DoD Awards $13.3M for UH-60M Helicopter Kits and Installation for Sweden

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,280,033 ($13.3M)

Contractor: Defense Systems and Solutions

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-07-16

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,994 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PROVIDE UH-60M INTERNAL AUXILIARY FUEL TANK (IAFTS) KITS, MAVEN HEATER RELOCATION KITS, ENHANCED BALLISTIC PROTECTION SYSTEM (EBPS) RETROFIT KITS, MULTI-FUNCTION OPERATOR SEAT MODIFICATION KITS AND PERFORM INSTALLATION FOR SWEDEN, FMS CASE SW-B-WAD.

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35808

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.3 million to DEFENSE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS for work described as: PROVIDE UH-60M INTERNAL AUXILIARY FUEL TANK (IAFTS) KITS, MAVEN HEATER RELOCATION KITS, ENHANCED BALLISTIC PROTECTION SYSTEM (EBPS) RETROFIT KITS, MULTI-FUNCTION OPERATOR SEAT MODIFICATION KITS AND PERFORM INSTALLATION FOR SWEDEN, FMS CASE SW-B-WAD. Key points: 1. The contract is for various kits and installation services for the UH-60M helicopter, supporting a Foreign Military Sales case for Sweden. 2. The primary contractor is Defense Systems and Solutions, with the Department of the Army as the procuring agency. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The sector is primarily Defense, specifically focusing on aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type introduces risk for cost overruns. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns for each kit and installation service.

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. This method may not yield the best price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a Foreign Military Sales case, meaning the ultimate cost impacts both US defense spending and the recipient nation's security investment.

Public Impact

Supports international military cooperation and interoperability through Foreign Military Sales. Enhances the capabilities of the Swedish Air Force's UH-60M helicopters. Contributes to the defense industrial base by providing specialized aircraft modification kits.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
  • Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
  • Foreign Military Sales add complexity to oversight and accountability.

Positive Signals

  • Supports a key NATO ally's defense modernization.
  • Addresses specific operational needs for the UH-60M platform.
  • Utilizes established defense contractors with relevant expertise.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing. Spending in this area is driven by military modernization needs and international partnerships. Benchmarks for similar specialized kits and installation services can vary widely based on complexity and quantity.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting or participation by small businesses in this contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be managed by the Department of the Army. The FMS case structure adds a layer of international agreement oversight, requiring coordination between US and Swedish authorities to ensure proper execution and accountability.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract risk
  • Limited competition impact on price
  • Potential for scope creep in installation services
  • Dependency on specific contractor capabilities

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.3 million to DEFENSE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS. PROVIDE UH-60M INTERNAL AUXILIARY FUEL TANK (IAFTS) KITS, MAVEN HEATER RELOCATION KITS, ENHANCED BALLISTIC PROTECTION SYSTEM (EBPS) RETROFIT KITS, MULTI-FUNCTION OPERATOR SEAT MODIFICATION KITS AND PERFORM INSTALLATION FOR SWEDEN, FMS CASE SW-B-WAD.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEFENSE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-16. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the estimated cost breakdown for each type of kit and the installation services?

A detailed cost breakdown for each specific kit (IAFTS, Maven Heater, EBPS, Multi-Function Operator Seat) and the associated installation services is not provided in the available data. Understanding this breakdown is crucial for assessing the value proposition and identifying potential areas for cost savings in future procurements.

What were the specific reasons for excluding other potential sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?

The exclusion of other sources typically occurs when only one or a limited number of contractors possess the unique capabilities, technical data, or security clearances required for the specific modification or integration. This justification is critical for ensuring the exclusion was necessary and did not unduly restrict competition.

How will the effectiveness of these installed kits be measured and validated for the Swedish Air Force?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through operational testing and performance monitoring by the Swedish Air Force post-installation. The contract may include acceptance criteria and performance metrics that need to be met. Feedback loops and post-delivery support arrangements are also key to ensuring long-term effectiveness.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 631 DISCOVERY DR, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

Business Categories: Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,492,605

Exercised Options: $13,280,033

Current Obligation: $13,280,033

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $1,270,981

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W58RGZ18D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-07-16

Current End Date: 2025-12-31

Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 12:05:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-13

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