DoD awards $17.18M for Windshield Panels to Williams Aerospace, highlighting potential cost concerns
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,182,016 ($17.2M)
Contractor: Williams Aerospace & Manufacturing Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-09-02
End Date: 2026-05-29
Contract Duration: 1,730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: WINDSHIELD PANEL
Place of Performance
Location: CAMARILLO, VENTURA County, CALIFORNIA, 93012
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.2 million to WILLIAMS AEROSPACE & MANUFACTURING INC for work described as: WINDSHIELD PANEL Key points: 1. The contract value of $17.18M for windshield panels is significant, requiring careful cost analysis. 2. Williams Aerospace & Manufacturing Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration of 1730 days (approx. 4.7 years) suggests a long-term need. 4. The 'Other Aircraft Parts' sector is critical for defense readiness, but efficiency is key.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The awarded amount of $17.18M for windshield panels appears high without clear benchmarks. Further analysis is needed to compare this pricing against similar contracts for aircraft components to determine if it represents fair value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Despite being awarded under 'Full and Open Competition', only one vendor, Williams Aerospace & Manufacturing Inc., was selected. This suggests potential limitations in the bidding process or a lack of broader market interest, which could impact price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The substantial contract value necessitates scrutiny to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that the price reflects competitive market rates.
Public Impact
Ensures continued availability of critical aircraft components for defense operations. Supports a specific manufacturing company, potentially impacting regional employment. The long-term nature of the contract provides stability for both the agency and the contractor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for overpayment due to limited demonstrated competition.
- Lack of transparency in the selection process despite 'full and open' designation.
- Long contract duration may not adapt to market price fluctuations.
Positive Signals
- Secures a necessary component for defense readiness.
- Establishes a relationship with a known supplier in the aerospace sector.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector, which is vital for maintaining military aviation capabilities. Spending benchmarks in this niche area are often proprietary, making direct comparisons challenging.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were solicited or had the opportunity to bid.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial to ensure the quality of parts and adherence to the contract terms, especially given the value and duration.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Logistics Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of clear competitive differentiation.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited visibility into vendor's cost structure.
- Dependency on a single supplier for critical components.
- Long-term commitment without clear performance benchmarks.
Tags
other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.2 million to WILLIAMS AEROSPACE & MANUFACTURING INC. WINDSHIELD PANEL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WILLIAMS AEROSPACE & MANUFACTURING INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-02. End: 2026-05-29.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract to a single vendor despite 'full and open competition'?
The justification for awarding to a single vendor under 'full and open competition' requires deeper investigation. It could stem from highly specialized manufacturing capabilities, unique technical requirements, or a failure of other potential bidders to meet stringent criteria. Understanding this will clarify if the competition was truly robust or if there were barriers to entry.
How does the unit cost of these windshield panels compare to industry standards or previous contracts?
Benchmarking the unit cost is critical for assessing value. Without specific unit cost data or comparable contract information, it's difficult to determine if $17.18M represents a fair price. Analysis should focus on obtaining or estimating a comparable unit cost based on material, labor, and overhead for similar defense-grade components.
What are the performance metrics and quality assurance measures in place for these windshield panels?
Effective oversight requires clear performance metrics and quality assurance. The contract should detail specifications for durability, fit, and material integrity. Regular inspections and adherence to stringent quality control processes by the Defense Logistics Agency are essential to ensure the panels meet military standards and taxpayer expectations.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1283 FLYNN RD, CAMARILLO, CA, 93012
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,182,016
Exercised Options: $17,182,016
Current Obligation: $17,182,016
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SPRHA417D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-02
Current End Date: 2026-05-29
Potential End Date: 2027-05-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-27
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