DoD Awards $45M for Malaysian CN-235 ISR Upgrade Kits and Installation to Science and Engineering Services, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $45,049,214 ($45.0M)
Contractor: Science and Engineering Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-05-28
End Date: 2022-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,221 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF MALAYSIAN CN-235 INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) SYSTEM UPGRADE KITS AND INSTALLATION
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35824
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $45.0 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF MALAYSIAN CN-235 INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) SYSTEM UPGRADE KITS AND INSTALLATION Key points: 1. Significant investment in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for a foreign partner. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include integration challenges and long-term sustainment costs for specialized ISR systems. 4. Spending falls within the broader defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft modification and technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $45 million for ISR system upgrades and installation appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar foreign military sales or specialized aircraft modification contracts would be necessary to fully assess its pricing reasonableness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The direct taxpayer impact is likely minimal as this appears to be a Foreign Military Sale, where the recipient nation funds the acquisition.
Public Impact
Enhances intelligence gathering capabilities for a key U.S. ally in a strategic region. Supports the modernization of aging aircraft with advanced surveillance technology. Contributes to regional security and stability through improved situational awareness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns during installation and integration.
- Long-term sustainment and maintenance costs for specialized ISR equipment.
- Geopolitical risks associated with the region and the specific aircraft platform.
Positive Signals
- Strengthens a foreign partner's defense capabilities.
- Utilizes competitive procurement to achieve best value.
- Modernizes critical ISR assets.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft manufacturing and modification services. Spending on ISR systems is a critical component of modern defense, with significant investments made globally in surveillance and intelligence technologies.
Small Business Impact
The contract data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Given the specialized nature of ISR system upgrades, it is possible that larger, more specialized firms dominated the competition.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) to ensure contract compliance and quality. Accountability for performance and delivery rests with the contractor, Science and Engineering Services, LLC.
Related Government Programs
- Aircraft Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for integration complexity.
- Long-term sustainment costs.
- Dependence on foreign partner's operational success.
- Geopolitical stability of the region.
Tags
aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $45.0 million to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SERVICES, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF MALAYSIAN CN-235 INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) SYSTEM UPGRADE KITS AND INSTALLATION
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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $45.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-05-28. End: 2022-09-30.
What is the projected return on investment for the enhanced ISR capabilities provided by this upgrade?
The return on investment is primarily measured in enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, leading to improved situational awareness and potentially more effective operational outcomes for the Malaysian armed forces. Quantifying this in monetary terms is challenging but relates to risk mitigation and mission success.
What are the specific risks associated with integrating new ISR kits onto the CN-235 platform?
Risks include potential compatibility issues between new and existing aircraft systems, the need for specialized training for maintenance and operational crews, and the possibility of unforeseen technical challenges during the installation and testing phases. These could lead to schedule delays and increased costs.
How effective is the CN-235 platform in its upgraded ISR configuration for the intended operational environment?
The effectiveness depends on the specific ISR sensors and systems installed, as well as the operational requirements of the Malaysian Air Force. The CN-235 is a versatile platform, and with modern ISR upgrades, it can provide valuable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data, contributing to mission effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT › MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0042116R0040
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, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $45,511,495
Exercised Options: $45,211,495
Current Obligation: $45,049,214
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $148,183,497
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0042117D0046
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-05-28
Current End Date: 2022-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-05-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-02
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