Navy awards $37.2M contract for aircraft support services to Airborne Tactical Advantage Co. LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,200,000 ($37.2M)

Contractor: Airborne Tactical Advantage CO LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-04-01

End Date: 2025-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $102.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: OPERATING COST - TYPE III AIRCRAFT

Place of Performance

Location: PATUXENT RIVER, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20670

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $37.2 million to AIRBORNE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE CO LLC for work described as: OPERATING COST - TYPE III AIRCRAFT Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. The contract duration is one year, indicating a need for ongoing, short-term support. 5. The services provided fall under 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation'. 6. The contractor, Airborne Tactical Advantage Co. LLC, is a specialized provider in this niche.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $37.2 million for a one-year period of support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of airborne tactical support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for adversary air support or specialized aviation services would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure suggests the government has negotiated a price that accounts for contractor risk and profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The use of a delivery order under an IDIQ suggests that the initial competition for the IDIQ contract was robust.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a wider range of bids and encourages contractors to offer their best pricing and capabilities.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Navy, receiving essential support for its aviation training and readiness. Services delivered include specialized air transportation support, likely for adversary simulation or training exercises. The geographic impact is likely focused on naval air stations or training ranges where these services are required. Workforce implications include employment for pilots, maintenance crews, and support staff within Airborne Tactical Advantage Co. LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the scope of services expands beyond initial expectations.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized support could create future sole-source risks if competition diminishes.
Ensuring consistent performance and adherence to safety standards throughout the contract duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Firm fixed-price contract structure transfers risk to the contractor.
Contract duration is clearly defined, allowing for predictable budgeting.
Specialized nature of the contractor suggests expertise in the required services.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aviation support services. This niche often involves specialized aircraft, experienced personnel, and regulatory compliance. The market for adversary air support and similar specialized aviation services is competitive, with several firms offering these capabilities to government and commercial clients. The total addressable market for such services is significant, driven by the continuous need for realistic training scenarios.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside for this specific delivery order (ss: false, sb: false). However, the prime contractor, Airborne Tactical Advantage Co. LLC, may utilize small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, depending on their own procurement strategies and the nature of the services required. Analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to fully assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Navy. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and invoice verification are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Contracts
Air Force Adversary Air Services
Specialized Aviation Training Contracts
Department of Defense Aviation Support

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Cost Overrun Potential
Contractor Availability
Safety Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $37.2 million to AIRBORNE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE CO LLC. OPERATING COST - TYPE III AIRCRAFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AIRBORNE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE CO LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $37.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2025-03-31.

What is the track record of Airborne Tactical Advantage Co. LLC with the Department of Defense?

Airborne Tactical Advantage Co. LLC (ATAC) has a significant history of providing contracted adversary air support and other specialized aviation services to various branches of the U.S. military, including the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. They operate a fleet of modified aircraft designed to simulate enemy threats during training exercises. Their experience includes numerous contracts for realistic combat training, often involving complex flight operations and adherence to stringent safety protocols. Reviewing their past performance on similar contracts, including any reported issues or commendations, would provide further insight into their reliability and capability for this specific delivery order.

How does the $37.2 million award compare to similar contracts for adversary air support?

The $37.2 million award for a one-year period of operating cost for aircraft support services is within the expected range for specialized aviation support, particularly for adversary air simulation. Contracts for similar services can vary widely based on the number of aircraft, hours flown, complexity of the mission profile, and geographic location. For instance, larger, multi-year contracts for extensive adversary air support might run into hundreds of millions of dollars. However, for a single delivery order focused on specific support activities over 364 days, this amount suggests a focused scope of work. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar delivery orders or task orders under IDIQ contracts would offer a more precise comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of contract?

The primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price delivery order include performance risk for the contractor, ensuring they can deliver the required specialized aviation support services effectively and safely throughout the contract period. For the government, risks involve potential cost growth if the scope of work needs to be adjusted, although the fixed-price nature mitigates this. There's also a risk related to the availability of specialized aircraft and qualified personnel. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for critical training support could pose a risk if the contractor faces operational disruptions or if competition for future contracts diminishes.

How effective is contracted adversary air support in enhancing military readiness?

Contracted adversary air support is widely considered highly effective in enhancing military readiness by providing realistic, cost-efficient training scenarios that mimic potential adversaries. These services allow active-duty forces to train against a credible threat without expending their own operational aircraft and resources, which are often more expensive to deploy and maintain for training purposes. The use of specialized civilian contractors can offer flexibility and availability that might be difficult to achieve with organic assets alone. This allows pilots and units to hone their combat skills in a safe, controlled environment, improving their preparedness for real-world contingencies.

What has been the historical spending trend for similar aviation support services by the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense has consistently allocated significant funding towards contracted aviation support services, including adversary air, aerial refueling, and specialized mission support. Historical spending trends show a steady increase in the utilization of these services over the past two decades as military branches seek to optimize training budgets and enhance realism. This trend is driven by the recognition that outsourced specialized aviation capabilities can be more cost-effective than using organic assets for certain training requirements. Annual spending in this category often runs into billions of dollars across all services, reflecting its critical role in maintaining combat readiness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRANSPORTATION OF THINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N0042119R0011

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Textron Inc

Address: 1001 PROVIDENCE BLVD, NEWPORT NEWS, VA, 23602

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,200,000

Exercised Options: $37,200,000

Current Obligation: $37,200,000

Actual Outlays: $6,200,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0042121D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline