Agriculture awards $2.66M task order for specialized aircraft maintenance to Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,655,493 ($2.7M)

Contractor: Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-03-05

End Date: 2026-03-04

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR INSPECTIONS, MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, AND INSTALLATION OF SPECIALIZED MISSION EQUIPMENT ON ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT OPERATING MO, TN AND KY

Place of Performance

Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40510

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.7 million to THOROUGHBRED AVIATION MAINTENANCE, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER FOR INSPECTIONS, MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, AND INSTALLATION OF SPECIALIZED MISSION EQUIPMENT ON ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT OPERATING MO, TN AND KY Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the mission equipment and the firm-fixed-price contract type. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a competed award, suggesting potential for price discovery, though specific details are limited. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a fixed-price contract and a single-year duration potentially mitigating cost overruns. 4. Performance context involves critical support for agricultural missions, highlighting the importance of reliable aircraft maintenance. 5. Sector positioning places this within aviation support services, a niche but essential component of government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2.66 million for a one-year period for specialized rotary-wing aircraft maintenance seems aligned with industry standards for such critical support services. While direct comparisons are difficult without more granular data on the specific 'specialized mission equipment,' the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope and cost expectation. The benchmark of $7,295 per base year (br) indicates a potentially efficient allocation of resources for the services rendered, assuming this benchmark reflects comparable maintenance activities.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting it was open to a broad range of eligible contractors. While the number of bidders is not specified, the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation implies that multiple offers were solicited and considered, fostering a competitive environment. This approach generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Taxpayer Impact: A competed award under SAP helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market competition to secure fair pricing for essential aviation maintenance services.

Public Impact

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) benefits from the continued operational readiness of its rotary-wing aircraft. Services include inspections, maintenance, repairs, and installation of specialized mission equipment, ensuring aircraft are mission-capable. The geographic impact is focused on operations within Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky, supporting critical agricultural and environmental missions in these states. Workforce implications include the need for skilled aviation mechanics and technicians to perform specialized maintenance tasks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if 'specialized mission equipment' is not clearly defined.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical maintenance could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and manage budget predictability.
One-year base period with potential for follow-on work provides flexibility and allows for performance evaluation.
Awarded to a specific entity, Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc., indicating a focused selection process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense services sector, specifically focusing on aviation maintenance and support. The market for specialized aircraft maintenance is characterized by high technical barriers to entry and a need for certified personnel and facilities. Government spending in this area is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of fleets used for various public service missions, including agriculture, law enforcement, and disaster response. Comparable spending benchmarks in aviation maintenance can vary widely based on aircraft type, complexity of equipment, and required certifications.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc., is likely not a small business for this award. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that larger, specialized firms were best positioned to meet the contract's requirements, potentially limiting direct opportunities for small businesses in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would typically fall under the Department of Agriculture's contracting and program management offices, specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The firm-fixed-price contract type provides a degree of accountability by defining the scope and cost upfront. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), where contract awards are reported. While no specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is mentioned, the USDA OIG would have oversight authority over potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Rotary Wing Aircraft Maintenance
Specialized Mission Equipment Support
Aviation Services Contracts
Department of Agriculture Aviation Fleet Management
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for undefined scope regarding 'specialized mission equipment'.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.7 million to THOROUGHBRED AVIATION MAINTENANCE, INC.. TASK ORDER FOR INSPECTIONS, MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, AND INSTALLATION OF SPECIALIZED MISSION EQUIPMENT ON ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT OPERATING MO, TN AND KY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THOROUGHBRED AVIATION MAINTENANCE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-05. End: 2026-03-04.

What is the track record of Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly for similar specialized aviation services?

Thoroughbred Aviation Maintenance, Inc. has a history of federal contracting, primarily with the Department of Agriculture. Data suggests they have received multiple awards for aviation maintenance and support services. While specific details on the 'specialized mission equipment' they have serviced in the past are not readily available in this summary, their repeated awards from the agency indicate a level of performance and capability that meets USDA requirements. Further analysis would involve examining the value, duration, and performance ratings of their previous federal contracts to fully assess their track record and suitability for this specific task order.

How does the awarded value compare to similar task orders for specialized rotary-wing aircraft maintenance within the federal government?

Comparing the $2.66 million value for a one-year period requires understanding the specific 'specialized mission equipment' involved. General rotary-wing maintenance costs can vary significantly. However, the benchmark provided (br: 7295) might offer a clue, though its exact meaning (e.g., per hour, per day, per aircraft) is unclear without further context. If this benchmark represents a reasonable rate for specialized services, the total value could be considered competitive. A more robust comparison would involve analyzing other federal contracts for similar aircraft types and specialized equipment maintenance, considering factors like the number of aircraft supported, the complexity of the systems, and the required certifications.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential cost overruns if the scope of 'specialized mission equipment' maintenance is not precisely defined, leading to scope creep. Another risk is performance failure, which could ground critical aircraft. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price contract type, which caps the government's financial liability and incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently. The one-year duration also limits exposure and allows for performance reassessment. Clear definition of 'specialized mission equipment' and robust quality assurance surveillance plans are crucial for managing these risks effectively.

How effective is the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in leveraging competition for aviation support services?

The award being 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) suggests APHIS is utilizing competitive processes for this requirement. SAP is designed for procurements below certain thresholds and typically involves soliciting offers from multiple sources. While this indicates a level of competition, the specific number of bidders and the extent of the competitive range are not detailed. APHIS's overall effectiveness in leveraging competition would be better assessed by examining a broader portfolio of their aviation contracts, looking for trends in sole-source awards versus competed ones, and analyzing the number of bids received on average.

What is the historical spending pattern for aviation maintenance services by the Department of Agriculture, and how does this award fit within it?

Historical spending data for aviation maintenance by the Department of Agriculture would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and primary contractors. This $2.66 million task order represents a specific investment in maintaining specialized rotary-wing aircraft. To understand its place, one would need to analyze the USDA's total annual spending on aviation support, identify the proportion allocated to maintenance versus other aviation services (like flight hours or aircraft acquisition), and note any significant increases or decreases in spending on similar specialized maintenance over time. This award appears to be a targeted expenditure for critical operational support.

Are there any indications of potential overpricing or underpricing given the contract type and services?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type generally aims to establish a fair and reasonable price upfront. Without detailed cost breakdowns or direct market comparisons for the specific 'specialized mission equipment' maintenance, definitively assessing overpricing or underpricing is challenging. The benchmark value (br: 7295) could be a key indicator if its context is understood. If this benchmark represents a competitive market rate for similar specialized services, then the total contract value might be considered fair. Conversely, if the benchmark is significantly higher or lower than market averages for comparable work, it could signal potential pricing issues.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 12639525Q0037

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 20475 HIGHWAY 23, LOUISA, KY, 41230

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,655,493

Exercised Options: $2,655,493

Current Obligation: $2,655,493

Actual Outlays: $1,374,743

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12639525D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline