Air Force awards $24.9M for RPA maintenance to Battlespace Flight Services under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,879,386 ($24.9M)
Contractor: Battlespace Flight Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2013-04-01
End Date: 2018-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TASK ORDER 0006 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-31.
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $24.9 million to BATTLESPACE FLIGHT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER 0006 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-31. Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized aviation support. 2. Full and open competition suggests potential for competitive pricing. 3. Long duration (5 years) indicates a sustained need for services. 4. Focus on RPA maintenance highlights a growing area of defense spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $24.9M over 5 years is substantial for specialized RPA maintenance. Benchmarking against similar long-term, full-service maintenance contracts for complex aviation systems is needed to fully assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically allows for a broad range of potential bidders and can drive competitive pricing. The specific price discovery mechanisms within this competition are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential maintenance of advanced aerial platforms, ensuring operational readiness.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness of critical Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems. Supports advanced aerospace technology maintenance, contributing to national security. Provides long-term employment opportunities within the aerospace maintenance sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term maintenance contracts.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical support.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear statement of work for maintenance.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type can control costs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on maintenance for unmanned aerial systems (RPAs). Spending in this area is increasing due to the expanding role of drones in military operations.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Battlespace Flight Services, LLC, is not identified as a small business. There is no indication of specific provisions or set-asides for small business participation in this particular task order.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Ensuring adherence to contract terms and performance standards is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may increase risk of scope creep or unforeseen cost increases.
- Reliance on one contractor for critical maintenance could pose a risk if performance degrades.
- Potential for obsolescence of older RPA systems requiring specialized, costly support.
- Lack of explicit small business participation goals.
Tags
other-support-activities-for-air-transpo, department-of-defense, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $24.9 million to BATTLESPACE FLIGHT SERVICES, LLC. TASK ORDER 0006 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-31.
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 $24.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-04-01. End: 2018-03-31.
What is the specific breakdown of maintenance tasks and associated costs within this task order?
The provided data does not detail the specific maintenance tasks or their individual costs. A comprehensive review would require access to the full contract documentation, including any statements of work or performance work statements, to understand the allocation of the $24.9M across different maintenance activities and support functions.
How does the per-unit maintenance cost compare to similar RPA platforms or previous contracts?
A direct per-unit cost benchmark is not available without knowing the number of RPAs supported or the specific maintenance hours/rates. Comparing this contract's overall value to similar long-term maintenance agreements for comparable defense assets would be necessary to assess cost-effectiveness.
What performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness of the maintenance support provided?
The provided data does not specify the performance metrics. Effective oversight would require clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to response times, repair quality, system availability, and adherence to maintenance schedules, which should be detailed in the contract's performance work statement.
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: $24,879,386
Exercised Options: $24,879,386
Current Obligation: $24,879,386
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
Start Date: 2013-04-01
Current End Date: 2018-03-31
Potential End Date: 2018-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-01-07
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