DoD Awards $12.3M for UH-60 Helicopter Parts, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,344,235 ($12.3M)
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-09-15
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,203 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: M&O/UPGRADE/REPAIR OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FOR THE UH60 WEAPON SYSTEM: ACCESSORY GEARBOX TRANSMISSION, MECHANICAL MAIN MODULE ASSEMBLY BLADE, ROTARY WING TAIL ROTOR ACCESSORY GEARBOX PANEL, CONTROL, ELECTRICAL
Place of Performance
Location: STRATFORD, FAIRFIELD County, CONNECTICUT, 06614
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.3 million to SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION for work described as: M&O/UPGRADE/REPAIR OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FOR THE UH60 WEAPON SYSTEM: ACCESSORY GEARBOX TRANSMISSION, MECHANICAL MAIN MODULE ASSEMBLY BLADE, ROTARY WING TAIL ROTOR ACCESSORY GEARBOX PANEL, CONTROL, ELECTRICAL Key points: 1. Significant contract value for critical helicopter components. 2. Sole-source award to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation raises competition concerns. 3. Long contract duration (over 3 years) impacts flexibility. 4. Focus on maintenance and upgrades for a key military asset.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $12.3M for UH-60 helicopter parts appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the components. However, without competitive bidding, it's difficult to ascertain if this represents the best possible price.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these essential helicopter parts.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness of the UH-60 Black Hawk fleet. Supports critical maintenance and upgrade requirements for a vital military platform. Potential for increased costs due to sole-source procurement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
- Long-term contract
Positive Signals
- Supports critical military asset
- Firm fixed price contract
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts. Spending benchmarks for similar maintenance and upgrade contracts can vary widely based on system complexity and component criticality.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this sole-source award. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army is the procuring agency. Oversight would typically involve contract management and performance monitoring to ensure delivery and quality, though competitive oversight is absent.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition.
- Potential for overpayment without competitive benchmarking.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market prices.
- Lack of small business subcontracting opportunities.
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 $12.3 million to SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION. M&O/UPGRADE/REPAIR OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS FOR THE UH60 WEAPON SYSTEM: ACCESSORY GEARBOX TRANSMISSION, MECHANICAL MAIN MODULE ASSEMBLY BLADE, ROTARY WING TAIL ROTOR ACCESSORY GEARBOX PANEL, CONTROL, ELECTRICAL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-15. End: 2025-12-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation for these UH-60 components?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from factors such as unique technical capabilities, proprietary technology, or the absence of other responsible sources capable of meeting the government's requirements. Without further documentation, the specific rationale remains unclear, but it is crucial for ensuring fair pricing and value.
What are the potential risks associated with a long-term, sole-source contract for critical helicopter parts?
The primary risks include inflated pricing due to lack of competition, potential for vendor complacency affecting quality or delivery, and reduced flexibility to adapt to technological advancements or changing requirements. This can lead to higher overall lifecycle costs for the UH-60 weapon system.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness and readiness of the UH-60 fleet?
This contract is essential for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the UH-60 fleet by ensuring the availability of critical maintenance, repair, and upgrade components. Consistent access to these parts directly supports flight hours and mission capability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other 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
Address: 6900 MAIN ST, STRATFORD, CT, 06614
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,344,235
Exercised Options: $12,344,235
Current Obligation: $12,344,235
Actual Outlays: $215,088
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W58RGZ22D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-15
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 12:12:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-09
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