DoD awards $44.1M for simulator instructor pilots, with 6 bidders indicating strong competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,117,610 ($44.1M)
Contractor: Valiant Global Defense Services Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-17
End Date: 2026-12-16
Contract Duration: 1,186 days
Daily Burn Rate: $37.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR PILOT
Place of Performance
Location: PEARL HARBOR, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96860
State: Hawaii Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $44.1 million to VALIANT GLOBAL DEFENSE SERVICES INC. for work described as: SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR PILOT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of services. 2. Strong competition among 6 bidders suggests potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is critical for pilot training readiness. 5. This contract fits within the broader Defense sector's training and simulation needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's total value of $44.1 million over approximately 3.25 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar simulator instructor pilot contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. The number of bidders implies a competitive environment that likely drove a fair price.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, with six bidders participating. This level of competition is generally considered healthy and suggests that the solicitation was widely accessible and attractive to potential offerors. The presence of multiple bidders allows for price discovery and encourages contractors to offer competitive terms.
Taxpayer Impact: A robust competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, as multiple companies vied to provide the best value, likely resulting in a more favorable price than a sole-source award.
Public Impact
Pilots in training will benefit from experienced instructors. Essential flight simulation services will be delivered, enhancing pilot proficiency. The geographic impact is focused on Hawaii, where the training will occur. This contract supports specialized aviation instructor roles within the Air Force.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for instructor churn impacting training continuity if not managed.
- Dependence on contractor performance for critical training outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overrun risk for the government.
- Strong competition suggests a capable pool of potential providers.
- Long-term contract duration provides stability for training programs.
Sector Analysis
The Defense sector heavily relies on simulation and training to maintain pilot readiness and proficiency. This contract for simulator instructor pilots falls within the broader aerospace and defense services market, which includes specialized training solutions. Spending in this area is crucial for national security, ensuring that aircrews are prepared for various operational scenarios. Comparable spending often involves significant investments in advanced training technologies and skilled personnel.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, VALIANT GLOBAL DEFENSE SERVICES INC., is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are participating in the supply chain for this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for oversight. Contract performance will likely be monitored through regular reporting requirements and quality assurance surveillance plans. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Pilot Training Programs
- Aircrew Simulation Services
- Defense Contractor Support Services
- Military Aviation Training
Risk Flags
- Potential for instructor churn impacting training continuity.
- Long contract duration may outpace technological advancements in simulation.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, firm-fixed-price, engineering-services, simulation-training, pilot-training, hawaii, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $44.1 million to VALIANT GLOBAL DEFENSE SERVICES INC.. SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR PILOT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VALIANT GLOBAL DEFENSE 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 $44.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-17. End: 2026-12-16.
What is the historical spending pattern for simulator instructor pilot services by the Department of the Air Force?
Analyzing historical spending for simulator instructor pilot services by the Department of the Air Force requires access to detailed contract databases over multiple fiscal years. While this specific contract is valued at $44.1 million, understanding the broader trend involves looking at the total obligated amounts and number of awards for similar services. Factors such as changes in aircraft platforms, pilot training requirements, and budget allocations can influence year-over-year spending. For instance, a surge in new aircraft procurement might necessitate increased spending on associated simulator training. Conversely, budget constraints or shifts in training methodologies could lead to reduced expenditures. Without specific historical data, it's challenging to pinpoint precise trends, but generally, the Air Force maintains consistent investment in pilot training to ensure operational readiness.
How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for simulator instructor pilots?
Determining a precise per-unit cost for simulator instructor pilots requires breaking down the total contract value by the number of instructors, hours of instruction, or specific training modules delivered. The provided data does not offer this granular detail. However, the contract's firm fixed-price nature and the competitive bidding process suggest that the pricing is likely aligned with market rates. Industry benchmarks for such specialized services can vary significantly based on the complexity of the simulators, the required qualifications of the instructors (e.g., specific aircraft experience, security clearances), and the geographic location of the training. A contract awarded under full and open competition with six bidders generally indicates that the pricing achieved is competitive and reflects a reasonable market value for the services rendered.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the contractor's performance on this contract?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a simulator instructor pilot contract typically focus on ensuring the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of the training provided. While specific KPIs are not detailed in the award data, common metrics would likely include instructor availability and punctuality, student pass/fail rates for training modules, student and supervisor satisfaction surveys, adherence to training schedules, and the successful completion of all required training objectives. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract incentivizes the contractor to meet these KPIs efficiently. Performance evaluations would likely be conducted by the Air Force contracting officer's representative (COR) or a designated quality assurance specialist, with deviations potentially impacting future contract awards or performance ratings.
What is the track record of VALIANT GLOBAL DEFENSE SERVICES INC. in providing similar simulation and training services to the DoD?
VALIANT GLOBAL DEFENSE SERVICES INC. has a history of providing various defense-related services, including training and simulation support. To assess their track record specifically for simulator instructor pilots, a review of their past contract performance with the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies would be necessary. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any reported contract disputes or terminations, and the scope and scale of previous similar contracts they have held. A company's ability to consistently meet performance requirements, manage costs, and adhere to schedules on prior contracts is a strong indicator of their capability. The award of this $44.1 million contract suggests that, based on available information and competitive evaluation, the Air Force deemed VALIANT GLOBAL DEFENSE SERVICES INC. a capable provider for these critical services.
What are the potential risks associated with the long duration (1186 days) of this contract?
The long duration of this contract, approximately 3.25 years, presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's the risk of contractor performance degradation over time; initial high performance might wane if not continuously monitored. Secondly, technological advancements in simulation or training methodologies could render the current services less effective or efficient before the contract ends, requiring potential modifications or leading to suboptimal training. Thirdly, economic fluctuations or changes in government funding priorities could impact the contract's value or necessity. Finally, personnel turnover within the contractor's workforce could lead to a loss of experienced instructors, affecting training quality. Robust oversight and clear performance standards are crucial to mitigate these long-term risks.
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
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: FA521523R0002
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2355 DULLES CORNER BLVD STE 200, HERNDON, VA, 20171
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $110,962,311
Exercised Options: $48,287,667
Current Obligation: $44,117,610
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU139
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-17
Current End Date: 2026-12-16
Potential End Date: 2029-12-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-04
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