Dod Awards $51.4M for F/A-18 Coms/Cis Task Order to CAE USA Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $51,454,437 ($51.5M)
Contractor: CAE USA Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2012-02-01
End Date: 2017-10-30
Contract Duration: 2,098 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 13
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: FTSS III F/A-18 COMS/CIS TASK ORDER AWARD
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, TARRANT County, TEXAS, 76011
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $51.5 million to CAE USA INC. for work described as: FTSS III F/A-18 COMS/CIS TASK ORDER AWARD Key points: 1. Contract awarded to CAE USA INC. for F/A-18 communication and computing systems. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract, providing cost certainty. 4. This award falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is $51.45 million over a period of approximately 5.7 years. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparable contract benchmarks for F/A-18 COMS/CIS systems, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the duration and scope suggest a moderate investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for the selection of the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure services at a reasonable price for critical defense systems.
Public Impact
Enhances communication and computing capabilities for the F/A-18 aircraft fleet. Supports ongoing maintenance and modernization efforts for a key military asset. Ensures operational readiness and effectiveness of naval aviation platforms.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics or outcome data.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial estimates.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical system support.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive award process.
- Long-term contract supports sustained operational capability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting aviation systems. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining military readiness and technological superiority. Benchmarks for similar F/A-18 support contracts would provide further context.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to CAE USA INC., a large business. There is no information provided on small business subcontracting participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, suggesting oversight. However, further details on performance monitoring, audits, and accountability mechanisms are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed technical scope.
- No specific performance metrics provided.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term contracts.
- Limited insight into contractor's small business subcontracting plan.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, tx, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $51.5 million to CAE USA INC.. FTSS III F/A-18 COMS/CIS TASK ORDER AWARD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CAE USA INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $51.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-02-01. End: 2017-10-30.
What specific F/A-18 communication and computing systems are covered under this task order, and how do they align with current and future operational requirements?
The task order focuses on Communication and Computing Systems (COMS/CIS) for the F/A-18 platform. While specific system details are not provided, these typically encompass internal and external communication radios, data links, mission computers, and associated software. The alignment with future requirements would depend on the specific upgrade paths and technological insertions planned for the F/A-18 fleet, which are not detailed in the award notice.
How does the per-unit cost or total cost of this contract compare to similar F/A-18 COMS/CIS support contracts awarded previously or to other platforms?
A direct comparison of per-unit costs is not possible as the data does not specify the number of units or the nature of the services provided on a per-unit basis. The total contract value of $51.45 million over nearly six years represents a significant investment. Benchmarking against historical F/A-18 sustainment contracts or similar avionics support for other aircraft would be necessary to assess cost-effectiveness.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics used to evaluate the contractor's performance and ensure the effectiveness of the COMS/CIS systems?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate CAE USA INC.'s performance. Effective oversight would typically involve tracking metrics such as system uptime, response times for technical support, successful software updates, and adherence to delivery schedules for any hardware or modifications. The absence of this information limits the assessment of performance effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N6134011R0018
Offers Received: 13
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 2200 ARLINGTON DOWNS RD, ARLINGTON, TX, 76011
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: $51,480,187
Exercised Options: $51,454,437
Current Obligation: $51,454,437
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-02-01
Current End Date: 2017-10-30
Potential End Date: 2017-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-01-27
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