Navy's $22.8M contract for SH-60F aircraft return to flight services awarded to Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,855,581 ($22.9M)

Contractor: Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-09-26

End Date: 2021-09-26

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS STATEMENT OFWORK (SOW) DEFINES THE NON-RECURRING AND RECURRING EFFORTS REQUIRED FOR THE RETURN TO FLIGHT OF FIVE SH-60F AIRCRAFT (BUREAU NUMBERS (BUNOS) TO BE DETERMINED AFTER INSPECTION) FOR THE UNITED STATES NAVY (USN) FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) CASE IS-P-SCG. DURING THIS EFFORT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL INSPECT EIGHT SH-60F AIRCRAFT AND PROVIDE A RECOMMENDATION FOR THE SELECTION OF THE FIVE AIRCRAFT TO BE RETURNED TO FLIGHT. THE REMAINING THREE AIRCRAFT WILL BE STORED UNDER THIS DO IN A NON-FLYABLE CONDITION. AFTER THE SELECTION OF THE FIVE SH-60F AIRCRAFT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL: PROVIDE AN INTEGRATED MASTER SCHEDULE (IMS); PERFORM PLANNED MAINTENANCE INTERVAL (PMI) AND PHASE MAINTENANCE; PERFORM REMOVAL AND INDUCTION OF LISTED PARTS FOR INDUCTION INTO THE REPAIR AND RETURN CYCLE; STRIP, PRIME AND PAINT; APPLY OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL DIRECTIVES (TDS); ENSURE ALL REQUIRED SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE MESSAGES HAVE BEEN COMPLIED WITH; CONDUCT APPLICABLE MODIFICATIONS; CONDUCT MAINTENANCE AND ACCEPTANCE FLIGHTS, AIRCRAFT STORAGE AND DELIVERY OF FIVE SH-60F AIRCRAFT IN FLYABLE CONDITION AND STORAGE AND DELIVERY OF THREE AIRCRAFT IN NON-FLYABLE CONDITION. THE FINAL CONFIGURATION OF THE FIVE FLYABLE AIRCRAFT SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FINAL FLIGHT CLEARANCE AS LISTED IN THE NAVAL AIR TRAINING AND OPERATIONS STANDARDIZATION (NATOPS), PER PARAGRAPH 3.1 OF THIS SOW (CURRENT REVISION), AND ANY OUTSTANDING GOVERNMENT TDS.

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35824

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $22.9 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: THIS STATEMENT OFWORK (SOW) DEFINES THE NON-RECURRING AND RECURRING EFFORTS REQUIRED FOR THE RETURN TO FLIGHT OF FIVE SH-60F AIRCRAFT (BUREAU NUMBERS (BUNOS) TO BE DETERMINED AFTER INSPECTION) FOR THE UNITED STATES NAVY (USN) FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) CASE IS-P-SCG. DURING THI… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on returning five SH-60F aircraft to flight status for the Navy's Foreign Military Sales program. 2. Includes inspection of eight aircraft, selection of five for return to flight, and storage of three. 3. Efforts involve integrated master scheduling, planned maintenance, and parts induction for repair. 4. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 5. The contract duration is 1096 days, spanning from September 2018 to September 2021. 6. The primary service is aircraft manufacturing, specifically for helicopters. 7. The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order, providing cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.8 million for the return to flight of five SH-60F aircraft appears reasonable given the scope of work. This includes inspection, maintenance, repair, and parts induction. Benchmarking against similar aircraft refurbishment contracts is challenging without more specific details on the extent of repairs and upgrades required. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor has assessed the risks and costs associated with the project.

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 the competition was intended to be open, specific sources may have been excluded based on pre-defined criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process aimed at achieving fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: This competitive award process is beneficial for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value by encouraging multiple vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

Foreign military sales partners will benefit from the enhanced operational readiness of SH-60F aircraft. The services delivered include aircraft inspection, maintenance, repair, and return to flight capabilities. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where the maintenance and refurbishment will occur. The contract supports the aerospace and defense manufacturing workforce, particularly in aircraft maintenance and repair.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if unforeseen issues arise during aircraft inspection and repair.
Reliance on specific parts availability for induction into the repair cycle could impact timelines.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type warrants further investigation into the rationale.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost control and predictability for the government.
The contract duration of nearly three years allows for thorough execution of complex maintenance tasks.
Award to a single contractor for a defined scope of work can lead to efficient project management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on helicopter maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). The global aerospace MRO market is substantial, driven by the need to maintain aging fleets and support military aviation readiness. This contract represents a specific instance of government spending within this sector, aimed at extending the service life of critical military assets for foreign partners.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific contract, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) field is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award appears limited.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Army, which is listed as the servicing agency. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program
Naval Aviation Maintenance and Repair
Helicopter Fleet Sustainment
Aircraft Component Repair and Overhaul

Risk Flags

Potential for extended timelines due to parts availability.
Risk of unforeseen maintenance requirements impacting budget.
Clarity needed on the rationale for 'exclusion of sources' in competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $22.9 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. THIS STATEMENT OFWORK (SOW) DEFINES THE NON-RECURRING AND RECURRING EFFORTS REQUIRED FOR THE RETURN TO FLIGHT OF FIVE SH-60F AIRCRAFT (BUREAU NUMBERS (BUNOS) TO BE DETERMINED AFTER INSPECTION) FOR THE UNITED STATES NAVY (USN) FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) CASE IS-P-SCG. DURING THIS EFFORT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL INSPECT EIGHT SH-60F AIRCRAFT AND PROVIDE A RECOMMENDATION FOR THE SELECTION OF THE FIVE AIRCRAFT TO BE RETURNED TO FLIGHT. THE REMAINING THREE AIRCRAFT WILL BE STORED UNDER THIS DO IN A NON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-26. End: 2021-09-26.

What is the track record of Science and Engineering Services, LLC in performing similar aircraft return-to-flight or major overhaul contracts for the Department of Defense?

Information regarding the specific track record of Science and Engineering Services, LLC for similar aircraft return-to-flight or major overhaul contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on contracts of comparable scope, complexity, and value. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any contract disputes or terminations, and their demonstrated ability to meet schedule and quality requirements on previous aviation maintenance and refurbishment projects. Without this historical data, it is difficult to definitively assess their suitability and past success in this specialized area.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar efforts to return SH-60F aircraft to flight status or conduct major overhauls?

Direct cost comparison for returning SH-60F aircraft to flight status is challenging without access to detailed historical data on similar contracts or specific repair requirements. The $22.8 million contract value covers inspection, selection, maintenance, and parts induction for five aircraft. Factors influencing cost include the age and condition of the specific airframes, the extent of required repairs, the cost of replacement parts, and labor rates. Benchmarking would ideally involve analyzing the cost per aircraft for similar refurbishment programs, considering the specific maintenance intervals (PMI) and parts replaced. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests the contractor has factored in these variables.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential unforeseen damage or wear discovered during aircraft inspection, leading to increased costs or schedule delays. The availability and lead time for specific parts required for induction into the repair cycle also pose a risk. Furthermore, the complexity of returning older aircraft to flight status can introduce technical challenges. Mitigation strategies likely involve thorough initial inspections, robust project management with integrated master scheduling, contingency planning for parts procurement, and the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and risks effectively.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring value for taxpayers in this context?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific requirements. While 'full and open' suggests an intention to solicit from a wide range of potential offerors, the 'exclusion of sources' implies that certain entities were deemed ineligible beforehand, possibly due to specialized capabilities, security clearances, or prior performance issues. This can be effective if the exclusions are justified and based on objective criteria, ensuring that only qualified contractors compete, thereby potentially leading to better technical solutions and fair pricing. However, if the exclusions are too restrictive, it could limit competition and potentially increase costs for taxpayers.

What is the historical spending pattern for SH-60F aircraft maintenance and return-to-flight services by the US Navy?

Historical spending patterns for SH-60F aircraft maintenance and return-to-flight services by the US Navy are not detailed in the provided data. To analyze this, one would need to access historical contract databases and procurement records for the SH-60F fleet. This would involve identifying previous contracts for similar services, their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Understanding these patterns would help contextualize the current $22.8 million contract, revealing trends in cost, frequency of major maintenance, and the evolution of service providers over time. Such analysis is crucial for identifying potential cost efficiencies or escalating expenditures.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 248 DUNLOP BLVD, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35824

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,945,181

Exercised Options: $22,855,581

Current Obligation: $22,855,581

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 31

Total Subaward Amount: $2,569,156

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W58RGZ13D0048

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline