DoD awards $29.8M for UH-60 Helicopter Kits, with Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,782,113 ($29.8M)

Contractor: Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-03-12

End Date: 2021-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,025 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.1K/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: DESCRIBES THE OVERALL EFFORTS FOR PROCUREMENT, KITTING OF (38) UH-60 IMPROVED DURABILITY GEARBOX (IDGB), IMPROVED FLIGHT CONTROLS (IFC)/ IMPROVED ROTOR CONTROL SYSTEM (IRCS) AND AFGHAN UNIQUE COCKPIT KITS.

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35824

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.8 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: DESCRIBES THE OVERALL EFFORTS FOR PROCUREMENT, KITTING OF (38) UH-60 IMPROVED DURABILITY GEARBOX (IDGB), IMPROVED FLIGHT CONTROLS (IFC)/ IMPROVED ROTOR CONTROL SYSTEM (IRCS) AND AFGHAN UNIQUE COCKPIT KITS. Key points: 1. Procurement of critical components for UH-60 helicopters, including gearbox and flight controls. 2. Contract awarded to Science and Engineering Services, LLC, indicating a specific vendor capability. 3. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources suggests a structured but potentially limited bidding process. 4. Spending aligns with Aircraft Manufacturing sector (NAICS 336411) for defense readiness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $29.8M for specialized aircraft kits appears reasonable given the complexity and nature of the components. Benchmarking against similar specialized aerospace procurements would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' method implies that while the competition was open, certain sources were initially excluded, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery. The final award suggests the selected vendor offered competitive terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential defense equipment upgrades, contributing to the operational readiness of the UH-60 fleet.

Public Impact

Enhances the survivability and performance of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter fleet. Supports ongoing military operations and readiness by ensuring access to critical upgrade components. Procurement of specialized kits contributes to the modernization of aviation assets. Potential for follow-on contracts if performance is satisfactory and further needs arise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential impact of source exclusion on competition breadth.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical components.
Long-term sustainment and spare parts availability.

Positive Signals

Awarded for essential aircraft upgrades.
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
Supports critical defense capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, specifically for components and kits related to military helicopters. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized aviation procurements would be relevant for a deeper analysis.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific involvement or benefit to small businesses in this particular contract award. Further investigation into subcontracting opportunities would be needed.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract, suggesting a structured procurement process. Oversight would focus on contract performance, adherence to specifications, and timely delivery.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Potential single-source dependency for critical components.
Long-term sustainment and pricing risks.
Need for robust oversight to ensure performance and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.8 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. DESCRIBES THE OVERALL EFFORTS FOR PROCUREMENT, KITTING OF (38) UH-60 IMPROVED DURABILITY GEARBOX (IDGB), IMPROVED FLIGHT CONTROLS (IFC)/ IMPROVED ROTOR CONTROL SYSTEM (IRCS) AND AFGHAN UNIQUE COCKPIT KITS.

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 $29.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-03-12. End: 2021-12-31.

What was the rationale for excluding specific sources in the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' process, and did this exclusion limit the potential for cost savings?

The rationale for excluding specific sources typically relates to pre-qualification criteria, past performance, or specific technical requirements that only certain vendors could meet. While this process aims for qualified bidders, it can inherently limit the pool, potentially impacting the intensity of price competition and the ultimate cost savings achievable compared to a truly unrestricted open competition.

What are the long-term implications for the UH-60 fleet's operational readiness and maintenance if Science and Engineering Services, LLC is the sole provider for these critical kits?

Sole reliance on one provider for critical kits raises concerns about long-term availability, potential price increases in the future, and supply chain risks. If the vendor faces production issues or ceases operations, it could significantly disrupt maintenance schedules and impact the operational readiness of the UH-60 fleet, necessitating contingency planning.

How does the $29.8 million expenditure for these specific UH-60 kits compare to the overall modernization budget for the Army's aviation assets, and what is the projected return on investment?

Comparing this expenditure to the broader aviation modernization budget is crucial for understanding its strategic allocation. The return on investment is measured by enhanced helicopter durability, improved flight safety, and reduced long-term maintenance costs due to the upgrades, ultimately contributing to mission effectiveness and potentially lower lifecycle costs.

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

Parent Company: Science and Engineering Services LLC

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: $29,782,113

Exercised Options: $29,782,113

Current Obligation: $29,782,113

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 35

Total Subaward Amount: $11,957,525

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