DoD's $19M contract for flight support services awarded to BattleSpace Flight Services, LLC, spanning three years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,073,067 ($19.1M)

Contractor: Battlespace Flight Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-04-01

End Date: 2016-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: TASK ORDER 0003 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-7.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.1 million to BATTLESPACE FLIGHT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER 0003 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-7. Key points: 1. The contract value of $19.1 million over three years suggests a significant investment in specialized flight support. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a broad market search. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. The duration of 1095 days (3 years) provides a stable period for service delivery. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 488190 points to a niche in air transportation support activities. 6. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contracts for O-level maintenance support at DP-7. The total value of $19.1 million over three years averages to approximately $6.37 million per year. This figure needs to be assessed against the scope of services, personnel required, and the criticality of the support provided at DP-7. Without more detailed information on the services rendered and the operational tempo at DP-7, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality. The number of bidders is not specified, which limits the ability to fully assess the intensity of the competition. However, the designation implies a robust bidding process was initiated.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple companies to vie for the contract, which can drive down costs and improve the overall value received by the government.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and specifically the Department of the Air Force, which receives critical O-level maintenance support for flight operations at DP-7. The services delivered are essential for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of aircraft and related systems. The geographic impact is localized to DP-7, a specific operational base or facility. Workforce implications include the employment of skilled technicians and support personnel by BattleSpace Flight Services, LLC, to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of the contractor's services.
The absence of detailed cost breakdowns hinders a thorough analysis of price reasonableness.
Limited information on the competitive landscape (number of bidders) restricts a full understanding of price discovery.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type aligns incentives by placing performance risk on the contractor.
Contract duration of three years provides stability for service delivery and planning.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on support activities for air transportation. The market for such specialized maintenance and operational support is often characterized by a mix of large defense contractors and smaller, niche service providers. Spending in this area is driven by the operational tempo and readiness requirements of military aviation. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other contracts for similar O-level maintenance or flight support services across different military branches or bases.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if BattleSpace Flight Services, LLC, chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans or reporting, it's difficult to quantify the direct benefit to the small business ecosystem from this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Transportation Support Services
Aircraft Maintenance and Repair
Defense Logistics Support
Military Aviation Operations
Base Operations Support

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Contractor Capability Risk
Dependency Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.1 million to BATTLESPACE FLIGHT SERVICES, LLC. TASK ORDER 0003 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-7.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTLESPACE FLIGHT SERVICES, 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 $19.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-04-01. End: 2016-03-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for O-level maintenance support at DP-7 or similar facilities?

Analyzing historical spending for O-level maintenance support at DP-7 or comparable facilities is crucial for understanding cost trends and identifying potential anomalies. Without access to specific historical contract data for DP-7, we can look at broader trends in Air Force maintenance contracts. Generally, O-level maintenance, which is performed by the unit on the aircraft, is a continuous requirement. Spending can fluctuate based on operational tempo, aircraft age, and modernization programs. For instance, if DP-7 operates a fleet of older aircraft, maintenance costs might be higher than for newer platforms. Comparing the $19.1 million over three years to previous contracts for similar services at other Air Force bases could reveal if this award represents a competitive rate or an outlier. Factors like inflation, changes in labor costs, and evolving support requirements also influence historical spending patterns.

How does the contractor, BattleSpace Flight Services, LLC, compare to other providers in terms of track record and past performance?

Assessing the track record and past performance of BattleSpace Flight Services, LLC, is vital for understanding the risk associated with this contract. Information on their previous contracts, client feedback, and any performance issues or accolades would provide insight into their reliability and capability. A review of federal procurement databases might reveal prior awards to this contractor, their performance ratings on those contracts, and any disputes or contract terminations. If BattleSpace Flight Services, LLC, is a relatively new entity or has limited federal contracting history, the government would typically rely more heavily on pre-award surveys and technical evaluations to ensure capability. Conversely, a contractor with a strong history of successful performance on similar contracts would generally be viewed favorably, reducing perceived risk and potentially indicating better value.

What specific services are included under 'O-level maintenance support' in this contract?

O-level maintenance support, in the context of military aviation, typically refers to the maintenance performed by the using organization (the unit operating the aircraft) on or near the using organization's operating location. This includes tasks such as servicing, inspection, lubrication, minor component replacement, and troubleshooting. For this specific contract with BattleSpace Flight Services, LLC, 'O-level maintenance support at DP-7' likely encompasses a range of activities critical to keeping aircraft operational at that specific base. This could include pre-flight and post-flight inspections, routine servicing (e.g., fluid checks, tire pressure), minor repairs to components, and potentially diagnostic support. The exact scope would be detailed in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS), which outlines the specific tasks, standards, and deliverables expected from the contractor.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the operational readiness of the Air Force units at DP-7?

This contract directly impacts the operational readiness of Air Force units at DP-7 by ensuring that essential O-level maintenance support is consistently available. O-level maintenance is the first line of defense against aircraft degradation and is critical for ensuring aircraft are airworthy and mission-capable. Reliable and timely maintenance prevents minor issues from escalating into major problems, thereby reducing aircraft downtime and increasing sortie generation rates. If BattleSpace Flight Services, LLC, performs effectively, it contributes to higher aircraft availability, allowing units to meet their training and operational commitments. Conversely, any deficiencies in the contractor's performance could lead to increased aircraft downtime, reduced operational capacity, and potential delays in mission accomplishment.

Are there any identified risks or concerns associated with this contract award or the contractor?

Potential risks associated with this contract could include performance-related issues, such as the contractor failing to meet service level agreements or quality standards outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Given the firm-fixed-price nature, cost overruns are primarily the contractor's responsibility, but scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges could still lead to disputes or requests for contract modifications. Another risk could be the contractor's financial stability or capacity to scale resources if operational demands increase significantly. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions introduces a level of dependency. Without specific details on pre-award assessments or past performance reviews, it's difficult to pinpoint contractor-specific risks, but these are general considerations for any significant service contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA489010R0009

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1215 S CLARK ST STE 301, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,073,067

Exercised Options: $19,073,067

Current Obligation: $19,073,067

Contract Characteristics

Consolidated Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA489013D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline