DoD Awards $13M for CH-47F Aircraft Support and Modifications to Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,036,550 ($13.0M)

Contractor: Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-04-22

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,079 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PROVIDE FIELDING SUPPORT, PROCURE/MANUFACTURE MODIFICATION WORK TO ORDER (MWO) KITS, MWO INSTALLATION, ENGINE AIR PARTICLE SEPARATOR (EAPS) PAINT, VALIDATION SUPPORT, VERIFICATION, LOGISTICAL SUPPORT, RSLFAC CH-47F MULTIYEAR-TWO (MYII) AIRCRAFT.

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35824

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.0 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: PROVIDE FIELDING SUPPORT, PROCURE/MANUFACTURE MODIFICATION WORK TO ORDER (MWO) KITS, MWO INSTALLATION, ENGINE AIR PARTICLE SEPARATOR (EAPS) PAINT, VALIDATION SUPPORT, VERIFICATION, LOGISTICAL SUPPORT, RSLFAC CH-47F MULTIYEAR-TWO (MYII) AIRCRAFT. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on fielding support, modification kits, and logistical services for CH-47F aircraft. 2. Science and Engineering Services, LLC, a small business, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans over 3 years, indicating a sustained need for these services. 4. The award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract, suggesting potential for future task orders.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar aircraft support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a limited competition scenario. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The pricing structure and limited competition raise concerns about maximizing taxpayer value for these critical aircraft support services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of the CH-47F Chinook fleet. Supports critical logistical and maintenance functions for Army aviation. Potential for follow-on work and sustained support for a key military asset.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to control expenses.
Sole awardee status for a significant contract.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical military aircraft platform.
Provides essential fielding and modification services.
Long-term contract duration suggests stable support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft manufacturing and support services. Spending benchmarks for similar CH-47F support contracts are not readily available but are typically substantial given the aircraft's importance.

Small Business Impact

Science and Engineering Services, LLC is listed as a small business. While this award supports a small business, the limited competition aspect warrants scrutiny to ensure fair opportunity and value.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method requires justification and careful oversight to ensure it serves the government's best interest and doesn't unduly restrict competition.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in higher costs.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
Sole awardee status for a significant portion of aircraft support.
Need for robust oversight to ensure contractor performance and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.0 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. PROVIDE FIELDING SUPPORT, PROCURE/MANUFACTURE MODIFICATION WORK TO ORDER (MWO) KITS, MWO INSTALLATION, ENGINE AIR PARTICLE SEPARATOR (EAPS) PAINT, VALIDATION SUPPORT, VERIFICATION, LOGISTICAL SUPPORT, RSLFAC CH-47F MULTIYEAR-TWO (MYII) AIRCRAFT.

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 $13.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-04-22. End: 2025-12-31.

What specific factors led to the exclusion of other sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award, and how were these justified?

The justification for excluding other sources would typically involve demonstrating that only a specific entity possesses the unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or existing infrastructure necessary to fulfill the requirement. This could be due to specialized knowledge of the CH-47F platform, existing production lines for modification kits, or specific validation/verification expertise gained through prior work. A thorough review by the contracting officer is required to ensure this exclusion is in the government's best interest and that the chosen vendor offers fair value.

How will the Department of Defense ensure cost control and value for money under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, given the potential for cost overruns?

Effective oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts. The DoD will likely implement stringent monitoring of incurred costs, regular performance reviews, and detailed audits. Establishing clear performance metrics and milestones, along with robust communication channels with Science and Engineering Services, LLC, will help manage scope creep and ensure that the fixed fee remains appropriate for the work performed. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar services will also be key.

What is the long-term strategy for CH-47F aircraft modifications and support, and how does this contract fit into that broader plan?

This contract represents a significant component of the ongoing sustainment and modernization strategy for the CH-47F fleet. The multiyear nature suggests a commitment to ensuring the aircraft's continued operational effectiveness. Understanding the broader strategy would involve examining the overall lifecycle management plan for the Chinook, including planned upgrades, service life extensions, and future platform replacements. This contract likely addresses immediate and near-term needs within that larger framework.

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: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

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: $13,036,550

Exercised Options: $13,036,550

Current Obligation: $13,036,550

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 9

Total Subaward Amount: $1,107,231

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W58RGZ19D0045

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline