Navy Awards $80.7M for Physical Properties Testing Equipment, Boosting Defense Sector Spending
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,968,097 ($13.0M)
Contractor: Astronics Test Systems Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-09-15
End Date: 2009-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,688 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200412!001299!1700!A8050 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER, AIRCRA!N6833504C0254 !A!N! !N! ! !20040915!20071115!807617030!807617030!082413956!N!DME CORPORATION !12889 INGENUITY DRIVE !ORLANDO !FL!32826!53000!095!12!ORLANDO !ORANGE !FLORIDA !+000012548888!N!N!000013178238!6635!PHYSICAL PROPERTIES TESTING EQUIPMENT !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !334519!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!U!J!2!004!K! !A!N!Z! ! !N!A!N!N!D! ! ! !B!A!00 !A!B!N! ! ! !Y! ! !0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32801
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.0 million to ASTRONICS TEST SYSTEMS INC for work described as: 200412!001299!1700!A8050 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER, AIRCRA!N6833504C0254 !A!N! !N! ! !20040915!20071115!807617030!807617030!082413956!N!DME CORPORATION !12889 INGENUITY DRIVE !ORLANDO !FL!32826!53000!095!12!ORLANDO !ORAN… Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to DME CORPORATION for specialized testing equipment. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a structured procurement process. 3. The contract falls under the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector, crucial for defense readiness. 4. Potential for increased demand in related defense manufacturing and testing services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $80,761,703 is substantial for specialized testing equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for physical properties testing equipment is difficult without more specific data, but the duration and scope suggest a fair market price was likely negotiated.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This suggests that while multiple sources were considered, some were excluded early in the process. The price discovery mechanism is likely robust given the competitive nature.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding critical defense infrastructure and equipment necessary for military operations and research, ensuring technological superiority.
Public Impact
Enhances the Navy's capability to test and validate physical properties of materials and components. Supports the broader defense industrial base by providing essential testing equipment. Contributes to national security by ensuring the reliability and performance of military hardware. Potential for follow-on contracts or upgrades as technology evolves.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for sole-source follow-on contracts if specialized knowledge is required.
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical testing equipment maintenance and support.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring fair pricing.
- Supports a key sector of the defense industry.
- Long contract duration suggests a stable and predictable need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector, which is a niche but vital part of the defense industrial base. Spending in this sector is often driven by specific military requirements and technological advancements.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The primary awardee, DME CORPORATION, is not identified as a small business in this record. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Naval Air Warfare Center, part of the Department of the Navy. Standard oversight mechanisms for defense contracts would apply, including performance monitoring and financial audits to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition in future procurements due to specialized nature.
- Risk of cost overruns if unforeseen testing requirements emerge.
- Dependency on contractor's technical expertise for maintenance and calibration.
- Long-term sustainment costs for specialized equipment.
Tags
other-measuring-and-controlling-device-m, department-of-defense, fl, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.0 million to ASTRONICS TEST SYSTEMS INC. 200412!001299!1700!A8050 !NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER, AIRCRA!N6833504C0254 !A!N! !N! ! !20040915!20071115!807617030!807617030!082413956!N!DME CORPORATION !12889 INGENUITY DRIVE !ORLANDO !FL!32826!53000!095!12!ORLANDO !ORANGE !FLORIDA !+000012548888!N!N!000013178238!6635!PHYSICAL PROPERTIES TESTING EQUIPMENT !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !* !334519!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASTRONICS TEST SYSTEMS INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-09-15. End: 2009-04-30.
What specific types of physical properties testing are covered by this equipment, and how critical are they to current naval aviation programs?
The contract specifies 'PHYSICAL PROPERTIES TESTING EQUIPMENT' (NAICS 334519). This broadly covers devices used to measure characteristics like tensile strength, hardness, elasticity, and thermal properties. For naval aviation, such testing is critical for ensuring the integrity and performance of aircraft components under extreme conditions, directly impacting safety and operational readiness.
What is the risk of technological obsolescence for this testing equipment over the contract's lifespan and beyond?
Given the contract end date of 2009, there's a moderate risk of technological obsolescence, especially if the equipment is highly specialized. However, fundamental physical properties testing principles remain consistent. The Navy likely factored in upgrade paths or planned for replacement cycles, mitigating the risk of complete obsolescence impacting critical testing needs.
How effectively does this contract contribute to the Navy's overall readiness and technological advantage?
This contract directly contributes to the Navy's readiness by ensuring that materials and components used in naval aircraft meet stringent performance and safety standards. Reliable testing equipment is fundamental to quality assurance and innovation, underpinning the technological advantage required for maintaining air superiority in demanding operational environments.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: ALTERNATIVE SOURCES
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED (NO)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Astronics Corporation (UEI: 049829302)
Address: 12889 INGENUITY DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-09-15
Current End Date: 2009-04-30
Potential End Date: 2009-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-04-02
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