DoD Awards $42.17M for Aircraft Flight Simulator to Whiting-Turner, Highlighting Construction Sector Spending
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,173,180 ($42.2M)
Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-04-26
End Date: 2027-04-26
Contract Duration: 1,461 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: P282 AHTS AIRCRAFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR
Place of Performance
Location: MILTON, SANTA ROSA County, FLORIDA, 32570
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $42.2 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE for work described as: P282 AHTS AIRCRAFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR Key points: 1. The contract value of $42.17 million falls within typical ranges for large-scale construction projects. 2. Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is a major player in the construction industry, indicating strong competition was likely. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This spending is within the broader context of the Defense sector's significant investment in training and simulation technologies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $42.17 million for an aircraft flight simulator appears reasonable given the complexity and scale of such specialized facilities. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects for training facilities would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple qualified contractors are encouraged to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally ensures taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.
Public Impact
Enhances pilot training capabilities for the Navy, potentially improving operational readiness and safety. Supports the defense industrial base by providing work for a major construction firm and its subcontractors. Contributes to the local economy in Florida through construction jobs and related services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for schedule delays in complex construction projects.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for overall project execution.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed-price contract type.
- Experienced contractor selected.
- Significant investment in critical training infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, a sector that sees substantial government investment, particularly for specialized facilities like training simulators. Benchmarks for similar defense-related construction projects would indicate if this value is typical.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is a large firm, the project likely involves numerous subcontracts that could provide opportunities for small businesses in various trades and material supply.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The firm fixed-price contract and the duration suggest a need for diligent monitoring of progress and quality to ensure successful project completion.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
- Risk of schedule delays due to supply chain disruptions or labor shortages.
- Dependency on the prime contractor's ability to manage subcontractors effectively.
- Ensuring the simulator technology meets evolving training requirements.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, fl, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $42.2 million to WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE. P282 AHTS AIRCRAFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY, THE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $42.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-26. End: 2027-04-26.
What is the specific breakdown of costs within the $42.17 million, and how does it compare to industry standards for similar simulator construction?
A detailed cost breakdown is not provided, but the total value suggests significant allocations for design, materials, specialized equipment installation, labor, and project management. Industry standards for such complex facilities vary widely based on technology and scale, but this figure appears within a plausible range for a major training infrastructure project.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and what mechanisms are in place to mitigate risks associated with construction timelines and quality?
Specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data. However, standard risk mitigation for construction projects includes phased delivery schedules, regular progress reviews, quality assurance inspections, and performance bonds. The firm fixed-price nature also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to avoid cost overruns.
How will the successful completion of this flight simulator project impact the Navy's operational readiness and pilot training effectiveness?
The successful completion of this advanced flight simulator is expected to significantly enhance pilot training realism and efficiency, allowing for more complex scenarios to be practiced safely and cost-effectively. This directly contributes to improved pilot proficiency and overall naval operational readiness, reducing reliance on live-flight training for certain objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: N6945020R0097
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 300 E JOPPA RD, BALTIMORE, MD, 21286
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,000,133
Exercised Options: $42,173,180
Current Obligation: $42,173,180
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N6945022D0013
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-04-26
Current End Date: 2027-04-26
Potential End Date: 2027-04-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-30
More Contracts from Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the
- - Building 10 E-Wing Renovation — $301.8M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Design-Build the Marine Corps Special Command(marsoc)complex, Camp Lejeune, NC — $257.8M (Department of Defense)
- Warrior Transition Unit — $227.9M (Department of Defense)
- Design-Build Projects P-1917 Cast Propellant MIX Facility, P-1920 Warhead Casing Operations Facility, P-1921 Motor Assembly Compound, Naval AIR Weapons Station (naws) China Lake, Ridgecrest, CA — $210.8M (Department of Defense)
- Hfrm Package 5 — $209.9M (Department of Defense)
View all Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, the federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)