M1 Support Services awarded $48.17M for helicopter maintenance, with 2 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,173,440 ($48.2M)

Contractor: M1 Support Services, L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-01-01

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 607 days

Daily Burn Rate: $79.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COMMANDER NAVAL AIR FORCES PACIFIC (CNAP) FLEET REPLACEMENT SQUADRONS (FRS) FLIGHT LINE, CORROSION CONTROL, TOOL ROOM AND O LEVEL MAINTENANCE. (HELICOPTER MARITIME STRIKE - 41 (HSM-41) - SAN DIEGO, CA)

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92135

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $48.2 million to M1 SUPPORT SERVICES, L.P. for work described as: COMMANDER NAVAL AIR FORCES PACIFIC (CNAP) FLEET REPLACEMENT SQUADRONS (FRS) FLIGHT LINE, CORROSION CONTROL, TOOL ROOM AND O LEVEL MAINTENANCE. (HELICOPTER MARITIME STRIKE - 41 (HSM-41) - SAN DIEGO, CA) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential flight line, corrosion control, and tool room maintenance for maritime strike helicopters. 2. The award represents a significant investment in maintaining operational readiness for naval aviation assets. 3. Competition was robust, with two bidders vying for the contract, suggesting a degree of market interest. 4. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs and provide predictability for the government. 5. Performance is located in San Diego, California, supporting a key naval aviation hub. 6. The contract duration extends over 600 days, indicating a need for sustained support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $48.17 million over 607 days translates to roughly $79,363 per day. Benchmarking this against similar aviation maintenance contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the presence of two bidders suggests the pricing was competitive enough to attract multiple qualified firms. The firm-fixed-price nature provides cost certainty, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. Two bids were received, which suggests a moderate level of competition. While more than two bidders would typically indicate stronger price discovery, two bidders still provide a basis for comparison and negotiation, preventing a sole-source situation.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with two bidders offers taxpayers a reasonable assurance of a fair price, avoiding the premium often associated with sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

Naval Air Forces Pacific (CNAP) Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) will benefit from enhanced aircraft readiness. Essential maintenance services for Helicopter Maritime Strike - 41 (HSM-41) will ensure operational capability. The contract supports aviation maintenance jobs in San Diego, California. Improved aircraft availability contributes to the overall effectiveness of naval operations in the Pacific region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if maintenance requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical operational readiness of naval aircraft.
Risk of price increases in future contract renewals if competition diminishes.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition with two bidders suggests a competitive market.
Contract duration allows for sustained and predictable maintenance support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft maintenance and support services. The market for such services is substantial, driven by the continuous need to maintain complex military aviation assets. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other contracts for depot-level or intermediate-level maintenance for similar helicopter platforms within the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, the prime contractor, M1 Support Services, L.P., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific (CNAP) and the contracting activity within the Department of Defense. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Naval Aviation Maintenance Programs
Helicopter Maintenance Services
Fleet Readiness Support Contracts
Aerospace Maintenance and Repair

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Cost Control Risk
Contractor Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $48.2 million to M1 SUPPORT SERVICES, L.P.. COMMANDER NAVAL AIR FORCES PACIFIC (CNAP) FLEET REPLACEMENT SQUADRONS (FRS) FLIGHT LINE, CORROSION CONTROL, TOOL ROOM AND O LEVEL MAINTENANCE. (HELICOPTER MARITIME STRIKE - 41 (HSM-41) - SAN DIEGO, CA)

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 $48.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2026-08-31.

What is the track record of M1 Support Services, L.P. with similar Department of Defense contracts?

M1 Support Services, L.P. has a history of performing various support services for the Department of Defense, including aviation maintenance, logistics, and base operations support. Analyzing their past performance on similar firm-fixed-price contracts for aircraft maintenance would provide insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage costs effectively. Reviewing contract award histories and performance evaluations (if publicly available) can indicate their success in meeting delivery schedules, technical requirements, and budget constraints on previous engagements. This context is crucial for assessing the risk associated with their current award.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for helicopter corrosion control and flight line maintenance?

Benchmarking the awarded price of approximately $48.17 million for 607 days requires detailed service scope comparison. The daily rate is roughly $79,363. Without specific details on the number of aircraft supported, the complexity of maintenance tasks, and the labor rates in San Diego, a precise comparison is difficult. However, industry benchmarks for specialized aviation maintenance can vary significantly. Factors like the specific helicopter model (e.g., MH-60R Seahawk), required certifications, and overhead costs influence pricing. Generally, firm-fixed-price contracts aim to align with or beat market rates, and the presence of two bidders suggests the price was perceived as reasonable by the market.

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

Key risks include potential performance deficiencies impacting aircraft readiness, cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price contract is poorly managed, and contractor personnel issues (e.g., availability, skill gaps). Mitigation strategies involve robust government oversight, clear performance work statements, regular progress reviews, and adherence to contract terms. The firm-fixed-price structure itself is a risk mitigation tool for the government, shifting cost overrun risk to the contractor. The selection of a contractor with a relevant performance history also helps mitigate performance risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar helicopter maintenance services at CNAP or within the Navy?

Historical spending on helicopter maintenance services for Naval Air Forces Pacific (CNAP) and the broader Navy is substantial, reflecting the significant operational tempo and fleet size. Analyzing past contracts for similar helicopter types (e.g., maritime strike variants) and maintenance levels (O-level, flight line) would reveal spending trends. This includes examining contract values, durations, and the number of competitors over time. Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending could indicate shifts in operational needs, fleet modernization, or changes in contracting strategies. Understanding this pattern helps contextualize the current $48.17 million award.

How does the competition level (2 bidders) impact the government's ability to achieve optimal value?

A competition level of two bidders provides a moderate basis for price discovery and negotiation, generally leading to better value than a sole-source award. It indicates that at least two firms found the opportunity sufficiently attractive and feasible to bid. However, optimal value is often achieved with a higher number of bidders (e.g., three or more), as this typically intensifies competition, driving prices down and encouraging innovation. With two bidders, the government relies more heavily on its ability to accurately define requirements and evaluate proposals to ensure a fair and reasonable price is negotiated.

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: 2

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, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $79,398,964

Exercised Options: $48,173,440

Current Obligation: $48,173,440

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA810817D0015

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline