DOJ's FBI awards $666K for flight training to FlightSafety International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $665,960 ($666.0K)

Contractor: Flightsafety International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-11-19

End Date: 2026-11-19

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THU TRAINING

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43219

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $665,960 to FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: THU TRAINING Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of flight training. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a single award under a BPA call, suggesting potential limitations in broader market engagement. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and a defined performance period. 4. Performance context is specific to flight training for FBI personnel. 5. Sector positioning is within the professional services and training sector supporting federal law enforcement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $665,960 for flight training appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized aviation instruction. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for flight training indicates that pricing is generally competitive, especially when considering the specific aircraft and skill sets required. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating the risk of cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was competed under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) call, which typically involves a more streamlined procurement process than full and open competition. While the specific number of bidders for this BPA call is not detailed, the nature of BPA calls can sometimes limit the pool of potential offerors compared to open solicitations. This suggests that while competition occurred, it may not have been as broad as possible.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition under a BPA call means taxpayers may not benefit from the lowest possible prices achievable through a wider bidding process. However, the efficiency of BPA calls can sometimes offset higher unit costs with reduced administrative burden.

Public Impact

FBI personnel requiring specialized flight training will benefit from this contract. The services delivered include essential flight instruction to maintain and enhance pilot proficiency. The geographic impact is primarily focused on the locations where FlightSafety International Inc. provides its training services, likely across various FBI operational areas. Workforce implications include ensuring the FBI maintains a highly skilled and certified pilot cadre.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited price discovery due to competition under a BPA call.
Dependence on a single contractor for a specific training need could pose a risk if service quality degrades.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Contract duration is clearly defined, allowing for predictable resource allocation.
Specialized training ensures critical skills are maintained for FBI operations.

Sector Analysis

The federal government frequently procures specialized training services, including flight training, to support its diverse operational needs. The market for aviation training is robust, with numerous private sector providers. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services and training, where agencies leverage commercial capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks for flight training vary widely based on aircraft type, duration, and instructor qualifications, but this award appears to be a standard procurement for such services.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses is not readily available from the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award, as it was likely fulfilled by a larger, established training provider.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Federal Bureau of Investigation's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified training services. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Training
Department of Defense (DoD) Aviation Training
Law Enforcement Pilot Training Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price optimization.
Contract performance quality is critical for pilot safety and operational readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $665,960 to FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC. THU TRAINING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $665,960.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-19. End: 2026-11-19.

What is the track record of FlightSafety International Inc. with federal government contracts, particularly for flight training?

FlightSafety International Inc. has a significant history of contracting with the U.S. federal government, including various agencies like the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and others, for aviation training services. Their experience spans decades, providing training on a wide array of aircraft types and simulator technologies. Federal procurement databases often show numerous awards to FlightSafety for pilot, maintenance, and other aviation-related training. This extensive track record suggests a familiarity with government procurement processes and a capacity to deliver complex training solutions. However, a detailed review of past performance evaluations and any past disputes or contract terminations would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their reliability and quality of service specifically for federal clients.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar flight training services?

The awarded price of $665,960 for flight training needs to be contextualized by the specific services rendered. FlightSafety International Inc. is a well-established provider known for high-quality, often specialized, training. Benchmarking requires comparing the contract's scope (e.g., type of aircraft, duration, instructor-to-student ratio, simulator hours, specific curriculum) against commercial offerings. While exact public market comparisons are difficult without detailed service specifications, FlightSafety's pricing is generally considered premium due to their advanced facilities and comprehensive programs. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government negotiated a set cost, and without more data on the specific training modules, it's challenging to definitively state if it's above or below average market rates, but it is likely competitive within the specialized training segment.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific flight training contract for the FBI?

The primary risks associated with this flight training contract for the FBI include potential issues related to the limited competition under the BPA call, which might affect price optimization. There's also a risk of contractor performance not meeting the FBI's specific operational needs or standards, despite FlightSafety's general reputation. Dependence on a single provider for critical flight training could lead to disruptions if the contractor faces financial difficulties, operational issues, or fails to maintain necessary certifications. Furthermore, changes in FBI pilot requirements or aircraft fleets could necessitate contract modifications or lead to the training becoming less relevant, posing a risk of underutilization or obsolescence if not managed proactively.

What is the historical spending pattern for flight training by the FBI or similar agencies?

Historical spending on flight training by the FBI and similar law enforcement agencies has generally been consistent, reflecting the ongoing need to maintain pilot proficiency and safety standards. Agencies like the FBI, DEA, and Secret Service operate aviation units that require continuous training for their pilots on various aircraft. Spending can fluctuate year-over-year based on training cycle needs, new aircraft acquisitions, or changes in regulatory requirements. While specific FBI flight training expenditure data is not publicly itemized in detail, aggregate spending on aviation support and training across federal law enforcement agencies represents a significant budget allocation. This contract's value of approximately $666K falls within the typical range for specialized, recurring training needs for a cohort of pilots.

How does the contract type (Firm Fixed Price) influence the value proposition for the government?

The Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type is generally advantageous for the government when the scope of work is well-defined and risks are understood. For flight training, where the curriculum and duration are typically standardized, FFP provides cost certainty. This means the FBI knows the exact cost upfront, eliminating the risk of cost overruns that could occur with cost-reimbursement contracts. This predictability aids in budget planning and management. The value proposition is strong because the contractor assumes most of the financial risk; if their costs increase (e.g., fuel prices, instructor salaries), they absorb those increases, not the government. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage their own costs efficiently to maximize profit.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Flight Training

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3100 EASTON SQUARE PL, COLUMBUS, OH, 43219

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $665,960

Exercised Options: $665,960

Current Obligation: $665,960

Actual Outlays: $88,290

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06724A0000003

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline