Air Force Awards $22M for RPA Maintenance to Battlespace Flight Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,034,610 ($22.0M)
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: $12.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TASK ORDER 0007 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-32.
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.0 million to BATTLESPACE FLIGHT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER 0007 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-32. Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $22 million for long-term support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk appears moderate given the firm fixed-price contract type. 4. The sector is Other Support Activities for Air Transportation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $22 million over five years suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar long-term maintenance contracts would be necessary for a precise pricing assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more favorable price than a sole-source or limited competition scenario.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness of RPA systems. Supports critical Air Force aviation capabilities. Provides long-term employment opportunities within the aerospace support sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration of 5 years may present long-term cost escalation risks.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical maintenance could pose supply chain risks.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive market for these services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense support sector, specifically focusing on unmanned aerial systems (RPA) maintenance. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining military readiness and technological advantage.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that the awardee is Battlespace Flight Services, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if this award represents a missed opportunity for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. Standard DoD oversight mechanisms would apply to ensure performance and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Support Activities for Air Transportation
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration
- Potential for cost escalation over the contract term
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical support
- Lack of detailed technical specifications in the provided data
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 $22.0 million to BATTLESPACE FLIGHT SERVICES, LLC. TASK ORDER 0007 FOR FULL RPA O-LEVEL MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AT DP-32.
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 $22.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-04-01. End: 2018-03-31.
What is the specific nature of the RPA systems being supported and their criticality to Air Force operations?
The specific RPA systems are not detailed in the provided data. However, RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) systems are increasingly critical for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike missions. Their operational readiness directly impacts the Air Force's ability to conduct global operations and maintain situational awareness in complex environments.
How does the per-unit maintenance cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar RPA platforms?
Without specific details on the RPA platform and the scope of 'O-level maintenance', a direct per-unit cost benchmark is not feasible. However, the total contract value of $22 million over five years, divided by the duration, suggests an average annual spend of $4.4 million. This figure would need to be compared against industry data for comparable systems and maintenance levels.
What are the potential risks associated with a five-year firm fixed-price contract for specialized maintenance services?
A five-year firm fixed-price contract for specialized maintenance carries risks of potential cost escalation if unforeseen technical challenges arise or if the initial pricing did not adequately account for inflation or parts obsolescence. The government is protected from cost overruns, but the contractor might face reduced profit margins or seek contract modifications if costs significantly exceed projections.
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: $22,034,610
Exercised Options: $22,034,610
Current Obligation: $22,034,610
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: 2018-11-09
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