DoD's $19.3M contract for Marine Corps training systems awarded to MILTRAIN JV LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,327,599 ($19.3M)

Contractor: Miltrain JV LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-12-09

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,787 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: US MARINE CORPS PILOT AND AIRCREW TRAINING PROGRAMS CURRICULUM REVISION AND MAINTENANCE ELECTRONIC CLASSROOMS (ECR), LEARNING RESOURCE CENTERS (LRC), NETWORK SYSTEMS, AND FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) IN SUPPORT OF USN/USMC TRAINING PROGRAMS.

Place of Performance

Location: NORTH LAS VEGAS, CLARK County, NEVADA, 89084

State: Nevada Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.3 million to MILTRAIN JV LLC for work described as: US MARINE CORPS PILOT AND AIRCREW TRAINING PROGRAMS CURRICULUM REVISION AND MAINTENANCE ELECTRONIC CLASSROOMS (ECR), LEARNING RESOURCE CENTERS (LRC), NETWORK SYSTEMS, AND FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) IN SUPPORT OF USN/USMC TRAINING PROGRAMS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical training infrastructure for USN/USMC pilots and aircrew. 2. Value-for-money assessment is pending further benchmarking against similar training system contracts. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate procurement strategy. 4. Risk indicators are moderate, with performance context hinging on successful curriculum revision and system maintenance. 5. Sector positioning is within Defense training and simulation, a specialized but vital area. 6. The contract's duration of nearly five years suggests a long-term need for these training capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $19.3 million over approximately five years appears moderate for complex training system development and maintenance. Benchmarking against similar contracts for electronic classrooms, learning resource centers, and network systems in defense training is necessary to fully assess value. Without specific per-unit cost data or detailed scope breakdowns, a definitive value-for-money judgment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests the government has defined the scope and is seeking cost certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on predefined criteria, potentially limiting the number of bidders. The exact reasons for exclusion are not detailed, but this approach can sometimes be used to ensure specialized capabilities are met. Further analysis would be needed to understand the implications of this exclusion on the level of competition and price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: This procurement approach, while aiming for competition, could potentially limit the number of viable bidders, which might impact the government's ability to secure the most competitive pricing. Taxpayers benefit when a wide range of qualified vendors can participate, fostering a more robust price negotiation environment.

Public Impact

US Navy and US Marine Corps pilots and aircrew will benefit from updated and maintained training curricula and systems. Services delivered include the revision and maintenance of electronic classrooms, learning resource centers, and network systems. The contract supports foreign military sales, indirectly benefiting allied nations by ensuring standardized training. Workforce implications include potential employment for personnel skilled in curriculum development, IT, and defense systems maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if curriculum revision requirements are not tightly managed.
Dependence on contractor's ability to maintain complex network systems and electronic classrooms.
Risk of outdated technology if maintenance and upgrade cycles are not aligned with evolving training needs.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained support and development of training capabilities.
Focus on critical pilot and aircrew training addresses a core defense requirement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on training and simulation technologies. The market for defense training systems is substantial, driven by the need for advanced and realistic training environments. Spending in this area often involves complex IT infrastructure, curriculum development, and specialized hardware. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other contracts for flight simulators, virtual training environments, and educational technology within military branches.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside objective for this specific award. This suggests that the prime contractor, MILTRAIN JV LLC, is likely a larger entity or a joint venture not specifically structured for small business set-asides. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist within the performance of this contract, but they are not explicitly mandated by the award type. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent to which the prime contractor engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to meet defined deliverables within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

USMC Aviation Training Systems
Naval Air Training Command Programs
Defense Training and Simulation Contracts
Military Electronic Classroom Development
Foreign Military Sales Training Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Need for clear scope definition to mitigate curriculum revision risks.
Importance of contractor's technical expertise in maintaining complex IT systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.3 million to MILTRAIN JV LLC. US MARINE CORPS PILOT AND AIRCREW TRAINING PROGRAMS CURRICULUM REVISION AND MAINTENANCE ELECTRONIC CLASSROOMS (ECR), LEARNING RESOURCE CENTERS (LRC), NETWORK SYSTEMS, AND FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) IN SUPPORT OF USN/USMC TRAINING PROGRAMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MILTRAIN JV 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 $19.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-12-09. End: 2026-10-31.

What is the track record of MILTRAIN JV LLC in delivering similar defense training systems?

Information regarding the specific track record of MILTRAIN JV LLC in delivering similar defense training systems is not detailed in the provided data. As a joint venture, its performance history may be a composite of its member companies or specific to projects undertaken under this entity. A thorough review would require examining past performance evaluations, contract completion records, and client feedback for MILTRAIN JV LLC and potentially its parent companies. Understanding their experience with electronic classrooms, learning resource centers, and network systems, particularly within military contexts, is crucial for assessing their capability to fulfill this contract effectively. Past performance is a key factor in determining a contractor's reliability and ability to meet complex technical and programmatic requirements.

How does the awarded value compare to the estimated cost or market rates for similar training system development and maintenance?

The provided data does not include the estimated cost or detailed market rate benchmarks for this specific contract. The awarded value of $19.3 million over approximately 1787 days (roughly 4.9 years) translates to an average annual value of about $3.9 million. To assess value for money, this figure needs to be compared against industry standards for developing and maintaining complex training curricula, electronic classrooms, learning resource centers, and associated network systems for military applications. Factors such as the level of customization, technological sophistication, and the scope of curriculum revision would influence market rates. Without access to detailed cost breakdowns or comparable contract data, a precise value comparison is difficult, but the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the government sought a defined cost for a defined scope.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around the successful execution of curriculum revision and the ongoing maintenance of complex training systems. A key risk is the potential for scope creep during curriculum updates, which could lead to cost overruns or schedule delays if not meticulously managed. Furthermore, the reliability and uptime of the electronic classrooms, learning resource centers, and network systems are critical; any degradation in performance could significantly impact pilot and aircrew training readiness. Technological obsolescence is another risk, as training systems must keep pace with evolving aviation technology and pedagogical methods. Ensuring the contractor possesses and maintains the necessary technical expertise and personnel throughout the contract's duration is also a performance risk.

How effective are electronic classrooms and learning resource centers in modern military pilot training?

Electronic classrooms (ECRs) and Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) are highly effective and integral components of modern military pilot training. They provide controlled environments for delivering standardized instruction, theoretical knowledge, and foundational skills before or in conjunction with simulator and flight training. ECRs often incorporate advanced multimedia, interactive simulations, and adaptive learning technologies to enhance engagement and knowledge retention. LRCs offer supplementary resources, self-paced learning modules, and practice environments, allowing trainees to reinforce concepts and develop proficiency at their own pace. The effectiveness is amplified when these systems are regularly updated with current curricula and maintained to ensure high availability and reliability, directly supporting the goal of producing proficient and mission-ready aviators.

What is the historical spending pattern for USMC pilot and aircrew training programs?

Historical spending patterns for USMC pilot and aircrew training programs are not detailed in the provided data. However, it is generally understood that such programs represent a significant and consistent investment within the Department of Defense budget due to the high cost of aviation platforms and the critical need for well-trained personnel. Spending typically encompasses flight hours, simulator time, curriculum development, instructor salaries, and the maintenance and upgrade of training infrastructure like ECRs and LRCs. Fluctuations in spending can be influenced by factors such as new aircraft procurements, changes in training doctrine, geopolitical demands, and budget appropriations. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in investment in simulation technology versus live training, and the overall lifecycle costs associated with maintaining training readiness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6134020R0082

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4108 FABULOUS FINCHES AVE, NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV, 89084

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,580,580

Exercised Options: $22,890,936

Current Obligation: $19,327,599

Actual Outlays: $8,719,050

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6134021D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline