AH-1Z Flight Training Device contract awarded to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC for over $33M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,274,056 ($33.3M)

Contractor: BY Light Professional IT Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-09-30

End Date: 2022-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,977 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: AH-1Z FLIGHT TRAINING DEVICE 2F227-2

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.3 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC for work described as: AH-1Z FLIGHT TRAINING DEVICE 2F227-2 Key points: 1. The contract value of $33.3M appears reasonable for a specialized flight training device, but requires benchmarking against similar systems. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process that should have driven favorable pricing. 3. The contract duration of nearly two years (1977 days) indicates a substantial, long-term requirement for training services. 4. The fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor, potentially leading to cost overruns if not managed effectively. 5. The award to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC suggests a contractor with demonstrated capability in providing complex IT and service solutions. 6. The 'Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing' NAICS code indicates a broad category, requiring further detail on the specific nature of the training device.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $33.3 million for an AH-1Z flight training device is substantial. Without specific details on the device's capabilities and complexity, direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests the government has locked in a price, but the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns. Benchmarking against industry standards for advanced simulation and training systems would be necessary to definitively assess value for money.

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 bids. This typically leads to a more robust selection of offers and potentially better pricing for the government. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specialized requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation.

Public Impact

Pilots and aircrew operating the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter will benefit from enhanced training capabilities. The contract supports the readiness and operational effectiveness of the U.S. Marine Corps aviation units. The services delivered likely include the provision, maintenance, and potential upgrades of a sophisticated flight simulator. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of the Navy's training infrastructure, likely at a specific naval air station or training command.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the contractor underestimates the complexity of the training device under a fixed-price contract.
The broad NAICS code 'Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing' may obscure the specific technological sophistication and associated risks.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical training system could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that likely yielded a fair price.
Firm fixed-price contract type transfers cost risk to the contractor.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term commitment to a critical training capability.

Sector Analysis

The defense training and simulation market is a significant segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry. This contract for an AH-1Z flight training device falls within the specialized machinery and simulation sector. Spending in this area is driven by the need for realistic, cost-effective training solutions that enhance pilot proficiency and reduce the risks associated with live-flight training. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other advanced flight simulators for complex aircraft platforms.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract involved small business set-asides, nor is there information suggesting subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award was made to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC, which is not explicitly identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business participation was mandated or occurred organically.

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, requiring the contractor to deliver the specified training device within the agreed-upon cost and schedule. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

AH-64 Apache Flight Training Devices
F/A-18 Super Hornet Flight Simulators
Military Aviation Training Systems
Defense Simulation and Training Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract duration is lengthy, requiring sustained oversight.
Firm Fixed Price contract shifts risk to contractor, potential for disputes if scope is unclear.
NAICS code is broad, potentially masking specific technological risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.3 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC. AH-1Z FLIGHT TRAINING DEVICE 2F227-2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT 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 $33.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-09-30. End: 2022-02-28.

What is the specific functionality and technological sophistication of the AH-1Z Flight Training Device 2F227-2?

The provided data does not detail the specific functionalities or technological sophistication of the AH-1Z Flight Training Device 2F227-2. However, as a training device for the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter, it is expected to simulate flight dynamics, cockpit controls, weapon systems, and various mission scenarios to provide realistic training for pilots and weapon system operators. Advanced devices often include high-fidelity visual systems, motion platforms, and integrated threat environments. The NAICS code 'Other Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing' is broad and doesn't specify the advanced nature of aviation simulation equipment, suggesting further research into the contractor's capabilities and the device's specifications would be beneficial.

How does the $33.3 million contract value compare to similar AH-1Z or comparable attack helicopter training devices?

Directly comparing the $33.3 million contract value for the AH-1Z Flight Training Device is challenging without access to proprietary pricing data for similar systems. However, advanced flight simulators for complex military aircraft can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on their fidelity, features, and the scope of the contract (e.g., including maintenance, upgrades, or training services). The fact that this was a full and open competition with two bidders suggests a market exists for such devices. To provide a precise benchmark, one would need to analyze publicly available data on contracts for simulators of comparable attack helicopters (e.g., Apache, Black Hawk) or other advanced rotary-wing aircraft, considering factors like device type (Full Mission Trainer vs. Part Task Trainer) and contract duration.

What is the track record of BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC in delivering complex defense simulation and training systems?

BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC has a history of performing various IT and professional services for the U.S. government, including defense agencies. While the provided data focuses on this specific contract, a deeper dive into the company's portfolio would reveal their experience with simulation, training systems, and complex machinery manufacturing. Their past performance on similar contracts, including adherence to schedule, budget, and technical requirements, would be crucial indicators of their capability to successfully deliver the AH-1Z Flight Training Device. Reviewing contract award histories and performance evaluations (if available) would provide a clearer picture of their track record in this specialized area.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this flight training device contract?

Key performance indicators for a flight training device contract typically revolve around the contractor's ability to meet technical specifications, deliver the system on time, and ensure its operational availability and reliability. For this AH-1Z Flight Training Device, KPIs might include: simulator uptime/availability rates, adherence to the training curriculum objectives, fidelity of flight and weapon system simulation, and successful completion of required maintenance schedules. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting the defined scope and quality standards within the agreed price is paramount. The government would likely monitor these metrics through regular reporting and operational testing.

How has spending on aviation simulation and training systems evolved within the Department of Defense over the past five years?

Spending on aviation simulation and training systems within the Department of Defense (DoD) has generally seen a consistent or increasing trend over the past five years. This is driven by a strategic emphasis on maintaining pilot proficiency, reducing the costs and risks associated with live-flight training, and adapting to evolving threats and technologies. The DoD invests heavily in simulators, virtual reality, and augmented reality training solutions across various platforms, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. Factors influencing this spending include modernization programs for aging fleets, the introduction of new aircraft, and the need for more immersive and adaptive training environments. Specific figures would require detailed analysis of DoD budget appropriations and contract spending reports across different services and agencies.

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: N6134016R2428

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14130 SULLYFIELD CIRCLE STE B, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,274,056

Exercised Options: $33,274,056

Current Obligation: $33,274,056

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline