentially lead to suboptimal pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant expenditure raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible value given the competitive landscape and pricing mechanisms.
Public Impact
Ensures critical personnel and cargo movement between naval bases. Supports military readiness and operational efficiency. Potential for cost savings through competitive bidding and efficient service delivery. Impacts local economies through service provider employment and operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed competition metrics
- Unclear per-unit cost analysis
- Long contract duration without clear performance benchmarks
Positive Signals
- Provides essential airlift services
- Supports strategic military locations
Sector Analysis
The Department of Defense relies heavily on air transportation for logistical support. Benchmarking this contract against other government or commercial airlift contracts of similar scope and duration is crucial for assessing value.
Small Business Impact
The data provided does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis is needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of this contract should focus on ensuring adherence to competition requirements, monitoring performance against contract terms, and verifying that the pricing remains competitive throughout the contract period.
Related Government Programs
- Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation
- Department of Defense Contracting
- USTRANSCOM Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed competition metrics
- Unclear per-unit cost analysis
- Potential for price escalation over contract duration
- Limited transparency on bidding process
Tags
nonscheduled-chartered-passenger-air-tra, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.9 million to RAMPART AVIATION, LLC.. IGF::OT::IGF CHARTERED PASSENGER AIRLIFT BETWEEN NORTH ISLAND NAVAL AIR STATION AND SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND - AIR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RAMPART AVIATION, LLC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (USTRANSCOM).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-08-01. End: 2023-10-31.
What was the competitive landscape during the bidding process, and how did it influence the final price?
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' but specific details regarding the number of bidders and the evaluation process are not readily available. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to ascertain the true competitive pressure that influenced the final price. Further investigation into the bidding records would be necessary to confirm the effectiveness of the competition in achieving optimal pricing for the government.
Are there any identified risks associated with the long-term nature of this airlift contract?
The primary risk associated with the 1552-day duration is potential price escalation due to market fluctuations in fuel, labor, and aircraft maintenance costs. Additionally, long-term contracts can sometimes lead to complacency in performance or a reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or offer cost efficiencies. Regular performance reviews and contract modifications based on market conditions are essential to mitigate these risks.
How does the effectiveness of this airlift service compare to alternative transportation methods or providers?
The effectiveness of this airlift service is primarily measured by its ability to meet the Department of Defense's operational tempo and logistical requirements between North Island Naval Air Station and San Clemente Island. Without specific performance metrics or comparative data on alternative methods (e.g., sea transport, other air carriers), it's challenging to definitively assess its effectiveness. Ensuring reliable on-time performance and mission completion is key.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Nonscheduled Air Transportation › Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger 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
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: $21,936,570
Exercised Options: $21,936,570
Current Obligation: $21,936,570
Actual Outlays: $5,884,043
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HTC71119DCC57
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-08-01
Current End Date: 2023-10-31
Potential End Date: 2023-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-29
More Contracts from Rampart Aviation, LLC.
- Military Free Fall (MFF) — $28.9M (Department of Defense)
- AIR Transportation Services for Military and Government Civilian Passengers and Movement of Cargo in Support of Naval Test Wing Pacific From PT Mugu Naval AIR Station to SAN Nicolas Island, CA and From PT Mugu Naval AIR Station to China Lake, CA — $8.6M (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)