Compendium Federal Technology awarded $18.9M for aircraft technical documentation, with 3 bidders in full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,900,202 ($18.9M)
Contractor: Compendium Federal Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-07-15
End Date: 2026-07-14
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: ASSESS, IMPLEMENT AND PRODUCE SPECIAL MISSIONS AIRCRAFT TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR) (PMA-290E) PROGRAM OFFICE, OTHER NAVAIR PROGRAM OFFICES TO INCLUDE FMS, AND THE U.S. AIR FORCE (USAF).
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON PARK, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20653
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.9 million to COMPENDIUM FEDERAL TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: ASSESS, IMPLEMENT AND PRODUCE SPECIAL MISSIONS AIRCRAFT TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR) (PMA-290E) PROGRAM OFFICE, OTHER NAVAIR PROGRAM OFFICES TO INCLUDE FMS, AND THE U.S. AIR FORCE (USAF). Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of aircraft technical documentation and the competitive bidding process. 2. Competition dynamics show a healthy level of interest with three bidders, suggesting a reasonably competitive market for these services. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, stemming from the complexity of technical documentation and potential for scope creep in specialized aircraft programs. 4. Performance context is tied to supporting critical Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and U.S. Air Force (USAF) missions. 5. Sector positioning is within the defense engineering services market, a segment characterized by high technical barriers to entry and long-term contracts.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $18.9 million over five years for specialized technical documentation services seems within a reasonable range for defense contracts of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for aircraft technical data packages or engineering support services would provide a more precise assessment, but the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure suggests that costs are monitored, with a fixed fee incentivizing efficiency. The number of bidders (3) indicates some level of competition, which typically helps in achieving fair pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with three bids received. This indicates that the solicitation was broadly advertised, allowing any qualified vendor to participate. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a degree of market competition, which generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to compete, driving down costs and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing for essential technical documentation services.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the U.S. Air Force (USAF), who will receive critical technical documentation for their aircraft. Services delivered include the assessment, implementation, and production of specialized technical documentation, crucial for aircraft maintenance, operation, and upgrades. The geographic impact is primarily within the defense sector, supporting national security objectives and military readiness. Workforce implications include the need for skilled technical writers, engineers, and documentation specialists within Compendium Federal Technology, LLC.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract if not closely managed.
- Ensuring the accuracy and completeness of highly technical aircraft documentation is critical and complex.
- Dependence on key personnel within the contractor's organization for specialized knowledge.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
- Contract duration of five years suggests a stable, long-term need for these services.
- Contractor has a clear objective to provide essential technical documentation for critical defense platforms.
Sector Analysis
The defense engineering services sector is characterized by high technical expertise, stringent quality requirements, and long procurement cycles. Contracts often involve complex systems and require specialized knowledge of military platforms. Spending in this sector is substantial, driven by the need for ongoing support, modernization, and development of military hardware. Compendium Federal Technology, LLC operates within this niche, providing essential support functions that enable the effective operation and maintenance of advanced aircraft.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates no explicit subcontracting requirements were mentioned. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless Compendium Federal Technology, LLC voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors. The focus appears to be on a prime contractor with the necessary capabilities to fulfill the specialized requirements.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) program office (PMA-290E) and potentially the U.S. Air Force. Accountability measures are embedded within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure, which includes monitoring of costs and performance against the fixed fee. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements, though specific details of internal oversight mechanisms are not provided in the summary data.
Related Government Programs
- Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Technical Data Packages
- Air Force Technical Order Management
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Defense Contractor Support Services
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
- Complexity of aircraft technical documentation necessitates robust quality control measures.
- Potential for contractor performance issues impacting critical defense operations.
Tags
defense, engineering-services, navair, technical-documentation, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, medium-value, maryland, department-of-the-navy, aircraft
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.9 million to COMPENDIUM FEDERAL TECHNOLOGY, LLC. ASSESS, IMPLEMENT AND PRODUCE SPECIAL MISSIONS AIRCRAFT TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION FOR NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND (NAVAIR) (PMA-290E) PROGRAM OFFICE, OTHER NAVAIR PROGRAM OFFICES TO INCLUDE FMS, AND THE U.S. AIR FORCE (USAF).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COMPENDIUM FEDERAL TECHNOLOGY, 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 $18.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-07-15. End: 2026-07-14.
What is the track record of Compendium Federal Technology, LLC in delivering similar technical documentation services for defense clients?
Information regarding Compendium Federal Technology, LLC's specific track record in delivering technical documentation services for defense clients is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and client testimonials. However, the award of this contract by the Department of the Navy suggests that the agency has assessed the contractor's capabilities and found them sufficient for the task. Further investigation into their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving aircraft technical documentation for NAVAIR or other military branches, would be necessary to fully evaluate their reliability and expertise in this specialized area.
How does the awarded amount of $18.9 million compare to similar contracts for aircraft technical documentation?
The awarded amount of $18.9 million over a 5-year period (approximately $3.78 million per year) for specialized aircraft technical documentation services appears to be within a reasonable range for the defense sector. However, a precise comparison requires access to a database of similar contracts, considering factors like the specific aircraft type, complexity of documentation required (e.g., maintenance manuals, engineering drawings, flight manuals), and the scope of services (assessment, implementation, production). Contracts for highly specialized technical data packages for complex military aircraft can range significantly. The fact that this was a full and open competition with three bidders suggests the pricing was deemed competitive by the procuring agency.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around the complexity and critical nature of aircraft technical documentation. These include the risk of inaccurate or incomplete documentation, which could impact aircraft safety and maintenance; potential for scope creep, leading to cost overruns, especially given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure; and reliance on specialized contractor expertise. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous quality assurance processes by NAVAIR, detailed contract requirements, performance monitoring, and potentially milestone-based payments tied to deliverables. The CPFF structure itself aims to manage risk by capping the contractor's fee while allowing for cost reimbursement, incentivizing efficiency.
How effective is the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type in ensuring value for money for this type of service?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used for research and development or complex services where the scope is not precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation is encouraged. For technical documentation, it allows flexibility as requirements evolve. Value for money is pursued by reimbursing allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee, which incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their profit margin (the fixed fee remains constant). However, effective oversight is crucial to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. If oversight is weak, there's a risk of inflated costs. The competitive bidding process helps establish a reasonable baseline fee.
What is the historical spending trend for aircraft technical documentation services by NAVAIR or similar agencies?
Historical spending trends for aircraft technical documentation services by NAVAIR and similar defense agencies are generally substantial and consistent, reflecting the continuous need to maintain and update documentation for a vast fleet of aircraft. While specific aggregate data for this niche is not provided, the defense sector consistently allocates significant budgets towards engineering services, technical support, and data management. Contracts for technical documentation are often long-term due to the lifecycle of aircraft programs. Spending can fluctuate based on new aircraft procurements, major upgrade programs, or shifts in maintenance philosophies (e.g., towards digital technical orders).
What are the implications of this contract being awarded to Compendium Federal Technology, LLC for the broader defense technical documentation market?
The award of this contract to Compendium Federal Technology, LLC signifies their capability and competitiveness within the defense technical documentation market. It potentially strengthens their position and reputation, making them a more attractive option for future contracts. For the broader market, it indicates a continued demand for specialized technical documentation services, particularly for complex military aircraft. The presence of three bidders suggests a market with multiple capable players, fostering competition. However, if Compendium Federal Technology, LLC has unique expertise or a strong existing relationship with NAVAIR, it could create a competitive advantage for them in future pursuits within this specific program office or agency.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: N6523621R3014
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 22289 EXPLORATION DR STE 300, LEXINGTON PARK, MD, 20653
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,053,639
Exercised Options: $20,839,121
Current Obligation: $18,900,202
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0017819D7383
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-07-15
Current End Date: 2026-07-14
Potential End Date: 2026-07-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-20
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