Air Force awards $24.18M contract for flight training operations support to Credence Dynamo Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,181,353 ($24.2M)

Contractor: Credence Dynamo Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-01

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE SCOPE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE FLIGHT TRAINING OPERATIONS SUPPORT (FTOS) FUNCTIONS TO AETC TRAINING SQUADRONS. FTOS FUNCTIONS INCLUDE STAN/EVAL SUPPORT, TRAINING SUPPORT, AND AIRCREW SCHEDULING/PROGRAMMING SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: RANDOLPH AFB, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78150

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.2 million to CREDENCE DYNAMO SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: THE SCOPE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE FLIGHT TRAINING OPERATIONS SUPPORT (FTOS) FUNCTIONS TO AETC TRAINING SQUADRONS. FTOS FUNCTIONS INCLUDE STAN/EVAL SUPPORT, TRAINING SUPPORT, AND AIRCREW SCHEDULING/PROGRAMMING SUPPORT. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential support functions for Air Education and Training Command (AETC) squadrons, including Stan/Eval, training, and aircrew scheduling. 2. This award represents a significant investment in maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of pilot training programs. 3. The contract duration of 1095 days (3 years) indicates a need for sustained, long-term support. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests a clear understanding of the scope and expected costs. 5. The geographic location of Texas (TX) is noted for the contract's performance. 6. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, implying a competitive process with specific justifications.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $24.18 million over three years for flight training operations support appears reasonable given the scope of services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for training support and operational assistance within the Department of Defense is necessary for a definitive value assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract 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 after exclusion of sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, there were specific reasons for excluding certain sources, which would need further investigation to understand the full competitive landscape. The presence of 4 bids suggests a moderate level of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and services, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

Aircrew members and training squadrons within the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) will benefit from enhanced operational support. Services include crucial functions like Stan/Eval support, general training support, and aircrew scheduling/programming. The contract's performance is centered in Texas (TX), impacting the local workforce and economy. This contract directly supports the development and readiness of Air Force pilots and aircrews.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The specific justification for 'exclusion of sources' in a 'full and open' competition needs clarification to ensure maximum competition was achieved.
The potential impact of limited competition, if the exclusion criteria were broad, on long-term pricing and innovation should be monitored.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The award to a single contractor for a defined period suggests a stable and reliable support structure for training operations.
The contract duration of three years allows for consistent service delivery and reduces the administrative burden of frequent re-competition.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on engineering services (NAICS 541330). The market for flight training operations support is specialized, often involving contractors with deep expertise in military aviation protocols and scheduling. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining pilot proficiency and readiness across various military branches. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar operational support services within the DoD and other federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary consideration for this specific award, as the 'sb' (small business) flag is false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force and the relevant contracting activity within AETC. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Training Programs
Pilot Training Support Services
Aviation Operations Management
Defense Training and Simulation
Military Personnel Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' justification.
Need for detailed performance metrics to ensure value for money.
Contractor's historical performance data not provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.2 million to CREDENCE DYNAMO SOLUTIONS LLC. THE SCOPE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO PROVIDE FLIGHT TRAINING OPERATIONS SUPPORT (FTOS) FUNCTIONS TO AETC TRAINING SQUADRONS. FTOS FUNCTIONS INCLUDE STAN/EVAL SUPPORT, TRAINING SUPPORT, AND AIRCREW SCHEDULING/PROGRAMMING SUPPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREDENCE DYNAMO 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 $24.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-01. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the specific justification for the 'exclusion of sources' in this 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award?

The designation 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' typically implies that the solicitation was made available to all responsible sources, but certain sources were excluded based on specific criteria outlined in the solicitation or federal acquisition regulations. Common reasons for exclusion can include failure to meet minimum qualifications, past performance issues, or specific technical requirements that only a limited number of contractors could meet. Without access to the detailed solicitation and award documentation, the precise reasons for excluding other potential bidders remain unknown. This exclusion, even within a broad competition framework, warrants scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly limit competition, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value for the taxpayer.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar flight training operations support contracts awarded by the Air Force or other DoD branches?

A comprehensive comparison of pricing would require access to a database of similar contracts, including their scope, duration, and total value. The provided data indicates a total award of $24.18 million over 1095 days (3 years), averaging approximately $8.06 million per year. To benchmark this, one would look for contracts providing Stan/Eval support, training scheduling, and programming for aircrews. Factors such as the number of personnel supported, the complexity of the training programs, and the specific geographic location can significantly influence pricing. Without these comparative data points, it is difficult to definitively state whether this contract represents excellent, good, or fair value for money. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests a degree of cost predictability.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of Credence Dynamo Solutions LLC in fulfilling this contract?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for Flight Training Operations Support (FTOS), typical KPIs would likely revolve around the timeliness and accuracy of aircrew scheduling, the effectiveness of Stan/Eval support in maintaining pilot qualifications, and the overall efficiency of training program administration. Other potential metrics could include contractor responsiveness, adherence to reporting requirements, and feedback from the training squadrons. The firm-fixed-price contract structure implies that the contractor is responsible for meeting defined service levels, and failure to do so could result in penalties or impact future contract awards. Specific KPIs are usually detailed within the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS).

What is the historical spending pattern for Flight Training Operations Support (FTOS) by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC)?

The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for FTOS by AETC. To analyze this, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like FPDS or USASpending) for similar contracts awarded over previous fiscal years. Key search terms would include 'Flight Training Operations Support,' 'AETC,' 'training support,' and relevant NAICS codes. Analyzing historical spending would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the number of contractors involved. It would also help identify if this $24.18 million award is consistent with, higher than, or lower than previous investments in similar support functions, providing context for the current contract's scale and significance.

What is the track record of Credence Dynamo Solutions LLC with government contracts, particularly within the defense sector?

The provided data identifies Credence Dynamo Solutions LLC as the contractor but does not offer details on their track record. A thorough assessment would require searching federal procurement databases (e.g., FPDS, SAM.gov) for past awards to this company. This would reveal the types of contracts they have held, their performance history (including any past performance evaluations or disputes), and their experience within the defense sector or specifically with the Air Force. Understanding their prior performance is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this new $24.18 million contract and for assessing their capability to deliver the required flight training operations support effectively.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1951 KIDWELL DR STE 550, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,790,378

Exercised Options: $25,899,909

Current Obligation: $24,181,353

Actual Outlays: $1,574,687

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8134

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline