DoD's $15M B-1 Aviation Maintenance Contract Awarded to M1 Support Services, L.P

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,046,219 ($15.0M)

Contractor: M1 Support Services, L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-06-08

End Date: 2021-06-08

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ORGANIZATIONAL, INTERMEDIATE, AND DEPOT LEVEL MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS TO FACILITATE COMPREHENSIVEAVIATION MAINTENANCE IN SUPPORT OF B-1 MAINTENANCE UNITS (DYESS AFB, TX & ELLSWORTH AFB, SD)

Place of Performance

Location: DENTON, DENTON County, TEXAS, 76201

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.0 million to M1 SUPPORT SERVICES, L.P. for work described as: ORGANIZATIONAL, INTERMEDIATE, AND DEPOT LEVEL MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS TO FACILITATE COMPREHENSIVEAVIATION MAINTENANCE IN SUPPORT OF B-1 MAINTENANCE UNITS (DYESS AFB, TX & ELLSWORTH AFB, SD) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical aviation maintenance for B-1 bomber units. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract value of $15 million indicates a significant investment in aircraft readiness. 4. Performance period is short, suggesting a need for immediate or short-term support. 5. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 6. Geographic focus on Dyess AFB, TX and Ellsworth AFB, SD highlights key operational bases.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $15 million for aviation maintenance services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting B-1 maintenance units at two major Air Force bases. Without specific benchmarks for this specialized type of maintenance, direct comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an effort to manage costs effectively. The number of bidders (3) indicates some level of competition, which typically leads to better pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. Three bids were received, indicating a moderate level of competition for this specialized aviation maintenance service. While three bidders is not a large number, it suggests that the market has at least a few capable providers willing to compete for this type of work.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple companies to offer their best pricing and services, leading to a more cost-effective outcome for the government.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force units operating and maintaining the B-1 bomber fleet. Services delivered include organizational, intermediate, and depot-level maintenance functions for aviation assets. The geographic impact is concentrated at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. This contract supports the readiness and operational capability of strategic bomber forces, indirectly impacting national security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (3 bidders) could potentially lead to higher prices than a more robustly competed contract.
Short contract duration may indicate a need for ongoing re-competition, potentially increasing administrative burden.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical maintenance functions could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government.
Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a broad range of potential providers were considered.
Focus on specialized aviation maintenance ensures critical support for a key strategic asset (B-1 bomber).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft maintenance and support services. The market for specialized aviation maintenance is driven by government defense spending and the need to maintain aging fleets of military aircraft. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other contracts for depot-level maintenance or specialized repair services for complex military platforms, often running into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars depending on the platform and duration.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates no subcontracting plan was required or implemented. The primary contractor, M1 Support Services, L.P., is likely a mid-to-large-sized business. The absence of small business set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract are limited, unless they are part of a larger subcontracting effort not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contract administration office within the Department of the Air Force. Performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and compliance with contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

B-1 Bomber Sustainment Programs
Air Force Aviation Maintenance Contracts
Depot Maintenance Services
Aircraft Component Repair
Aerospace Logistics Support

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting aircraft readiness.
Risk of contractor lock-in due to specialized nature of services.
Limited competition may affect long-term cost-effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.0 million to M1 SUPPORT SERVICES, L.P.. ORGANIZATIONAL, INTERMEDIATE, AND DEPOT LEVEL MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS TO FACILITATE COMPREHENSIVEAVIATION MAINTENANCE IN SUPPORT OF B-1 MAINTENANCE UNITS (DYESS AFB, TX & ELLSWORTH AFB, SD)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M1 SUPPORT SERVICES, L.P..

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 $15.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-08. End: 2021-06-08.

What is the track record of M1 Support Services, L.P. with Department of Defense contracts, particularly for aviation maintenance?

M1 Support Services, L.P. has a history of performing various service contracts with the Department of Defense, including aviation maintenance and base operations support. Reviewing their contract history reveals multiple awards across different branches of the military. For aviation maintenance, their experience often involves depot-level and intermediate-level support for different aircraft platforms. While specific performance metrics for past contracts are not detailed here, their continued awards suggest a generally satisfactory performance record. However, a deeper dive into past performance reviews, any contract disputes, or termination for default would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record.

How does the awarded amount of $15 million compare to similar aviation maintenance contracts for the B-1 bomber or comparable aircraft?

Directly comparing the $15 million award for this specific B-1 maintenance contract to others is challenging without knowing the exact scope, duration, and specific services included. B-1 maintenance contracts can vary significantly. Some contracts might cover broader sustainment efforts over several years, reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, while others focus on specific component repairs or shorter-term support needs. This $15 million award appears to be for a defined scope of organizational, intermediate, and depot-level functions, likely over a limited period given the absence of a multi-year duration. It represents a significant but potentially focused investment in maintaining the B-1 fleet's readiness at the specified bases.

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

Key risks include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, leading to reduced aircraft readiness, and cost overruns, although the firm fixed-price (FFP) structure mitigates the latter. Another risk is the limited competition (3 bidders), which could imply less pressure on pricing. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight, performance monitoring by the Air Force, clear performance standards, and potential incentives or penalties. The FFP nature itself is a primary risk mitigation tool for the government against uncontrolled cost growth. Ensuring the contractor has adequate resources and expertise is also crucial.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this aviation maintenance service?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money for services where the scope of work is well-defined, such as specialized maintenance functions. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage their costs efficiently to maximize profit. For the government, this means the price is largely fixed, providing budget certainty. However, the effectiveness relies on the initial price being fair and competitive. If the initial price is too high due to limited competition or poor estimation, the FFP structure might not yield the best value despite cost certainty.

What are the historical spending patterns for B-1 bomber maintenance and support services by the Department of the Air Force?

Historical spending on B-1 bomber maintenance and support services by the Department of the Air Force has been substantial, reflecting the operational costs of maintaining a strategic asset. This includes funding for depot-level maintenance, component repairs, modifications, and contractor logistics support. Spending fluctuates based on operational tempo, modernization programs, and the overall lifecycle stage of the aircraft. Over the past decade, significant investments have been made to ensure the B-1 fleet remains mission-capable, with annual expenditures often running into the hundreds of millions of dollars when considering all aspects of sustainment, including this type of specialized maintenance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 N ELM ST STE 101, DENTON, TX, 76201

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,462,210

Exercised Options: $15,046,219

Current Obligation: $15,046,219

Actual Outlays: $7,104,019

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA810817D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline