Air Force awards $37.15M contract for technical training services to PKL Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,154,358 ($37.2M)

Contractor: PKL Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-09-01

End Date: 2018-08-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $102.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF F15SSA UGT

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $37.2 million to PKL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF F15SSA UGT Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized technical education. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 4. Short duration of one year may indicate a specific, time-bound training need. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 611519 points to vocational training. 6. Awardee PKL Services, Inc. is a key provider in the technical training sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $37.15 million for a one-year training program appears reasonable given the specialized nature of technical and trade schools. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced technical training would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved, which can lead to better cost control compared to cost-reimbursement contracts.

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 approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a robust process was intended.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive market rates, thereby maximizing the value of federal dollars.

Public Impact

Personnel within the Department of the Air Force will benefit from enhanced technical skills. Services delivered include specialized technical and trade instruction. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around Air Force installations where training is conducted. Workforce implications include the potential for upskilling and professional development for military and civilian personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs despite fixed-price contract.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical training needs.
Risk of training content becoming outdated if not regularly updated.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award process.
Awardee has experience in technical training services.

Sector Analysis

The technical and trade schools sector (NAICS 611519) is a vital component of the broader education and training industry, providing specialized skills essential for various industries, including defense. Federal spending in this area often supports military readiness and the development of a skilled civilian workforce. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other government contracts for vocational and technical training programs across different agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless PKL Services, Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Training Contracts
Vocational Education Services
Air Force Readiness Programs

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Scope of Training
Contractor Performance History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $37.2 million to PKL SERVICES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF F15SSA UGT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PKL SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $37.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-01. End: 2018-08-31.

What is the specific technical training provided under this contract, and how does it align with current Air Force operational needs?

The contract falls under NAICS code 611519, 'Other Technical and Trade Schools,' suggesting a broad scope of vocational and technical training. While the specific curriculum is not detailed in the provided data, such contracts typically cover areas critical to Air Force operations, including aircraft maintenance, electronics, cyber warfare, logistics, and specialized weapons systems operation. The alignment with operational needs would be assessed through the Air Force's strategic planning and requirements gathering processes, ensuring that the training directly supports mission readiness and addresses skill gaps identified within the force. The short, one-year duration might indicate a focus on immediate, high-priority training needs or a pilot program for new skill sets.

How does the awarded amount of $37.15 million compare to historical spending on similar technical training contracts by the Air Force or other DoD branches?

To benchmark the $37.15 million award, a comparative analysis of similar technical and trade school contracts awarded by the Air Force and other Department of Defense branches over the past several fiscal years would be necessary. Factors such as the duration of the contract, the number of personnel to be trained, the complexity of the skills taught, and the specific technologies involved would need to be considered. Without access to a comprehensive database of historical contract data, it is difficult to definitively state whether this amount is high or low. However, given the specialized nature of military technical training, values in the tens of millions of dollars for annual contracts are not uncommon, especially when covering a wide range of critical skills for a large service branch like the Air Force.

What is PKL Services, Inc.'s track record and past performance in delivering technical training services to the federal government?

PKL Services, Inc. has a history of providing technical training and support services to various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their past performance would be evaluated through sources such as the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), which documents contractor performance on previous contracts. A review of CPARS data would reveal ratings on aspects like technical quality, schedule adherence, cost control, and management. Positive past performance is a key factor in contract awards, especially for specialized services like technical training where reliability and expertise are paramount. The fact that they were awarded this significant contract suggests a satisfactory or better performance history on prior engagements.

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

Potential risks include the possibility of the training content becoming outdated due to rapid technological advancements, contractor underperformance leading to skill gaps, or cost overruns if the firm fixed-price structure proves inadequate for unforeseen circumstances. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust oversight by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) to monitor training quality and relevance, regular reviews of the curriculum to ensure it remains current, and clear performance metrics defined in the contract. The short duration may also serve as a risk mitigation tool, allowing for reassessment and potential re-competition if performance is unsatisfactory or needs change.

How does this contract contribute to the overall readiness and modernization goals of the U.S. Air Force?

This contract directly supports the U.S. Air Force's readiness and modernization goals by ensuring its personnel possess the necessary technical skills to operate and maintain advanced aircraft, weapon systems, and support infrastructure. As the Air Force modernizes its fleet and adopts new technologies (e.g., in cyber, AI, hypersonics), the demand for specialized training increases. By investing in technical education, the Air Force aims to bridge the gap between existing skill sets and the requirements of future operations, thereby enhancing combat effectiveness and operational efficiency. The training provided under this contract is crucial for maintaining a technologically superior force capable of meeting evolving global security challenges.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Other Technical and Trade Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA300216R0007

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14265 DANIELSONS ST C1, POWAY, CA, 92064

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,154,358

Exercised Options: $37,154,358

Current Obligation: $37,154,358

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA300216D0011

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline