DoD awards $66.4M Aircraft Manufacturing contract to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC, ending Dec 2025

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $66,419,320 ($66.4M)

Contractor: Science and Engineering Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-11-29

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,589 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35824

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $66.4 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. Significant contract value for aircraft manufacturing services. 3. Long duration of 2589 days suggests a substantial, ongoing need. 4. No small business participation noted, impacting diversity goals.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is substantial, but without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if the pricing is optimal or reflects fair market value compared to similar aircraft manufacturing services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract is listed as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' indicating a limited competition approach. This method can lead to higher prices due to a lack of price discovery through multiple bids.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competitive bidding may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these aircraft manufacturing services.

Public Impact

Potential for higher costs due to limited competition. Impact on small businesses in the aerospace sector is minimal as none were involved. Ensuring the quality and timely delivery of aircraft manufacturing services is crucial for defense readiness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, which is a critical component of the defense industry. Spending benchmarks for similar services are highly variable based on specific aircraft and scope.

Small Business Impact

The contract explicitly states no small business participation (sb: false). This indicates a missed opportunity to support small businesses within the aerospace manufacturing supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for this long-term, sole-source contract to ensure performance standards are met and costs remain justified throughout its duration.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, al, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $66.4 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $66.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-11-29. End: 2025-12-31.

What specific factors justified the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' designation for this significant aircraft manufacturing contract?

The justification for a limited competition contract typically involves factors such as unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent requirements that only one vendor can meet. Without further details, it's impossible to ascertain the precise reasons, but these are common justifications that warrant scrutiny to ensure they are valid and not circumventing competitive processes.

How will the Department of the Navy ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent potential price creep over the contract's 2589-day duration, given the limited competition?

The Department of the Navy can implement robust cost-control measures, including regular performance reviews, detailed cost analysis, and potentially incorporating price adjustment clauses tied to market indices or performance metrics. Periodic re-evaluation of the necessity for limited competition might also be considered if circumstances change.

What are the potential risks associated with a single vendor providing critical aircraft manufacturing services for an extended period?

Risks include vendor lock-in, potential for complacency leading to reduced innovation or quality, and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions affecting only this vendor. If the vendor faces financial difficulties or operational issues, it could significantly impact the Department of the Navy's aircraft production and maintenance capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingAircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N0001919R0010

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 248 DUNLOP BLVD, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35824

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $67,107,024

Exercised Options: $66,419,320

Current Obligation: $66,419,320

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 201

Total Subaward Amount: $17,778,480

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-11-29

Current End Date: 2025-12-31

Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-09-29

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