DoD awards $35.8M to S & K Aerospace for F-15 logistics, raising competition concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,790,797 ($35.8M)

Contractor: S & K Aerospace, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-12-01

End Date: 2016-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,857 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: RSAF F-15 THRID PARTY LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR REPAIR AND RETURN

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT IGNATIUS, LAKE County, MONTANA, 59865, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $35.8 million to S & K AEROSPACE, LLC for work described as: RSAF F-15 THRID PARTY LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR REPAIR AND RETURN Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized aerospace logistics services. 2. Sole-source award to S & K Aerospace limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential risk of inflated costs due to lack of competition. 4. Focus on IT and administrative services within the defense sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $35.8 million for third-party logistics management services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is aligned with market rates for similar specialized aerospace support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning S & K Aerospace was the only vendor considered. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value for these critical logistics services.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying for essential F-15 repair and return logistics. Limited transparency into the justification for a sole-source award. Potential for reduced service innovation without competitive pressure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically supporting the F-15 aircraft fleet. Spending on aerospace logistics and maintenance is a significant component of the defense budget, often involving specialized contractors.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to S & K Aerospace, LLC, and does not specify any subcontracting with small businesses. Further investigation is needed to determine if small business participation was considered or mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny. Oversight should focus on the justification for not competing the contract and ensuring the price paid is fair and reasonable.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

office-administrative-services, department-of-defense, mt, do, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $35.8 million to S & K AEROSPACE, LLC. RSAF F-15 THRID PARTY LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR REPAIR AND RETURN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is S & K AEROSPACE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-12-01. End: 2016-12-31.

What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of conducting a competitive procurement?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of other qualified sources. For this RSAF F-15 logistics contract, the Department of the Air Force would need to provide documentation detailing why S & K Aerospace was the only viable option and why competition was not feasible or beneficial.

How does the $35.8 million contract value compare to industry benchmarks for similar third-party logistics management services for fighter aircraft?

Benchmarking this contract's value requires detailed analysis of the specific services provided, the scope of work, and the duration. Without access to S & K Aerospace's detailed cost breakdown and comparison with other DoD contracts for similar F-15 support or other advanced fighter logistics, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing relative to market rates.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of S & K Aerospace's logistics services throughout the contract period?

Effectiveness and efficiency are typically ensured through performance metrics, service level agreements (SLAs), and regular performance reviews outlined in the contract. The Department of the Air Force should be actively monitoring S & K Aerospace's performance against these established criteria to ensure the F-15s receive timely and quality repair and return services, and to identify any areas needing improvement or corrective action.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation ServicesOffice Administrative ServicesOffice Administrative Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 63066 OLD HIGHWAY 93, SAINT IGNATIUS, MT, 59865

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Labor Surplus Area Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,013,838

Exercised Options: $36,013,838

Current Obligation: $35,790,797

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA850512D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2011-12-01

Current End Date: 2016-12-31

Potential End Date: 2016-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2015-06-30

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