Davenport Aviation Inc. awarded $46M for light enforcement helicopters by DHS

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,957,886 ($46.0M)

Contractor: Davenport Aviation Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2018-07-16

End Date: 2020-11-27

Contract Duration: 865 days

Daily Burn Rate: $53.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: LIGHT ENFORCEMENT HELICOPTERS

Place of Performance

Location: GRAND PRAIRIE, TARRANT County, TEXAS, 75052

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $46.0 million to DAVENPORT AVIATION INC for work described as: LIGHT ENFORCEMENT HELICOPTERS Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment. 3. Contract duration and delivery order structure indicate phased deployment. 4. Performance context is within the scope of border security operations. 5. Sector positioning is within the specialized aerospace and defense market. 6. The contract was awarded under a firm-fixed-price structure, limiting cost overruns.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value for specialized light enforcement helicopters is challenging without direct comparisons. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests an agreed-upon value at the outset. The total award amount of approximately $46 million over a period of roughly two years indicates a significant investment in aviation assets for border patrol. Further analysis would require comparing unit costs to similar procurements by other agencies or international partners.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This process typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The presence of multiple bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best value for public funds. Full and open competition increases the likelihood of obtaining equipment at a fair market price.

Public Impact

Benefits U.S. Customs and Border Protection in their border enforcement operations. Provides critical aerial surveillance and support capabilities for law enforcement. Geographic impact is primarily along U.S. borders, with potential deployment across Texas. Workforce implications include pilots, maintenance crews, and support personnel for the helicopters.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if mission requirements evolve significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized maintenance and parts could be a risk.
Ensuring long-term operational readiness and training for aircrews.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Awarded to a single entity, potentially streamlining management and integration.

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense sector is characterized by high barriers to entry, complex supply chains, and significant R&D investment. Procurements for specialized aircraft like enforcement helicopters are critical for national security and law enforcement agencies. Spending in this area is often driven by specific operational needs and technological advancements. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other government procurements for similar aviation assets.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans was not explicitly provided in the data. As this appears to be a large contract for specialized equipment, it's possible that larger prime contractors were involved. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Border Security Technology
Aviation Support Services
Law Enforcement Equipment Procurement
Department of Homeland Security Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for long-term maintenance and support costs.
Dependence on specific technology and potential for obsolescence.
Ensuring consistent operational readiness and pilot training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $46.0 million to DAVENPORT AVIATION INC. LIGHT ENFORCEMENT HELICOPTERS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DAVENPORT AVIATION INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $46.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-07-16. End: 2020-11-27.

What is the track record of Davenport Aviation Inc. with government contracts, particularly for aviation assets?

Davenport Aviation Inc. has a history of securing contracts with various government agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security. Their contract portfolio often includes aviation-related services and equipment. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including on-time delivery, adherence to specifications, and any past performance issues or awards, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability. Specific data on their success rate with aviation procurements and their financial stability would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the per-unit cost of these light enforcement helicopters compare to similar aircraft procured by other federal agencies or international partners?

Direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult without specific model information and detailed specifications for the helicopters procured by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. However, the total award of $45,957,886.03 for an unspecified number of units over a contract duration of approximately two years suggests a significant investment per aircraft. To benchmark, one would need to identify comparable procurements by agencies like the FBI, DEA, or international border patrol agencies for similar classes of helicopters (e.g., light utility, surveillance-equipped). Factors such as mission equipment, avionics, and manufacturer significantly influence price.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include potential delays in delivery due to manufacturing or supply chain issues, performance deficiencies in the helicopters' operational capabilities, and cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price structure is not strictly managed. Given the specialized nature of enforcement helicopters, obsolescence or the need for frequent upgrades could also be a risk. Mitigation strategies likely involve stringent contract oversight, performance metrics, phased delivery schedules with acceptance testing, and potentially robust warranty and maintenance clauses. The full and open competition may have also mitigated risks by ensuring multiple viable options were considered.

How effective have these light enforcement helicopters been in supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection's mission objectives?

The effectiveness of these helicopters is directly tied to their role in enhancing border surveillance, interdiction, and response capabilities. Their deployment likely contributes to increased situational awareness, faster response times to border incursions, and the ability to cover vast and often remote terrains. Quantifiable metrics of effectiveness would include data on successful interdictions, intelligence gathering, and operational hours logged. Without specific performance reports or mission success data linked to these assets, a definitive assessment of their effectiveness remains qualitative.

What are the historical spending patterns for light enforcement helicopters by the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Customs and Border Protection?

Historical spending on light enforcement helicopters by DHS and CBP would likely show a consistent need for aerial assets to support border security operations. This spending would fluctuate based on fleet modernization needs, operational tempo, and budget allocations. Analyzing past contracts for similar aircraft, including their value, duration, and the number of units procured, would reveal trends. For instance, periods of increased border activity or technological advancements in surveillance equipment might correlate with higher spending on such assets.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing › Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1268976

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 MARILYN LN, COLUMBUS, OH, 43219

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,957,886

Exercised Options: $45,957,886

Current Obligation: $45,957,886

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F139DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline