DoD awards $43.7M contract to Vertex Aerospace for air transportation support, utilizing full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $43,754,110 ($43.8M)

Contractor: Vertex Aerospace LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-10-14

End Date: 2013-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,812 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FCF NASK

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, MADISON County, MISSISSIPPI, 39110

State: Mississippi Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $43.8 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC for work described as: FCF NASK Key points: 1. Contract Value: $43.7 million awarded to Vertex Aerospace LLC. 2. Competition: Full and open competition was utilized. 3. Risk: Low risk indicated by contract type (Cost No Fee). 4. Sector: Defense sector, specifically air transportation support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The Cost No Fee contract type suggests a focus on achieving the objective rather than strict cost control, which can be appropriate for certain support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for air transportation support is needed for a definitive pricing assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was employed, which typically leads to better price discovery and value for the government. This method allows all responsible sources to submit offers, fostering a competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best possible pricing and quality.

Public Impact

Ensures continued support for critical air transportation functions within the Department of Defense. Supports a key defense contractor, Vertex Aerospace LLC, contributing to the defense industrial base. The contract duration of 1812 days indicates a significant, long-term need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
  • Potential for cost overruns if not managed closely despite 'Cost No Fee' type.

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition utilized.
  • Contract awarded to a known entity in the aerospace sector.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting air transportation activities. Spending in this area is crucial for military readiness and logistics. Benchmarks for similar support contracts vary widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Vertex Aerospace LLC. There is no information provided on subcontracting to small businesses, which is a missed opportunity for analysis.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). The 'Cost No Fee' contract type requires diligent monitoring to ensure objectives are met without excessive cost accumulation.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of detailed service description.
  • Potential for cost creep despite contract type.
  • No indication of small business participation.
  • Contract awarded in 2008, historical data may have limited current relevance.

Tags

other-support-activities-for-air-transpo, department-of-defense, ms, do, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $43.8 million to VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC. FCF NASK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VERTEX AEROSPACE LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $43.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-10-14. End: 2013-09-30.

What specific air transportation services are covered under this contract, and how do they align with current DoD operational needs?

The contract covers 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation,' a broad category. Specific services could range from aircraft maintenance and ground support to logistics and operational planning. Alignment with current DoD needs would require examining the statement of work and any task orders issued under the contract to ensure it directly supports ongoing military operations and strategic objectives.

Given the 'Cost No Fee' structure, what mechanisms are in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient resource utilization?

While 'Cost No Fee' aims to incentivize performance, robust oversight is critical. Mechanisms likely include detailed reporting requirements, regular progress reviews by the DCMA, and potentially performance incentives tied to specific milestones or quality standards. The government must actively monitor expenditures and contractor performance to ensure value and prevent uncontrolled cost escalation.

How does the $43.7 million award compare to industry benchmarks for similar long-term air transportation support contracts?

Without specific details on the scope of services, duration, and geographic location, direct benchmarking is challenging. However, $43.7 million over approximately five years (2008-2013) suggests a significant but potentially reasonable investment for comprehensive support. A detailed comparison would require analyzing contracts with similar service levels, fleet sizes supported, and operational tempo.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and WarehousingSupport Activities for Air TransportationOther Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 008898843)

Address: 555 INDUSTRIAL DR S, MADISON, MS, 03

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,754,110

Exercised Options: $43,754,110

Current Obligation: $43,754,110

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0001908D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2008-10-14

Current End Date: 2013-09-30

Potential End Date: 2013-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2014-09-17

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