Coast Guard spends $358,760 on MH-60T aircraft engine parts from Triumph Engine Control Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $358,760 ($358.8K)

Contractor: Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-05-21

End Date: 2026-05-25

Contract Duration: 734 days

Daily Burn Rate: $489/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PURCHASE OF EDECUS FOR USE ON MH60T AIRCRAFT.

Place of Performance

Location: WEST HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06110

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $358,760 to TRIUMPH ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: PURCHASE OF EDECUS FOR USE ON MH60T AIRCRAFT. Key points: 1. The contract value of $358,760 for aircraft engine parts appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. 2. The sole-source award suggests limited competition, potentially impacting price negotiation and value for money. 3. The duration of the contract (734 days) indicates a need for ongoing support for critical aircraft components. 4. The purchase order was issued under special acquisition procedures, suggesting urgency or specific circumstances. 5. The contractor, Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC, is likely a specialized provider in this niche market. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags this as a contract not specifically aimed at small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific purchase order is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparable sole-source awards for similar specialized aircraft engine components. The price of $358,760 for a single purchase order for engine parts seems within a plausible range for high-specification aerospace components, but a lack of competitive bidding prevents a definitive assessment of optimal value for money. Further analysis would require understanding the specific components purchased and their market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed under standard procedures (SAP), indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. The specific reasons for this approach, such as the proprietary nature of the parts or the lack of alternative suppliers, are not detailed. The limited competition means that the U.S. Coast Guard did not benefit from a broader market solicitation, which could have led to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have received the lowest possible price for these critical aircraft engine parts, as there was no open bidding process to drive down costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard aviation units operating the MH-60T aircraft, ensuring operational readiness. The services delivered involve the provision of essential engine parts, crucial for maintaining the airworthiness and functionality of these helicopters. The geographic impact is likely concentrated where MH-60T aircraft are stationed and maintained, supporting national security and maritime safety missions. Workforce implications include ensuring that maintenance crews have the necessary parts to perform their duties, indirectly supporting aviation technician jobs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for higher costs due to sole-source procurement.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process due to non-competitive award.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical aircraft components.

Positive Signals

Ensures availability of critical parts for MH-60T aircraft, maintaining operational capability.
Contract awarded to a likely specialized and experienced supplier in engine control systems.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for this specific purchase.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing sector, a highly specialized segment of the aerospace industry. The market is characterized by high barriers to entry due to complex technology, stringent quality control, and significant research and development costs. Spending in this sector often involves long-term support contracts for military and civilian aviation fleets. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the exact parts procured, but large defense contracts for engine overhauls or new engine procurements can run into millions or billions.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The award to Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC, a likely established entity in the aerospace sector, suggests it is not primarily focused on small business participation. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses under this specific purchase order.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the U.S. Coast Guard's contracting and financial management departments. As a purchase order issued under special acquisition procedures, the level of public transparency might be limited compared to fully competed contracts. Accountability would be managed through contract performance monitoring and adherence to the terms of the firm-fixed-price agreement. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

MH-60T Helicopter Support
Aircraft Parts Procurement
Aviation Maintenance Services
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for price inflation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $358,760 to TRIUMPH ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS LLC. PURCHASE OF EDECUS FOR USE ON MH60T AIRCRAFT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIUMPH ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEMS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $358,760.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-21. End: 2026-05-25.

What is the specific nature of the 'EDECUS' components being purchased for the MH-60T aircraft?

The abbreviation 'EDECUS' is not a standard or widely recognized term in aviation maintenance or procurement. It is possible that 'EDECUS' refers to a specific proprietary system, a component part number, or a unique designation used internally by Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC or the U.S. Coast Guard. Without further clarification or context from the contracting agency or the supplier, the precise nature of these components remains unknown. This lack of specificity hinders a detailed analysis of their criticality, cost drivers, and potential for alternative sourcing. Further inquiry with the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer or technical point of contact would be necessary to ascertain the exact meaning and function of 'EDECUS' within the MH-60T's engine system.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis instead of being competed?

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis because it was not competed under Special Acquisition Procedures (SAP). This typically indicates that the procuring agency, in this case, the U.S. Coast Guard, determined that only one source was capable of meeting the requirement. Common justifications for sole-source awards include the proprietary nature of the technology or parts, the unavailability of other qualified sources, urgent and compelling needs where competition is not feasible, or specific follow-on requirements to existing contracts where only the original contractor can provide the necessary items or services. The specific rationale for this sole-source award is not detailed in the provided data, but it suggests that Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC holds a unique position as the supplier for these particular MH-60T aircraft engine parts.

How does the $358,760 price compare to similar aircraft engine part procurements?

Direct comparison of the $358,760 price for 'EDECUS' parts is difficult without knowing the exact components and their specifications. However, for specialized aerospace components, particularly those for military-grade aircraft like the MH-60T, prices can vary significantly. A single purchase order of this amount could represent a few high-value components or a larger quantity of less expensive parts. Without access to a database of comparable sole-source or competitively bid procurements for similar MH-60T engine parts, it's challenging to benchmark this price effectively. Generally, sole-source awards tend to be higher than competitively bid ones, but the specialized nature of aviation parts often commands premium pricing due to R&D, certification, and quality assurance costs.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a sole-source supplier for critical aircraft parts?

Relying on a sole-source supplier like Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC for critical MH-60T aircraft engine parts presents several risks. Firstly, there is a significant risk of inflated pricing, as the supplier faces little to no competitive pressure to offer the most cost-effective solution. Secondly, there's a potential for supply chain disruptions; if the sole supplier experiences production issues, financial instability, or decides to discontinue the product line, the U.S. Coast Guard could face extended aircraft downtime. Thirdly, it can lead to a lack of innovation, as the supplier may have less incentive to improve products or processes. Lastly, it creates a dependency that can be strategically disadvantageous, especially for critical national security assets.

What is Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC's track record with the U.S. Coast Guard or similar agencies?

The provided data indicates that Triumph Engine Control Systems LLC is the contractor for this specific purchase order. To assess their track record, one would need to examine historical contract data for awards made to this company by the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal agencies, particularly for MH-60T aircraft or similar platforms. A review of past performance evaluations, on-time delivery rates, and any past disputes or quality issues would be crucial. Without this historical data, it's presumed they are a qualified supplier, but their specific performance history with the Coast Guard remains unverified by the current information.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational readiness of the MH-60T fleet?

This contract is intended to directly support the operational readiness of the MH-60T fleet by ensuring the availability of necessary engine parts. The MH-60T is a critical asset for the U.S. Coast Guard's search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and homeland security missions. By procuring these parts, the Coast Guard aims to maintain the airworthiness of its helicopters, minimize downtime for maintenance and repairs, and ensure that these aircraft are available when needed for deployment. The timely delivery and quality of the parts procured under this contract are therefore essential for sustaining the operational tempo and effectiveness of the MH-60T fleet.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ENGINE ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 70Z03824QJ0000291

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Triumph Group, Inc.

Address: 1 CHARTER OAK BLVD, WEST HARTFORD, CT, 06110

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $358,760

Exercised Options: $358,760

Current Obligation: $358,760

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline