DoD Awards $5.9M Contract for Maritime Curriculum Revision and Courseware Maintenance to A. Harold and Associates LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,900,998 ($5.9M)

Contractor: A. Harold and Associates LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-02-01

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,368 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MARITIME CURRICULUM REVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF AIRLANT PILOT AND AIRCREW COURSEWARE

Place of Performance

Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32212

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.9 million to A. HAROLD AND ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: MARITIME CURRICULUM REVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF AIRLANT PILOT AND AIRCREW COURSEWARE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical aviation training for the Navy. 2. A. Harold and Associates LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risks include reliance on a single contractor for essential training materials. 4. The Engineering Services sector sees significant investment in specialized training.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.9 million for a period of approximately 4.5 years appears reasonable for specialized curriculum development and maintenance. Benchmarking against similar complex training development contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to broader competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential military training. The limited competition raises questions about whether the most cost-effective solution was secured.

Public Impact

Ensures continued readiness and proficiency for naval aviators and aircrew. Supports the modernization of training programs to reflect current maritime threats and technologies. Impacts the quality and effectiveness of pilot and aircrew instruction.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may reduce cost savings.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Sole awardee for critical courseware.

Positive Signals

Addresses a clear need for updated training materials.
Contract awarded to a firm with specific expertise.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on specialized curriculum development and maintenance for military aviation. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a skilled and ready defense force, with benchmarks varying widely based on complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the awardee is A. Harold and Associates LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost control, but ongoing monitoring of performance and deliverables is essential to ensure value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in higher costs.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical training materials.
Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.
Need for robust oversight to ensure quality and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.9 million to A. HAROLD AND ASSOCIATES LLC. MARITIME CURRICULUM REVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF AIRLANT PILOT AND AIRCREW COURSEWARE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is A. HAROLD AND ASSOCIATES 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 $5.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-01. End: 2026-10-31.

What specific factors led to the exclusion of other sources in this 'limited competition' scenario?

The exclusion of other sources suggests potential justifications such as unique capabilities, proprietary data, or specific past performance requirements that only A. Harold and Associates LLC could meet. A thorough review of the justification for other than full and open competition (JOFOC) documentation is necessary to understand the rationale and assess if it was appropriate.

How does the cost of this curriculum revision compare to industry standards for similar specialized training development?

Without specific details on the scope of revision and the complexity of the courseware, a direct cost comparison is difficult. However, the $5.9 million award over 4.5 years for specialized maritime aviation training suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking against contracts for similar high-fidelity simulation or advanced technical training development would be required for a robust assessment.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the long-term effectiveness and adaptability of the revised courseware?

The contract includes maintenance and revision, implying a process for updates. However, the effectiveness will depend on the Navy's ongoing requirements management, contractor responsiveness, and the clarity of performance metrics within the contract. Regular reviews and feedback loops from aircrews will be crucial for ensuring the courseware remains relevant and effective.

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: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7751 BELFORT PKWY STE 300, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32256

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,187,060

Exercised Options: $7,459,328

Current Obligation: $5,900,998

Actual Outlays: $853,410

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6134021D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline