DoD's $6.46M planned maintenance contract for aircraft awarded to Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Limited

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,456,500 ($6.5M)

Contractor: Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Limited

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-11-14

End Date: 2026-04-18

Contract Duration: 155 days

Daily Burn Rate: $41.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: DEPOT WORK REQUEST PLANNED MAINTENANCE INTERVAL (PMI) - BUNO 170000

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.5 million to MARSHALL OF CAMBRIDGE AEROSPACE LIMITED for work described as: DEPOT WORK REQUEST PLANNED MAINTENANCE INTERVAL (PMI) - BUNO 170000 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized aerospace maintenance. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Contract duration of 155 days is typical for planned maintenance. 5. This contract supports critical aviation readiness for the Navy. 6. No small business set-aside indicates a focus on specialized capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.46 million for planned maintenance intervals (PMI) on aircraft appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized aerospace services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for depot-level maintenance of military aircraft would provide a more precise assessment, but the fixed-price nature of the award suggests a degree of cost certainty. The specific nature of PMI often requires highly skilled labor and specialized facilities, justifying the expenditure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The number of bidders is not specified, but the process itself suggests a robust market for these services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it is expected to drive down prices through market forces and ensure the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Department of the Navy benefits from enhanced aircraft readiness and operational capability. Services include planned maintenance intervals, crucial for extending aircraft lifespan and ensuring safety. The contract supports the operational readiness of naval aviation assets. Workforce implications include the utilization of skilled aerospace technicians and engineers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition if specialized skills are scarce.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical maintenance could pose future supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Award to an established aerospace company suggests technical proficiency.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition indicates a healthy market for these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically supporting aviation maintenance. The market for military aircraft depot maintenance is characterized by specialized capabilities and stringent quality requirements. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain aging fleets and ensure operational readiness. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale maintenance contracts for similar aircraft types across military branches.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions, suggesting that the primary focus was on securing the most capable and competitive offerors, regardless of size. This implies that the prime contractor, Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Limited, is likely a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, but large aerospace maintenance contracts often involve a complex supply chain where small businesses may participate as subcontractors for specific components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to meet performance standards within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, although specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Aircraft Maintenance Contracts
Navy Aviation Readiness Programs
Aerospace Depot Services Contracts
Planned Maintenance Interval Services

Risk Flags

Potential for sole-source if competition is unexpectedly limited.
Risk of schedule delays impacting operational readiness.
Quality control concerns in specialized maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.5 million to MARSHALL OF CAMBRIDGE AEROSPACE LIMITED. DEPOT WORK REQUEST PLANNED MAINTENANCE INTERVAL (PMI) - BUNO 170000

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARSHALL OF CAMBRIDGE AEROSPACE LIMITED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-14. End: 2026-04-18.

What is the track record of Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Limited with the Department of Defense?

Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace Limited has a history of providing aerospace services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul, to various military and civil aviation clients. Their experience with defense contracts would need to be reviewed in detail, looking at past performance on similar scope and value contracts. A thorough review would involve examining past performance evaluations, any contract disputes or terminations, and their overall reputation within the defense aerospace industry. This specific contract's award suggests they met the DoD's criteria for technical capability and past performance.

How does the $6.46 million contract value compare to similar planned maintenance contracts for naval aircraft?

Without access to a comprehensive database of all naval aircraft maintenance contracts, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $6.46 million for a 155-day planned maintenance interval (PMI) on military aircraft is generally considered a significant but not extraordinary sum. The complexity of the aircraft, the specific maintenance tasks required (e.g., engine overhaul, structural repairs, avionics upgrades), and the labor rates all influence the total cost. Contracts for major depot-level maintenance can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on these factors. This contract appears to be for a substantial maintenance event.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of fixed-price contract for aircraft maintenance?

The primary risk with a firm-fixed-price contract for complex aircraft maintenance lies in the potential for unforeseen technical issues or scope creep that could lead to the contractor incurring losses if they cannot manage costs effectively. While the fixed price protects the government from cost overruns, a contractor facing significant unexpected challenges might cut corners on quality or seek contract modifications, leading to disputes. Another risk is ensuring the contractor possesses the specialized skills and facilities required, as a lack of capability could delay the maintenance and impact readiness.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy in ensuring value for money in specialized aerospace maintenance?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective strategy for ensuring value for money, especially in specialized fields like aerospace maintenance where multiple capable providers may exist. It allows the government to solicit bids from a wide range of potential contractors, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. The success of this strategy hinges on the clarity of the solicitation requirements and the government's ability to evaluate technical proposals and past performance effectively alongside price. If the market is truly robust, this approach maximizes the chances of securing high-quality services at a competitive price.

What is the historical spending trend for aircraft maintenance within the Department of the Navy?

Historical spending on aircraft maintenance within the Department of the Navy is substantial and fluctuates based on fleet size, aircraft age, modernization programs, and operational tempo. The Navy operates a large and diverse inventory of aircraft, requiring continuous maintenance, repair, and overhaul to ensure readiness. Spending typically includes depot-level maintenance, component repair, modifications, and sustainment services. Over the years, the Navy has allocated billions of dollars annually to aviation maintenance, reflecting the high cost of sustaining complex military aviation assets. Trends may show shifts towards longer-term sustainment contracts or increased focus on specific maintenance types due to budget priorities or fleet readiness needs.

Are there any specific performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with this contract that are publicly available?

Specific performance metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for individual contracts like this one are typically not made public. These details are usually outlined in the contract's statement of work and are used by the government's contracting officer's representative (COR) to monitor the contractor's performance. Common KPIs in aerospace maintenance might include on-time delivery, adherence to technical specifications, quality of workmanship, and cost control. While the contract award itself is public, the granular performance data is generally considered internal government-contractor information.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Marshall of Cambridge (holdings) Limited

Address: AIRPORT HOUSE, CAMBRIDGE

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, International Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,456,500

Exercised Options: $6,456,500

Current Obligation: $6,456,500

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6264920D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline