Army Awards $18.87M for UH60A DOS EPMI and Mod Program to Defense Systems and Solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,871,584 ($18.9M)

Contractor: Defense Systems and Solutions

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-11-28

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,341 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: UH60A DOS EPMI AND MOD PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.9 million to DEFENSE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS for work described as: UH60A DOS EPMI AND MOD PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specific modifications and upgrades for the UH60A aircraft. 2. Defense Systems and Solutions is the prime contractor, indicating a specific supplier relationship. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) suggests potential for cost overruns if not managed closely. 4. The procurement falls under 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.87 million is for a multi-year effort. Benchmarking against similar modification programs for military helicopters is difficult without more specific 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,' suggesting a limited competition where specific sources were identified and potentially excluded. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for aircraft modernization, which is necessary for military readiness but requires careful cost management to ensure value.

Public Impact

Modernization of critical military aircraft ensures operational readiness. Investment in specialized manufacturing capabilities supports the defense industrial base. Program execution impacts the availability and performance of essential aviation assets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust oversight to control costs.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for specialized modifications.

Positive Signals

  • Addresses a specific need for UH60A aircraft upgrades.
  • Supports a known defense contractor.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector, particularly aircraft modification and parts manufacturing, is a significant area of government spending. Benchmarks for such specialized services are highly variable based on complexity and technology.

Small Business Impact

The prime contractor is Defense Systems and Solutions, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure necessitates strong government oversight to monitor costs, performance, and adherence to specifications to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • Lack of detailed technical specifications in award data.
  • Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.

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 $18.9 million to DEFENSE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS. UH60A DOS EPMI AND MOD PROGRAM

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 $18.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-28. End: 2026-07-31.

What specific technical upgrades are included in the EPMI and Mod Program, and how do they enhance the UH60A's capabilities?

The provided data does not detail the specific technical upgrades encompassed by the EPMI (Engine Performance Management Improvement) and Modification Program. These upgrades likely aim to enhance engine efficiency, reliability, or performance characteristics of the UH60A Black Hawk helicopter. Further documentation would be required to ascertain the precise nature of these enhancements and their impact on operational capabilities.

What factors led to the exclusion of other potential sources in this 'limited' competition, and what was the justification?

The justification for excluding other sources in a limited competition typically involves factors such as unique capabilities, proprietary technology, urgent need, or specific past performance requirements. Without access to the contract award documentation, the precise reasons for excluding other sources for the UH60A DOS EPMI and Mod Program remain unknown. This lack of transparency can raise concerns about whether the government secured the best possible value.

How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent potential overruns?

Managing a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract requires stringent government oversight. This includes detailed auditing of incurred costs, regular performance reviews against milestones, and proactive risk management to identify and mitigate potential cost drivers. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs, but continuous monitoring by the contracting officer's representative is crucial to ensure the program remains within budget and delivers the intended value.

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: $18,871,584

Exercised Options: $18,871,584

Current Obligation: $18,871,584

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $440,849

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: 2022-11-28

Current End Date: 2026-07-31

Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-07-15

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