Air Force awards $20.6M for flight training operations support to Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,565,016 ($20.6M)

Contractor: Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-01

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FLIGHT TRAINING OPERATIONS SUPPORT - CONTRACTOR SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND STANDARDIZATION&EVALUATION

Place of Performance

Location: RANDOLPH AFB, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78150

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.6 million to BOWHEAD PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: FLIGHT TRAINING OPERATIONS SUPPORT - CONTRACTOR SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND STANDARDIZATION&EVALUATION Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for training and standardization/evaluation, crucial for aircrew readiness. 2. The contract is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price, indicating predictable costs. 3. Awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competitive pricing and potential alternatives. 4. The duration of the contract extends over multiple years, suggesting a long-term need for these services. 5. The service category is 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', a broad classification. 6. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, with no indication of subcontracting plans.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more specific details on the services provided and comparable contracts. The total value of $20.6 million over approximately 5.5 years suggests an average annual spend of around $3.7 million. Given the lack of competition, it's difficult to assess if this represents optimal value for money. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of work and deliverables to similar support contracts within the Department of Defense.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor possesses the unique capabilities or resources required for the service, or in cases of urgent need. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to achieve the best possible pricing and terms.

Taxpayer Impact: A sole-source award means taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings that can arise from a competitive bidding process. The government may be paying a premium due to the absence of competing offers.

Public Impact

Aircrew personnel will benefit from enhanced training and standardization, improving operational effectiveness. The services delivered are critical for maintaining the proficiency and readiness of Air Force pilots and support staff. The contract's impact is primarily within the Department of the Air Force, supporting its training infrastructure. Workforce implications include the potential for continued employment for personnel at Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC supporting these operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source awards can reduce transparency in pricing and service delivery.
Dependence on a single contractor could pose risks if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Contract provides specialized support essential for Air Force readiness.
Firm fixed-price contract offers cost predictability.
Long-term award indicates a stable, ongoing requirement for these services.

Sector Analysis

The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' sector is broad, encompassing a wide range of specialized support functions. Within the defense industry, such services are vital for maintaining operational readiness, providing specialized expertise, and supporting complex training programs. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant investments in simulation, training development, and technical advisory roles, with contract values varying widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements. Therefore, it does not directly contribute to the small business contracting goals. The full value of the contract is likely to be performed by the prime contractor, Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC, with no direct benefit or opportunity for small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are established through the contract's performance work statement and delivery requirements. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but contract award data is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Training Services
Professional and Technical Services
Defense Contractor Support
Flight Simulation and Training
Operational Readiness Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for inflated costs
Limited transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.6 million to BOWHEAD PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS LLC. FLIGHT TRAINING OPERATIONS SUPPORT - CONTRACTOR SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND STANDARDIZATION&EVALUATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOWHEAD PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS LLC.

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 $20.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-01. End: 2026-02-28.

What specific flight training operations and standardization/evaluation services are being provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'FLIGHT TRAINING OPERATIONS SUPPORT - CONTRACTOR SUPPORT FOR TRAINING AND STANDARDIZATION&EVALUATION'. While the exact nature of these services is not detailed, it generally implies contractor involvement in supporting the Air Force's processes for training aircrews and evaluating their performance and adherence to standards. This could encompass a range of activities such as simulator operation, curriculum development support, performance assessment, standardization checks, and logistical support for training exercises. The specific tasks would be outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS), which is not publicly available in this data snippet.

Why was this contract awarded on a sole-source basis, and what is the justification for not competing it?

Sole-source awards are typically justified when a specific justification and approval (J&A) is documented, indicating that only one responsible source can satisfy the agency's needs. Common reasons include unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, proprietary technology, or urgent and compelling requirements where competition is not feasible. For this contract, the Department of the Air Force would have had to provide a formal justification, likely detailing why Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC was the only viable option. Without access to the J&A document, the precise reason remains undisclosed, but it suggests a perceived lack of alternatives in the market for these specific flight training support services.

How does the $20.6 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar flight training support services by the Air Force?

Direct comparison of this $20.6 million contract value to historical spending on similar services is difficult without more granular data on past contracts for flight training operations support and standardization/evaluation. The total contract value spans from September 1, 2020, to February 28, 2026 (approximately 5.5 years), averaging around $3.7 million annually. To assess historical value, one would need to analyze previous contracts for comparable services, considering factors like the number of aircraft supported, the types of training conducted, and the specific support functions provided. A trend analysis of annual spending on these types of services over several fiscal years would be necessary to determine if this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a significant contract like this on a sole-source basis?

The primary risks associated with sole-source awards include potentially higher costs due to the absence of competitive pressure, reduced innovation as there's less incentive for the contractor to go above and beyond, and a lack of market validation for the pricing and service levels. There's also a risk of contractor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch providers in the future. Furthermore, if the sole-source contractor experiences performance issues or financial instability, the government has limited recourse without significant disruption to critical operations like flight training. Transparency is also diminished, making it harder for oversight bodies and the public to scrutinize the value received.

What performance metrics or oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure Bowhead Professional and Technical Solutions LLC meets the Air Force's requirements?

While specific performance metrics are not detailed in the provided data, standard government contracts include a Performance Work Statement (PWS) that outlines required services, deliverables, and performance standards. Oversight is typically managed by a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) within the Air Force, who monitors contractor performance against the PWS. The contract likely includes clauses for quality assurance, reporting requirements, and potentially incentives or penalties tied to performance. Regular progress meetings and reviews would also be part of the oversight process to ensure the contractor is meeting the critical needs for flight training operations support and standardization/evaluation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6564 LOISDALE CT STE 900, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 22150

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,565,016

Exercised Options: $20,565,016

Current Obligation: $20,565,016

Actual Outlays: $7,858,162

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline