Air Force awards $8.3M for F-22 training support, with Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs securing the deal

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,286,974 ($8.3M)

Contractor: Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-01

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT

Sector: Defense

Official Description: F-22 FIGHTER TRAINING UNIT (FTU) BEDDOWN CONTRACTED SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23665

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.3 million to CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C. for work described as: F-22 FIGHTER TRAINING UNIT (FTU) BEDDOWN CONTRACTED SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in maintaining the operational readiness of the F-22 fleet. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust bidding process for specialized engineering services. 3. Performance context suggests a focus on ensuring effective training for F-22 pilots. 4. Sector positioning places this contract within the critical defense aerospace and training services market. 5. Risk indicators may include potential for cost overruns or schedule delays in complex training programs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.3 million for F-22 fighter training unit support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services required. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced fighter pilot training and support services would provide a more precise assessment, but the fixed-price level-of-effort structure suggests a defined scope. The award to Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C. indicates a competitive selection process for these critical support functions.

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,' suggesting that while the competition was broad, specific exclusions were applied, potentially due to security or specialized capability requirements. The presence of 4 bidders indicates a healthy level of competition for this specialized defense service. This level of competition generally supports price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this contract helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Directly benefits the U.S. Air Force by ensuring the effective training of F-22 fighter pilots. Supports the operational readiness and national security posture associated with the F-22 Raptor program. Services are delivered within Virginia, impacting the local economy and workforce in that region. Contributes to the specialized skills development within the defense contracting sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in training requirements impacting cost and schedule.
Reliance on specialized personnel may lead to workforce availability challenges.
Ensuring consistent quality of training across all delivery orders is crucial.

Positive Signals

Award to a contractor with demonstrated experience in strategic programs.
Fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty.
Multiple bidders suggest a competitive market for these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense aerospace and engineering services sector, a critical component of national security spending. The market for specialized training and support services for advanced fighter aircraft is highly concentrated, with a few key players possessing the necessary expertise and security clearances. The total contract value of approximately $8.3 million is modest within the broader defense budget but significant for the specific support function it addresses. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in contracts for other advanced military platform training and sustainment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors to Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore not directly quantifiable from this data alone.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded within the fixed-price level-of-effort contract terms, requiring the contractor to meet defined performance standards. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

F-22 Raptor Sustainment Programs
Air Force Pilot Training Programs
Defense Engineering Services Contracts
Aerospace Training and Simulation

Risk Flags

Potential for cost growth if scope is not well-defined.
Dependence on specialized contractor personnel.
Ensuring consistent training quality across all delivery orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.3 million to CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C.. F-22 FIGHTER TRAINING UNIT (FTU) BEDDOWN CONTRACTED SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C..

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 $8.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the track record of Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C. in supporting complex defense training contracts?

Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C. has a history of performing various support services for government agencies, including defense contracts. Their experience often spans areas like logistics, technical support, and program management. To assess their specific track record for complex defense training contracts, a review of their past performance on similar engagements, including client feedback, past performance evaluations, and any documented issues or successes, would be necessary. This would provide insight into their capability to manage the technical and logistical demands of F-22 fighter training support, ensuring they can meet the stringent requirements of the Air Force.

How does the awarded price compare to similar F-22 training support contracts?

Direct comparison of the $8.3 million contract value for F-22 FTU beddown contracted support services to similar contracts is challenging without access to proprietary pricing data for comparable engagements. However, the contract type (Fixed Price Level of Effort) and the number of bidders (4) suggest a competitive environment. Generally, for specialized defense support services, pricing is influenced by factors such as the complexity of the aircraft, the required training outcomes, the duration of the contract, and the specific services provided (e.g., simulation, curriculum development, instructor support). A detailed benchmark analysis would involve comparing the per-unit costs or total contract values of services for other advanced fighter platforms, adjusted for inflation and scope differences.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns if the scope of training support expands beyond initial estimates, schedule delays in delivering training services, and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the training provided to pilots. Mitigation strategies likely involve the fixed-price level-of-effort contract structure, which caps costs for a defined effort, and robust performance monitoring by the Air Force. Clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and defined delivery schedules are crucial for managing these risks. The contractor's experience and the competitive nature of the award also contribute to mitigating risks by selecting a capable provider.

How effective is the current training support structure for the F-22 program in meeting pilot readiness goals?

The effectiveness of the current training support structure for the F-22 program is primarily measured by the Air Force's ability to maintain pilot readiness and operational capability. This contract's objective is to ensure that F-22 pilots receive adequate and up-to-date training. Success would be indicated by high pilot proficiency rates, successful mission simulations, and the timely graduation of trained pilots. While this specific contract focuses on 'beddown' support services, its effectiveness is a component of the broader F-22 training ecosystem. Performance metrics within the contract, such as training completion rates and feedback from trainees and instructors, would provide direct measures of its contribution to pilot readiness.

What are the historical spending patterns for F-22 training support services over the past five years?

Historical spending patterns for F-22 training support services over the past five years would reveal the trend in investment for maintaining pilot proficiency and operational readiness for the F-22 fleet. This data would likely show fluctuations based on fleet size, modernization programs, and evolving training requirements. Analyzing these patterns can indicate whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and whether it aligns with the overall lifecycle of the F-22 program. Understanding these trends helps in forecasting future needs and assessing the long-term financial commitment to F-22 pilot training.

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

Solicitation ID: FA480020RM001

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2 W 2ND ST STE 1500-28, TULSA, OK, 74103

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, 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, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,115,330

Exercised Options: $9,009,645

Current Obligation: $8,286,974

Actual Outlays: $898,458

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $3,748,605

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS110

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline