DoD Awards $128.7M for BIG SAFARI Aircraft Parts to BAE Systems, No Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $128,721,478 ($128.7M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-12-31

End Date: 2026-09-25

Contract Duration: 633 days

Daily Burn Rate: $203.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: BIG SAFARI

Place of Performance

Location: NASHUA, HILLSBOROUGH County, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03060

State: New Hampshire Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $128.7 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $128.7 million awarded. 2. Sole-source award to BAE Systems raises competition concerns. 3. Contract duration extends to September 2026. 4. Focus on 'Other Aircraft Parts' suggests specialized or critical components.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $128.7 million is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar aircraft parts contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to BAE Systems. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these aircraft parts.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the lack of competitive bidding. Reliance on a single supplier could impact future availability and pricing. The specific nature of 'BIG SAFARI' parts is unclear, potentially affecting broader industry access.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Clear end date
Firm fixed price contract type

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining military aviation readiness, but often involves specialized components where competition can be limited.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as both 'ss' and 'sb' are false. This represents a missed opportunity for small business participation in this significant defense contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the Department of Defense obtained the best possible value and that justification for non-competition is robust.

Related Government Programs

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing
No small business participation
Long contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $128.7 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC.. BIG SAFARI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION 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 $128.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-31. End: 2026-09-25.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one source can fulfill the requirement. The agency should have conducted a price analysis against historical data or independent government cost estimates to ensure fair and reasonable pricing, despite the lack of competition.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a $128.7 million contract without competition?

The primary risks include paying a higher price than could be achieved through competition, potential for vendor lock-in, reduced innovation, and a lack of transparency. It also limits opportunities for other qualified businesses to compete for and win government contracts, potentially impacting the broader defense industrial base.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Air Force's aviation capabilities?

This contract likely supports the sustainment or enhancement of specific Air Force aircraft platforms by providing essential parts and auxiliary equipment. The effectiveness hinges on the criticality of these parts to mission readiness and the reliability of the supplier, BAE Systems, in delivering quality components on time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ball Corporation

Address: 65 SPIT BROOK RD, NASHUA, NH, 03060

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $160,606,443

Exercised Options: $157,930,570

Current Obligation: $128,721,478

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4028

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline