Davenport Aviation awarded $63.6M for light enforcement helicopters by Homeland Security

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $63,587,776 ($63.6M)

Contractor: Davenport Aviation Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-02-05

End Date: 2026-02-04

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.8K/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: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43219

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $63.6 million to DAVENPORT AVIATION INC for work described as: LIGHT ENFORCEMENT HELICOPTERS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in aerial surveillance capabilities. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but requires careful scope management. 4. Long duration of 5 years indicates a sustained need for these assets. 5. Geographic focus on Ohio for delivery suggests specific operational requirements. 6. The contract's performance period spans a substantial timeframe, requiring ongoing monitoring.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns. The fixed-price nature suggests an attempt to cap costs, but the total value of $63.6 million over five years indicates a substantial expenditure. Comparison to similar contracts for specialized aircraft would be necessary to fully assess value for money, considering factors like aircraft type, capabilities, and support services.

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 typically fosters a more competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and terms for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, which would provide further insight into the actual level of competition achieved.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and solutions, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of goods or services received.

Public Impact

U.S. Customs and Border Protection benefits from enhanced aerial surveillance capabilities. Light enforcement helicopters will support border security and law enforcement operations. The contract's delivery location in Ohio may indicate specific regional operational needs. Potential workforce implications for maintenance, operations, and support personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if contract scope is not tightly managed under fixed-price terms.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical asset like enforcement helicopters.
Ensuring long-term maintainability and availability of specialized aircraft.
Assessing the true operational effectiveness and return on investment of these helicopters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty if scope is well-defined.
Long contract duration allows for sustained operational support and planning.
Clear agency and purpose (Homeland Security, enforcement helicopters).

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense sector, particularly the segment focused on specialized aircraft for government applications, is characterized by high R&D costs, stringent regulatory requirements, and long procurement cycles. Contracts for surveillance and enforcement aircraft are critical for national security and border protection. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on geopolitical events and evolving threats. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar light aircraft, surveillance equipment, and associated support services within federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of a small business set-aside for this contract, nor is there information on subcontracting plans. Given the specialized nature of light enforcement helicopters, it is likely that the primary contractor is a large aerospace firm. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors for specific components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as the end-user agency, would also play a key role in monitoring performance. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of contract performance metrics and any associated Inspector General reports. The fixed-price nature of the contract implies a focus on delivery against agreed-upon specifications.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Aircraft Procurement
Border Patrol Aviation Assets
Law Enforcement Surveillance Technology
Federal Aviation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in fixed-price contracts.
Long-term sustainment and maintenance costs.
Dependence on specific technology and vendor support.
Ensuring adequate competition for specialized assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $63.6 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 $63.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-02-05. End: 2026-02-04.

What is the specific model of light enforcement helicopter being procured, and what are its key performance specifications?

The provided data does not specify the exact model of the light enforcement helicopter. However, the contract is for 'LIGHT ENFORCEMENT HELICOPTERS,' suggesting aircraft designed for surveillance, patrol, and potentially light interdiction roles. Key performance specifications would typically include range, endurance, speed, payload capacity (including sensor equipment), and operational ceiling. These helicopters are likely equipped with advanced sensor suites such as electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, radar, and communication systems to support border security and law enforcement missions. Further details would be available in the contract's statement of work or technical exhibits.

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

The provided data does not allow for a direct per-unit cost calculation as it represents a total contract value over a period, potentially including multiple aircraft, support, training, and maintenance. To compare per-unit costs, one would need to know the number of helicopters being procured and isolate the cost of the airframes themselves from associated services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for light surveillance helicopters (e.g., Bell 407, Airbus H125) acquired by agencies like the FBI, DEA, or state/local law enforcement would be necessary. Such comparisons should account for differences in equipment, customization, and contract terms (e.g., fixed-price vs. cost-plus).

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

Primary risks include potential cost overruns if the fixed-price scope is not meticulously managed, delivery delays impacting operational readiness, performance issues with the helicopters or their specialized equipment, and long-term sustainment challenges (maintenance, parts availability). Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by CBP, clear performance metrics in the statement of work, phased delivery schedules, stringent acceptance testing, and potentially performance-based payment schedules. The contractor's track record in delivering complex aviation systems and adherence to maintenance protocols are also critical risk factors.

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

Historical spending data for light enforcement helicopters by CBP or DHS is not provided in the current dataset. However, CBP has a long-standing requirement for aerial surveillance to support its border security mission. Past procurements would likely show a pattern of acquiring various types of aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, tailored for different operational needs. Analyzing historical contract awards for similar platforms over the last 5-10 years would reveal trends in spending levels, preferred manufacturers, and the evolution of technology requirements. This context is crucial for understanding if the current $63.6 million award represents an increase, decrease, or steady level of investment.

What is Davenport Aviation Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly for aviation-related procurements?

The provided data indicates Davenport Aviation Inc. as the contractor. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on federal contracts, specifically those involving the procurement or modification of aircraft, especially helicopters. Key factors to evaluate include on-time delivery, adherence to specifications, contract value history, and any past performance issues or disputes. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or contractor performance assessment reporting (CPARS) would be essential to gauge their reliability and capability in fulfilling this significant contract.

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: 20122170

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 MARILYN PARK 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: $65,965,121

Exercised Options: $63,587,776

Current Obligation: $63,587,776

Actual Outlays: $28,605,303

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F139DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline