State Department Awards $12.5M for Super Huey Upgrade, Follow-on to Competed Action

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,548,488 ($12.5M)

Contractor: Dyncorp International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2006-06-06

End Date: 2010-03-01

Contract Duration: 1,364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.2K/day

Competition Type: FOLLOW ON TO COMPETED ACTION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SUPERHUEY UPGRADE FOR 4 AIRCRAFT

Place of Performance

Location: PATRICK AFB, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32925

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $12.5 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: SUPERHUEY UPGRADE FOR 4 AIRCRAFT Key points: 1. Significant investment in aircraft modernization for critical State Department operations. 2. Follow-on action suggests potential for ongoing relationship with DynCorp International. 3. Fixed-price contract aims to control costs for this specific delivery order. 4. Aircraft manufacturing sector sees continued government investment in specialized upgrades.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $12.5M award for four aircraft upgrades appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar complex aviation modifications would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This was a follow-on to a competed action, indicating that initial competition likely occurred. The current award method (delivery order) suggests a streamlined process for an existing contract, potentially impacting price discovery compared to a new full competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential aircraft upgrades, aiming for improved operational capability and longevity of existing assets.

Public Impact

Enhances operational capabilities for State Department aircraft, potentially supporting diplomatic missions or security operations. Investment in maintaining and upgrading aging aircraft fleets extends their service life and reduces the need for immediate new acquisitions. Supports the defense industrial base and specialized manufacturing jobs within the aircraft sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise during upgrade.
Dependence on a single contractor for follow-on work could limit future competitive pricing.

Positive Signals

Follow-on to a competed action suggests a competitive process was previously established.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for this specific delivery order.
Upgrade addresses critical operational needs for the Department of State.

Sector Analysis

The aircraft manufacturing sector is characterized by high R&D costs, long product cycles, and significant government procurement. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on aircraft type and upgrade complexity.

Small Business Impact

The prime contractor is DynCorp International LLC, a large business. There is no explicit information on small business participation in this specific delivery order, which warrants further investigation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve program management reviews, technical inspections, and financial audits by the Department of State to ensure contract compliance and successful delivery.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Manufacturing
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost growth if unforeseen technical issues arise.
Limited visibility into small business subcontracting.
Dependence on a single contractor for follow-on work.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided summary data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $12.5 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC. SUPERHUEY UPGRADE FOR 4 AIRCRAFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-06-06. End: 2010-03-01.

What specific performance improvements are expected from the Super Huey upgrade, and how will they be measured?

The upgrade likely focuses on enhancing avionics, engine performance, or structural integrity to improve safety, reliability, and operational range. Measurable outcomes could include reduced maintenance downtime, increased payload capacity, or extended flight hours between overhauls. Specific metrics should be detailed in the contract's statement of work and performance requirements.

What is the risk of cost escalation beyond the initial $12.5 million award, given this is a follow-on action?

While the firm fixed price offers some protection, risks include scope creep, unforeseen technical issues requiring additional work, or inflation impacting material costs if the delivery period is extended. The government's oversight and change order management processes are crucial to mitigating these risks and controlling costs.

How effectively does this upgrade contribute to the Department of State's overall mission objectives compared to alternative investments?

This upgrade directly supports the operational readiness and effectiveness of critical State Department assets, likely used for security, transport, or specialized missions abroad. Its effectiveness is tied to how well it enables the agency to fulfill its diplomatic and security mandates, potentially reducing risks and improving response times in challenging environments.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FOLLOW ON TO COMPETED ACTION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (UEI: 014784388)

Address: 13500 HERITAGE PKWY, FORT WORTH, TX, 76177

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,548,488

Exercised Options: $12,548,488

Current Obligation: $12,548,488

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMPD05C1103

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline