DoD's $33M H-53 Helicopter Program Support Contract Awarded to Vectrus Systems LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,167,075 ($33.2M)

Contractor: Vectrus Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2014-07-15

End Date: 2020-05-31

Contract Duration: 2,147 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PMA-261 H-53 HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTERS PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80919

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.2 million to VECTRUS SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PMA-261 H-53 HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTERS PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services supporting the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office. 2. Vectrus Systems LLC secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract spans over five years, indicating a significant, long-term need. 4. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure requires careful monitoring of costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. While this can be effective for complex projects, it necessitates robust oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for money compared to similar engineering support contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have driven favorable pricing. The Delivery Order (DO) mechanism indicates it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, allowing for task-specific competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing and value for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among qualified contractors.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness and modernization of critical heavy-lift helicopter capabilities. Supports advanced engineering and technical services essential for complex defense programs. Contributes to the overall effectiveness and safety of military aviation operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting a major defense program. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale, long-term engineering support contracts can vary widely based on program complexity and duration, but $33 million over five years suggests a substantial investment in specialized technical expertise.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to Vectrus Systems LLC and does not specify any subcontracting to small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation goals were set or met.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through agencies like the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is crucial for CPFF contracts to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable, and that performance meets program requirements.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.2 million to VECTRUS SYSTEMS LLC. IGF::OT::IGF PMA-261 H-53 HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTERS PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VECTRUS SYSTEMS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-07-15. End: 2020-05-31.

What is the projected cost efficiency of this CPFF contract given the fixed fee?

The cost efficiency of a CPFF contract hinges on the government's ability to effectively monitor and control costs incurred by the contractor. While the fixed fee provides a ceiling for the contractor's profit, the overall cost efficiency depends on the reasonableness of the direct and indirect costs claimed. Regular audits and performance reviews by the DCMA are essential to ensure the government receives good value and that costs remain within expected parameters for engineering services of this nature.

What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and CPFF structure of this contract?

The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the CPFF structure, where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee, and scope creep over the contract's long duration (2014-2020). Without stringent oversight, costs could escalate beyond initial projections. Additionally, the fixed fee might not adequately incentivize efficiency if not carefully structured, and the long duration could lead to outdated technology or processes if not managed proactively.

How effectively does this contract support the long-term sustainment and modernization goals of the H-53 helicopter program?

This contract appears to be designed to provide essential engineering support for the H-53 program's sustainment and potentially modernization efforts. The long duration suggests a commitment to ongoing technical expertise. However, its effectiveness in modernization depends on the specific task orders issued and the contractor's ability to adapt to evolving technological requirements and program objectives within the established framework.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering 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: N0002412R3118

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Vectrus, Inc.

Address: 2424 GARDEN OF THE GODS RD STE 300, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80919

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,743,601

Exercised Options: $39,489,652

Current Obligation: $33,167,075

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 61

Total Subaward Amount: $9,944,881

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017810D6407

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2014-07-15

Current End Date: 2020-05-31

Potential End Date: 2020-05-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-04-26

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