DOT's FAA Awards $153K for AV24 Auto Takeoff Study Pilot, Ending Jan 2027

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $153,674 ($153.7K)

Contractor: Cherokee Strategic Solutions, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-09-16

End Date: 2027-01-10

Contract Duration: 846 days

Daily Burn Rate: $182/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AV24 AUTO TAKEOFF STUDY PILOT PARTICIPANTS

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73169

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $153,674.21 to CHEROKEE STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS, L.L.C. for work described as: AV24 AUTO TAKEOFF STUDY PILOT PARTICIPANTS Key points: 1. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a pilot or study phase. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating some market engagement. 3. The primary risk appears to be the limited scope and duration of the study. 4. The sector is 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services', often associated with specialized research.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $153,674.21 is for a pilot study. Without specific benchmarks for similar 'auto takeoff study' pilots, a direct pricing assessment is difficult. However, the value seems appropriate for an initial research phase.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This method suggests that while the initial pool of potential bidders might have been narrowed, the final award was competitive. This approach can lead to fair pricing but might limit the breadth of innovation explored.

Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is minimal given the small contract value, primarily funding a focused study.

Public Impact

This study could inform future aviation safety technologies. Pilot programs like this are crucial for testing new concepts before large-scale implementation. The results may influence future FAA regulations or operational procedures. Public trust in aviation safety could be enhanced by advancements in automated takeoff systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited scope of pilot study
Potential for findings to be too narrow for broad application

Positive Signals

Focus on innovative aviation technology
Competitive award process

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'. Spending in this broad category can vary widely, but for a pilot study of this nature, the $153K award is modest. Benchmarks are difficult without knowing the specific technical domain.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to CHEROKEE STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS, L.L.C. There is no indication that this contract specifically targeted small businesses, nor is there information on whether the awardee itself is an SMB. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight procedures for pilot studies would apply, focusing on milestone achievement and adherence to the study's objectives. Accountability rests with the FAA program office managing the study.

Related Government Programs

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited scope of pilot study
Potential for findings to be too narrow
Dependence on future investment for implementation
Competition method could limit vendor innovation pool

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $153,674.21 to CHEROKEE STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS, L.L.C.. AV24 AUTO TAKEOFF STUDY PILOT PARTICIPANTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHEROKEE STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $153,674.21.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-16. End: 2027-01-10.

What is the expected tangible outcome or deliverable from this pilot study, and how will its success be measured?

The expected outcome is likely a report detailing findings, feasibility assessments, and recommendations regarding automated takeoff systems. Success measurement would probably involve criteria like data completeness, analysis rigor, and the clarity of conclusions regarding the technology's potential and challenges. The FAA would define specific metrics before the study commences.

What are the potential risks if the findings from this study are not robust or are misinterpreted?

If findings are not robust, the FAA might make decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate data, potentially leading to inefficient resource allocation for future automated takeoff development or, worse, compromising safety if flawed technology is pursued. Misinterpretation could result in overlooking critical risks or overestimating the benefits of certain automated systems.

How effectively will the insights gained from this $153K pilot study translate into actionable improvements in aviation safety or efficiency?

The effectiveness hinges on the study's design and the FAA's follow-through. A well-executed pilot can provide valuable proof-of-concept data. However, translating these insights into broad safety or efficiency improvements requires further research, development, and integration efforts, which this initial contract likely only initiates.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Cherokee Nation RED Wing, L.L.C.

Address: 2 W 2ND ST STE 1500-41, TULSA, OK, 74103

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $153,674

Exercised Options: $153,674

Current Obligation: $153,674

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 6973GH24D00076

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline