Air Force awards $21M Weapons School contract to Crew Training International for flight training
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,049,727 ($21.0M)
Contractor: Crew Training International, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-02-01
End Date: 2024-05-31
Contract Duration: 2,311 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: WEAPONS SCHOOL CONTRACT AWARD
Place of Performance
Location: NELLIS AFB, CLARK County, NEVADA, 89191
State: Nevada Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.0 million to CREW TRAINING INTERNATIONAL, INC for work described as: WEAPONS SCHOOL CONTRACT AWARD Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of specialized flight training. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a definitive contract, indicating a long-term agreement for services. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 5. The training is essential for developing advanced combat aircrew skills. 6. Contract duration of nearly two years provides stability for training continuity.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $21 million over 2311 days (roughly 6.3 years) for specialized flight training appears to be a fair price. Benchmarking against similar advanced aircrew training programs is challenging due to the unique nature of the Weapons School curriculum. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded for reasons not detailed in the provided data. The number of bidders (8) suggests a reasonable level of interest, but the exclusion of sources might limit the full potential of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple bids. However, the specific reasons for excluding sources would be critical to fully assess if the best possible price was achieved.
Public Impact
Pilots and aircrew from the U.S. Air Force benefit from advanced combat training. The services delivered include specialized flight instruction and tactical development. The training primarily impacts personnel at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. This contract supports the development of highly skilled combat aviators, enhancing overall Air Force readiness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to exclusion of sources.
- Contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract type limits cost escalation.
- Long-term contract provides training continuity.
- Competition, even with exclusions, likely drove a reasonable price.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on specialized flight training. The market for such niche, high-level military training is limited to a few experienced providers. The total value of $21 million over its period is a significant investment in aircrew development, reflecting the high cost and complexity of advanced aviation instruction.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, with the primary beneficiaries being the prime contractor and potentially larger subcontractors if utilized.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a definitive contract, which typically involves established oversight mechanisms within the Department of the Air Force. The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight by setting a ceiling on costs. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting, but specific details on ongoing performance monitoring and accountability measures would require access to contract management files.
Related Government Programs
- Air Force Pilot Training Programs
- Combat Aircrew Qualification
- Advanced Tactical Training
- Military Flight Simulation Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Contract duration requires careful performance monitoring.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, air-force, weapons-school, flight-training, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, nevada, professional-scientific-and-technical-services, crew-training-international-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.0 million to CREW TRAINING INTERNATIONAL, INC. WEAPONS SCHOOL CONTRACT AWARD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CREW TRAINING INTERNATIONAL, 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 $21.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-02-01. End: 2024-05-31.
What is the track record of Crew Training International, Inc. with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?
Crew Training International, Inc. has a history of securing contracts with the Department of Defense, primarily focused on aviation training services. While specific details on past performance metrics are not provided here, their ability to win this significant contract suggests a demonstrated capability and a positive past performance record with the government. Further analysis would involve reviewing their contract history for on-time delivery, quality of service, and any past performance issues or disputes. Their specialization in flight training indicates a focused expertise that likely aligns with the Air Force's needs.
How does the $21 million contract value compare to similar specialized flight training contracts awarded by the Air Force or other branches?
Direct comparison of the $21 million contract value is difficult without knowing the exact scope and duration of 'similar' contracts. However, considering this is for the highly specialized Weapons School, which trains elite aircrews in advanced tactics, the cost is likely commensurate with the expertise and resources required. Contracts for basic flight training or simulator maintenance are typically less expensive. The duration of nearly 6.3 years (2311 days) spreads the cost, making the annual expenditure around $3.3 million, which is within the range for complex, long-term military training initiatives.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks include potential performance issues (e.g., failure to deliver training to the required standard), cost overruns (though mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure), and potential schedule delays. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust performance monitoring by the Air Force, clear contract deliverables, and the fixed-price nature which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs. The exclusion of certain sources in the competition phase could also be a risk if it limits the pool of qualified bidders, potentially impacting price or innovation.
How effective is the Weapons School program in enhancing the combat readiness of Air Force personnel?
The Weapons School is widely recognized as a cornerstone of Air Force combat readiness, developing tactical experts and instructors who then disseminate advanced skills throughout the force. Its curriculum focuses on complex, multi-domain operations and adversary integration, preparing aircrews for the most challenging combat scenarios. While direct effectiveness metrics for this specific contract are not provided, the program's long-standing reputation and continuous operation suggest a high degree of effectiveness in producing superior combat airpower capabilities.
What are the historical spending patterns for flight training services within the Department of the Air Force?
The Department of the Air Force consistently allocates significant funding towards flight training, encompassing everything from initial pilot qualification to advanced tactical training like that provided by the Weapons School. Historical spending data would show multi-billion dollar annual investments in aviation training across various platforms and skill levels. This $21 million contract represents a specific, high-value component within that broader training budget, reflecting the ongoing need for advanced aircrew development.
What is the significance of the 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT' award type in this context?
A definitive contract is a contract that is awarded at a fixed price for a fixed or indefinite quantity of supplies or services. In this case, it signifies a formal, long-term agreement between the Air Force and Crew Training International, Inc. for the provision of Weapons School training services over a specified period. This award type provides stability and predictability for both parties, allowing for long-range planning and resource allocation, which is crucial for sustained, high-level training programs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Flight Training
Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: FA489016R0040
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 9198 CRESTWYN HILLS DR, MEMPHIS, TN, 38125
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $38,519,730
Exercised Options: $22,944,827
Current Obligation: $21,049,727
Actual Outlays: $4,132,879
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $424,338
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-02-01
Current End Date: 2024-05-31
Potential End Date: 2024-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-12-27
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