DoD's $28.1M E-2C Trainer Modification Contract Awarded to Rockwell Collins

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,125,647 ($28.1M)

Contractor: Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-03-05

End Date: 2019-01-10

Contract Duration: 2,502 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: E-2C WST AND SMT LEGACY TRAINER MODIFICATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: NORFOLK, NORFOLK CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23511

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $28.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS SIMULATION & TRAINING SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: E-2C WST AND SMT LEGACY TRAINER MODIFICATIONS Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the specialized nature of aviation simulation and training. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, typical for complex defense modification contracts. 4. Performance context is within the scope of legacy aircraft sustainment and modernization. 5. This contract falls within the broader defense sector, specifically aviation training systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $28.1 million for modifications to the E-2C WST and SMT legacy trainers is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the scope of work. However, for specialized defense training systems, this amount is within a reasonable range. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved, which can be advantageous. Further analysis would require comparing the delivered capabilities and unit costs to similar aviation simulation modification contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This suggests a robust bidding environment, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The presence of multiple bidders, though not explicitly stated in the provided data, is implied by the nature of full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs and ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its investment in defense training systems.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Navy pilots and aircrew who will utilize the updated E-2C Hawkeye training simulators. The services delivered include modifications to legacy trainer systems, enhancing their fidelity and operational relevance. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where the training facilities are located. Workforce implications include specialized technical roles for engineers and technicians involved in the modification and integration process.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if modification requirements are not tightly managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized legacy system modifications could pose long-term sustainment risks.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
Award under full and open competition suggests a competitive environment that can drive value.
Contract duration of 2502 days indicates a long-term commitment to maintaining critical training capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The defense training and simulation sector is a critical component of military readiness, involving complex technologies and specialized expertise. This contract for modifying E-2C Hawkeye trainers fits within the broader market for aviation simulation and training systems, which is a significant segment of the defense industrial base. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain proficiency on existing platforms and adapt training to evolving operational requirements. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other contracts for simulator upgrades and modifications across various military aircraft.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely limited unless Rockwell Collins proactively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities related to these modifications. Further investigation into subcontracting reports would be necessary to assess the full impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract structure, requiring delivery of specified modifications. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

E-2 Hawkeye Aircraft Sustainment
Naval Aviation Training Systems
Defense Simulation and Training Contracts
Legacy Aircraft Modernization Programs

Risk Flags

Legacy System Modification Complexity
Potential for Schedule Delays
Long-Term Sustainment of Modified Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $28.1 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS SIMULATION & TRAINING SOLUTIONS LLC. E-2C WST AND SMT LEGACY TRAINER MODIFICATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS SIMULATION & TRAINING SOLUTIONS 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 $28.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-03-05. End: 2019-01-10.

What specific modifications were made to the E-2C WST and SMT legacy trainers under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific modifications undertaken. However, contracts for legacy trainer modifications typically involve updating software, hardware, or visual systems to maintain training fidelity, incorporate lessons learned from operational deployments, or address obsolescence issues. For the E-2C Hawkeye, a carrier-based airborne early warning aircraft, trainer modifications could range from enhancing sensor simulation fidelity to updating cockpit controls and displays to match fleet upgrades. The 'WST' (Weapon System Trainer) and 'SMT' (Systems Management Trainer) designations suggest different aspects of the aircraft's operational capabilities were targeted for improvement.

How does the $28.1 million contract value compare to other E-2C trainer modification efforts?

Benchmarking this $28.1 million contract requires access to historical data on similar E-2C trainer modification contracts. Without specific comparable contract details, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the value appears reasonable for a multi-year modification effort on complex aviation training systems, especially considering the firm-fixed-price nature which implies a well-defined scope. Factors influencing cost include the number of trainers modified, the complexity of the required upgrades (e.g., software vs. hardware), and the duration of the modification period. A comprehensive analysis would involve reviewing contract awards for simulator upgrades across different naval aviation platforms.

What is Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions LLC's track record with similar defense training contracts?

Rockwell Collins (now part of Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company) has a long-standing and extensive track record in developing and supporting defense simulation and training systems. They have been a primary contractor for numerous aviation training devices across various military branches, including simulators for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Their experience likely encompasses a wide range of modifications, upgrades, and sustainment services for complex training platforms. This specific contract for the E-2C trainers would be one of many in their portfolio, leveraging their established expertise in aviation simulation technology and defense program execution.

What are the potential risks associated with modifying legacy training systems like the E-2C trainers?

Modifying legacy systems presents several risks. Technical risks include integration challenges with older hardware and software architectures, potential for unforeseen obsolescence issues requiring redesign, and ensuring backward compatibility with existing training infrastructure. Programmatic risks involve potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed, schedule delays due to technical hurdles, and cost overruns if initial estimates do not account for the complexities of aging systems. Furthermore, ensuring the continued availability of spare parts and technical expertise for the legacy components can become increasingly difficult over time, impacting long-term sustainment.

How has spending on defense aviation training systems evolved over the contract period (2012-2019)?

The contract period spans from March 2012 to January 2019. During this time, the Department of Defense generally maintained significant investment in aviation training systems to ensure pilot proficiency and readiness. Trends likely included a continued focus on upgrading existing simulators to incorporate new technologies (like improved fidelity, virtual reality, or advanced networking for joint training) and sustainment of platforms supporting legacy aircraft. While specific year-over-year spending figures for aviation training would require detailed budget analysis, the overall demand for effective training solutions remained high, driven by evolving threats and operational tempo.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: N6134011R0013

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rockwell Collins, Inc. (UEI: 962960589)

Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,462,835

Exercised Options: $28,125,647

Current Obligation: $28,125,647

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $172,684

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline