DoD Awards $34M for Rotary Wing Blade Parts to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,009,306 ($34.0M)

Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-12-18

End Date: 2025-05-02

Contract Duration: 1,596 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: NOUN: BLADE, ROTARY WING NSN: 1615-01-546-1148

Place of Performance

Location: STRATFORD, FAIRFIELD County, CONNECTICUT, 06614

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $34.0 million to SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION for work described as: NOUN: BLADE, ROTARY WING NSN: 1615-01-546-1148 Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized aircraft components. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about price discovery and competition. 3. Long contract duration (over 3 years) may impact price flexibility. 4. Focus on critical defense logistics highlights sector importance.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $34M for rotary wing blade parts appears high given the 'NOT COMPETED' status. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar contracts for specialized aviation components.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This method limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs for the government as there are no competing bids to drive down the price.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may be paying a premium for these parts, as competitive pressures that typically ensure lower prices are absent.

Public Impact

Ensures continued availability of critical helicopter components for military operations. Supports a key defense contractor, potentially impacting regional employment. Lack of competition raises concerns about long-term cost-effectiveness for taxpayers. Dependence on a single supplier could pose supply chain risks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Lack of competition
  • Long contract duration

Positive Signals

  • Ensures critical part availability
  • Supports established defense contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector, a niche but vital part of the defense industrial base. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining military readiness, but often involves specialized, high-cost components.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or awards made to small businesses under this contract. The prime contractor, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, is a large entity, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'NOT COMPETED' status warrants further oversight to ensure the pricing is justified and that future requirements are explored for competitive bidding. The Defense Logistics Agency is responsible for procurement, and accountability for sole-source awards is crucial.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Logistics Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award limits price competition.
  • Potential for overpayment without competitive bids.
  • Long contract duration may not reflect current market prices.
  • Lack of transparency in price justification.
  • Dependence on a single supplier for critical components.

Tags

other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, ct, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $34.0 million to SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION. NOUN: BLADE, ROTARY WING NSN: 1615-01-546-1148

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-12-18. End: 2025-05-02.

What is the justification for the sole-source award of this contract?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves factors such as unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or the absence of other responsible sources capable of meeting the government's needs. Without specific documentation, it's presumed that Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation possesses unique expertise or rights related to these rotary wing blade parts, necessitating a non-competitive procurement.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract for critical aircraft parts?

Sole-source contracts carry risks of inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure, potential for complacency from the supplier regarding quality or innovation, and vulnerability in the supply chain if the sole provider faces disruptions. For critical aircraft parts, these risks can impact operational readiness and increase long-term costs for the Department of Defense.

How does the firm fixed price contract type impact value for money in this sole-source scenario?

A firm fixed price (FFP) contract aims to provide price certainty. However, in a sole-source context, FFP shifts all cost risk to the contractor without the benefit of competitive benchmarking. While it caps the government's cost, it doesn't guarantee the price is the lowest achievable, potentially leading to a less favorable value for money outcome compared to a competed FFP contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingOther Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)

Address: 6900 MAIN ST, STRATFORD, CT, 06614

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,009,306

Exercised Options: $34,009,306

Current Obligation: $34,009,306

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 15

Total Subaward Amount: $12,577,289

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE4AX15D9423

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-12-18

Current End Date: 2025-05-02

Potential End Date: 2025-05-02 12:05:00

Last Modified: 2021-08-13

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