Coast Guard awards $730K purchase order for HC-144 aircraft HMU repair to Woodward, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $73,000 ($73.0K)

Contractor: Woodward, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-07

End Date: 2026-07-17

Contract Duration: 101 days

Daily Burn Rate: $723/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REPAIR OF H.M.U FOR HC-144 AIRCRAFT.

Place of Performance

Location: LOVES PARK, WINNEBAGO County, ILLINOIS, 61111

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $73,000 to WOODWARD, INC. for work described as: REPAIR OF H.M.U FOR HC-144 AIRCRAFT. Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison to similar repair services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, potentially impacting price. 3. Risk indicators include the sole-source nature and limited contract duration. 4. Performance context is specific to HC-144 aircraft maintenance needs. 5. Sector positioning is within aviation support services for a federal agency.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $730,000 award for HMU repair on HC-144 aircraft appears to be a standard procurement for specialized maintenance. Benchmarking against similar aviation component repair contracts is challenging without more detailed service descriptions. However, the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. The relatively short duration of the contract (approximately 3 months) suggests it addresses an immediate need rather than a long-term sustainment effort.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Woodward, Inc., was solicited. This approach is typically used when a specific capability or proprietary technology is required, or in cases of urgent need. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from multiple bids to drive down prices or explore alternative solutions. This limits the government's ability to ensure it received the best possible value through a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for this repair service means taxpayers may have paid a higher price than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract. Without competitive pressure, there is less incentive for the contractor to offer the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard benefits from the repair of critical HMU components for its HC-144 aircraft fleet. This ensures the continued operational readiness and safety of the HC-144 aircraft, which are vital for Coast Guard missions. The repair services are likely performed at a facility in Illinois, the contractor's state. The contract supports specialized technical jobs within the aviation maintenance sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potential value.
Short contract duration may indicate a reactive maintenance need rather than proactive planning.
Lack of detailed service scope makes independent value assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Award to a specific vendor suggests specialized expertise for HC-144 aircraft.
Contract supports essential operational readiness for Coast Guard aviation assets.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aviation maintenance and repair services. The market for specialized aircraft component repair is often characterized by a limited number of qualified vendors due to the technical expertise and certifications required. Federal spending in this area supports the operational capabilities of military and civilian aviation fleets, ensuring readiness and safety. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar aircraft component repairs across different government agencies.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not competed and there is no indication of small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements. Therefore, it is unlikely to have a direct positive impact on the small business ecosystem. The award to a single, likely established, vendor suggests that opportunities for small businesses in this specific repair niche may be limited unless they are part of the prime contractor's supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a purchase order, which is a common procurement instrument. Oversight would typically be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer and program managers responsible for HC-144 aircraft maintenance. Transparency is provided through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Specific accountability measures would be detailed within the purchase order terms and conditions, including performance standards and payment schedules.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Services
Aviation Support
Department of Homeland Security Procurement
U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Operations

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may lead to higher costs.
Limited competition restricts market price discovery.
Short contract duration requires close monitoring for follow-on needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $73,000 to WOODWARD, INC.. REPAIR OF H.M.U FOR HC-144 AIRCRAFT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WOODWARD, INC..

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 $73,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-07. End: 2026-07-17.

What is the specific nature of the HMU repair and why was Woodward, Inc. uniquely qualified?

The 'HMU' likely refers to a Hydro-Mechanical Unit, a critical component in aircraft systems, potentially related to flight controls, landing gear, or engine systems. Woodward, Inc. is a known manufacturer and service provider for various aircraft components, including fuel systems and engine controls. The sole-source award suggests that Woodward, Inc. may be the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or possess proprietary knowledge, specialized tooling, or unique repair certifications essential for the HC-144's specific HMU. Without further details from the contract documentation, it's presumed that only Woodward, Inc. could perform this repair to the required specifications, ensuring airworthiness and operational integrity of the aircraft.

How does the $730,000 cost compare to similar HMU repair contracts for other aircraft types or the HC-144 historically?

Direct comparison of the $730,000 cost for this specific HMU repair is difficult without access to detailed historical data for the HC-144 aircraft or comparable platforms. The price is influenced by the complexity of the HMU, the extent of the required repairs, the specific labor rates, and the overhead costs associated with Woodward, Inc.'s specialized repair facility. Given the sole-source nature, a robust benchmark against competitive bids is absent. However, the firm fixed-price structure implies that the government has agreed upon a ceiling cost. Further analysis would require examining past repair orders for the HC-144 or similar turboprop aircraft HMUs, considering factors like component age, operational hours, and the specific failure modes encountered.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical aircraft component repair?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for critical aircraft component repair is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive pressure. Taxpayers may end up paying more than necessary. Another significant risk is reduced incentive for the sole provider to innovate or improve efficiency, as they face no direct competition. Furthermore, reliance on a single supplier can create supply chain vulnerabilities; if the sole provider experiences production issues, delays, or ceases operations, it could severely impact the operational readiness of the affected aircraft fleet. Ensuring rigorous oversight and performance monitoring becomes even more critical in sole-source situations.

What is the expected impact of this repair on the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard's HC-144 fleet?

This repair is expected to have a positive impact on the operational readiness of the U.S. Coast Guard's HC-144 fleet by addressing a specific maintenance need for a critical component (HMU). Ensuring that the HMU is functioning correctly is vital for the safe and effective operation of the aircraft. By completing this repair within the specified timeframe (ending July 17, 2026), the Coast Guard aims to maintain or restore the airworthiness of at least one HC-144 aircraft, enabling it to perform its assigned missions, such as maritime patrol, search and rescue, and law enforcement. The timely completion of such repairs is fundamental to sustaining the overall availability and reliability of the HC-144 aircraft inventory.

Are there any indications of past performance issues or successes with Woodward, Inc. on similar government contracts?

Assessing Woodward, Inc.'s past performance requires accessing detailed contract databases and performance reviews, which are not fully available in the provided data. However, Woodward, Inc. is a well-established company in the aerospace industry, often supplying components and services to both commercial and government entities. Their longevity suggests a general capacity to meet contractual obligations. For this specific contract, the sole-source nature might imply a positive past relationship or a recognized capability that led to this direct award. A comprehensive review would involve searching for past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) related to similar aviation repair or component supply contracts awarded to Woodward, Inc. by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 70Z03826QL0000105

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5001 N 2ND ST, LOVES PARK, IL, 61111

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $73,000

Exercised Options: $73,000

Current Obligation: $73,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline