NASA's $131.8M aircraft maintenance contract awarded to Amentum Services, Inc. shows a 2439-day duration
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $131,788,235 ($131.8M)
Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-04-24
End Date: 2018-12-28
Contract Duration: 2,439 days
Daily Burn Rate: $54.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AMOS CONTRACT, SOL NNJ11061911R
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77034
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $131.8 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AMOS CONTRACT, SOL NNJ11061911R Key points: 1. The contract's value of $131.8 million over its duration suggests a significant investment in maintaining critical aviation assets. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, the contract's structure implies a competitive bidding process aimed at achieving fair market value. 3. The fixed-price award fee contract type indicates a baseline cost with incentives for performance, balancing cost control with quality assurance. 4. The contract's duration of 2439 days (approximately 6.7 years) suggests a long-term need for these specialized support services. 5. The primary agency and servicing agency are both NASA, indicating a centralized need for these services within the agency. 6. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, suggesting it may be part of a larger indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle, though this is not explicitly stated.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award value of $131.8 million over nearly 7 years averages to approximately $19.7 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale aviation maintenance contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the fixed-price award fee structure suggests an effort to control costs while incentivizing performance, which is a positive indicator of value-for-money considerations. The competition level also supports the likelihood of a reasonably priced award.
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 a bid. This typically involves a robust solicitation process designed to maximize the pool of potential offerors. While the number of bidders is not specified, full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which is expected to drive down prices and improve the quality of services offered.
Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, full and open competition is generally favorable as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at a competitive price, preventing potential overspending that can occur with less competitive procurement methods.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA personnel and operations that rely on the availability and readiness of aircraft for various missions, potentially including research, transport, or testing. The services delivered likely encompass a wide range of aircraft maintenance, repair, and operational support, ensuring the airworthiness and functionality of NASA's aviation fleet. The geographic impact is centered around NASA facilities where the aircraft are based and maintained, primarily indicated by the awardee's state of Texas (ST: TX, SN: TEXAS). Workforce implications include the creation or sustainment of skilled jobs in aviation maintenance, mechanics, technicians, and support staff, both directly with the contractor and potentially indirectly through subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical maintenance could pose risks if the contractor experiences financial or operational difficulties.
- The fixed-price award fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure performance incentives are effectively driving desired outcomes without excessive cost overruns.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
- The fixed-price award fee structure aims to balance cost control with performance incentives.
- The contract's duration indicates a stable, long-term need, potentially allowing for specialized expertise development by the contractor.
Sector Analysis
The aerospace and defense sector, particularly the segment focused on aviation support services, is characterized by high technical requirements and stringent safety regulations. Contracts like this are crucial for government agencies operating aviation assets, ensuring operational readiness and safety. The market size for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services is substantial, with government contracts forming a significant portion. This contract fits within the broader category of specialized support services essential for maintaining complex government fleets.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (SS: false, SB: false). As a large-value contract awarded under full and open competition, there is potential for significant subcontracting opportunities. However, without specific subcontracting plans or goals detailed in the award, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. Large prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized services, but this is not guaranteed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within NASA responsible for aviation services. Performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and financial reviews are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Aircraft Operations Support
- Federal Aviation Maintenance Contracts
- Defense Aviation Logistics Support
- Government Fleet Maintenance Services
- Aerospace Engineering and Technical Services
Risk Flags
- Long-term contract duration may increase risk of cost overruns due to inflation or unforeseen issues.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical services poses a risk if the contractor fails to perform or faces financial difficulties.
- Performance metrics for award fee need to be clearly defined and rigorously evaluated to ensure value for money.
Tags
nasa, aircraft-maintenance, aviation-support, amentum-services-inc, fixed-price-award-fee, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, texas, long-term-contract, operational-support, federal-contract, aerospace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $131.8 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AMOS CONTRACT, SOL NNJ11061911R
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $131.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-04-24. End: 2018-12-28.
What is the track record of Amentum Services, Inc. in performing similar large-scale aviation maintenance contracts for government agencies?
Amentum Services, Inc. has a significant history of performing complex support services for government agencies, including extensive work in aviation maintenance, logistics, and base operations. Their portfolio often includes contracts with the Department of Defense and other federal entities requiring similar technical expertise and operational scale. While specific details on past NASA aviation contracts would require deeper research into their award history, their general experience suggests a capability to handle large, critical support functions. Evaluating their past performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, quality of service, and cost control on comparable contracts, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and effectiveness in this domain.
How does the average annual cost of this contract compare to similar NASA or DoD aviation maintenance contracts?
The average annual cost of this contract is approximately $19.7 million ($131.8M / 6.7 years). Benchmarking this figure requires detailed comparison with contracts for similar aircraft types, fleet sizes, and service scopes (e.g., depot-level maintenance vs. line maintenance, specialized research aircraft vs. standard transport). Contracts for large military aircraft fleets or specialized NASA research aircraft can vary widely. Generally, large-scale aviation maintenance contracts for government entities can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on complexity. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively state if $19.7M/year is high or low, but it falls within a plausible range for significant aviation support operations.
What are the primary risks associated with a contract of this duration and value?
Key risks include potential cost escalation if the fixed-price component doesn't adequately account for inflation or unforeseen technical challenges over the 6.7-year period. There's also the risk of technological obsolescence in maintenance techniques or equipment if the contractor doesn't proactively invest in modernization. Contractor performance degradation over time is another concern, necessitating robust oversight and performance management. Furthermore, dependence on a single provider for critical services creates a vulnerability; if Amentum faces financial instability, labor disputes, or major operational disruptions, NASA's aviation capabilities could be significantly impacted. Ensuring clear contract clauses for termination, transition, and performance standards is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effective is the 'Fixed Price Award Fee' contract type in ensuring program effectiveness and value for money in aviation maintenance?
The Fixed Price Award Fee (FPAF) contract type aims to balance cost certainty with performance incentives. The 'Fixed Price' component establishes a baseline cost ceiling, encouraging the contractor to manage expenses efficiently. The 'Award Fee' component provides additional payment based on the government's subjective assessment of the contractor's performance against predefined criteria. This structure can be effective in driving high-quality service delivery and achieving specific program goals, such as aircraft availability rates or turnaround times, which are critical for aviation maintenance. However, the effectiveness hinges on the clarity and measurability of the award fee criteria and the rigor of the government's evaluation process. If criteria are vague or evaluations are inconsistent, the incentive may be diluted, potentially impacting program effectiveness and value realization.
What is the historical spending pattern for NASA aircraft maintenance and operational support, and how does this contract fit within it?
Historical spending on NASA aircraft maintenance and operational support varies based on agency priorities, fleet size, and specific mission requirements. NASA utilizes aircraft for various purposes, including aeronautical research, atmospheric studies, and personnel/equipment transport. Analyzing past contract awards for similar services would reveal trends in spending levels, contract durations, and dominant service providers. This $131.8 million contract, spanning nearly seven years, represents a substantial, long-term commitment. It suggests a consistent and significant need for these services, potentially indicating a stable or growing requirement within NASA's operational framework. Without access to NASA's complete historical procurement data for this category, a precise fit analysis is difficult, but the contract's scale implies it addresses a core, ongoing operational necessity.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE (M)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC
Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $144,755,166
Exercised Options: $144,755,166
Current Obligation: $131,788,235
Actual Outlays: $147,154
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNJ12JC05C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-04-24
Current End Date: 2018-12-28
Potential End Date: 2018-12-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-16
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