DoD Awards $147M for Poland's Aircraft Survivability Kits via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,719,771 ($14.7M)
Contractor: Defense Systems and Solutions
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-30
End Date: 2029-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,308 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: PROVIDE AIRCRAFT SURVIVABILITY PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT (ASPI) KITS FOR FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) POLAND.
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35808
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.7 million to DEFENSE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS for work described as: PROVIDE AIRCRAFT SURVIVABILITY PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT (ASPI) KITS FOR FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) POLAND. Key points: 1. Significant investment in enhancing allied military capabilities. 2. Competition ensures fair pricing for advanced defense technology. 3. Potential for future international sales and interoperability. 4. Focus on critical aircraft survivability addresses operational risk.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight to manage costs. The award amount of $147M for a 5-year period suggests a substantial investment in specialized equipment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a robust bidding process. This method is expected to yield competitive pricing and identify the most capable supplier.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance the defense capabilities of a NATO ally, contributing to collective security and potentially strengthening international partnerships.
Public Impact
Enhances Poland's military readiness and defense posture. Strengthens NATO alliance capabilities through equipment modernization. Supports the U.S. defense industrial base through foreign military sales.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires diligent cost monitoring.
- Long performance period (approx. 5 years) necessitates ongoing oversight.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes best value.
- Addresses critical survivability needs for allied forces.
- Supports foreign military sales objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment. Spending in this area is driven by modernization efforts, technological advancements, and international security cooperation.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this specific contract. Efforts to engage small businesses in the defense supply chain for such specialized components could be explored for future opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army, through the Department of Defense, is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates rigorous financial monitoring and performance evaluation to ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Technological obsolescence of ASPI kits over the contract duration.
- Potential geopolitical shifts impacting FMS program priorities.
- Supply chain disruptions affecting delivery timelines.
- Integration challenges with existing Polish Air Force platforms.
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 $14.7 million to DEFENSE SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS. PROVIDE AIRCRAFT SURVIVABILITY PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT (ASPI) KITS FOR FOREIGN MILITARY SALES (FMS) POLAND.
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 $14.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2029-04-30.
What is the projected return on investment for the U.S. in terms of enhanced interoperability and intelligence sharing with Poland resulting from this ASPI kit upgrade?
While direct ROI is difficult to quantify, enhanced interoperability with Poland strengthens NATO's collective defense, improving burden-sharing and operational effectiveness. This can indirectly benefit U.S. security interests by fostering a more capable and reliable alliance, potentially reducing the need for direct U.S. intervention in future regional security challenges.
What are the specific technological advancements in these ASPI kits that justify the cost and ensure effectiveness against current and emerging threats?
The ASPI kits likely incorporate advanced electronic warfare capabilities, infrared countermeasures, and radar warning receivers designed to counter sophisticated air defense systems. Their effectiveness stems from providing pilots with enhanced situational awareness and defensive measures, crucial for mission success and crew survival in contested airspace against evolving threats.
How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process ensure the most cost-effective solution for these specialized survivability kits?
This procurement method allows all responsible sources to submit proposals after initial market research identified specific capabilities. By excluding non-qualified sources early, it focuses competition on technically capable vendors, while the 'full and open' aspect ensures a broad range of bidders compete on price and technical merit, driving cost-effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other 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: $14,719,771
Exercised Options: $14,719,771
Current Obligation: $14,719,771
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $4,989,491
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: 2025-09-30
Current End Date: 2029-04-30
Potential End Date: 2029-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-06
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