State Department awards $139M contract for air transportation support to DynCorp International LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $139,128,495 ($139.1M)

Contractor: Dyncorp International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2017-09-28

End Date: 2018-08-30

Contract Duration: 336 days

Daily Burn Rate: $414.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ORDER DEFINITIZATIONIGF::CT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $139.1 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: ORDER DEFINITIZATIONIGF::CT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value of $139.1M for a 336-day period suggests significant operational scope. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. DynCorp International LLC has a history of large government contracts, suggesting established capabilities. 5. The service category 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' is critical for logistical operations. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $139.1 million for a 336-day duration indicates a substantial investment in air transportation support services. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for logistical support or aviation services would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor bears the primary risk for cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of controlled spending if performance is met.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified in the provided data, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment. A robust competition typically leads to better pricing and service offerings as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it is designed to drive down costs and improve the quality of services through market forces. This approach increases the likelihood of securing the best value for public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of State and its personnel, who rely on efficient air transportation support for diplomatic and operational missions. Services delivered include essential support activities for air transportation, crucial for maintaining logistical chains and operational readiness. The geographic impact is likely global, given the nature of diplomatic missions and the need for international air travel support. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for personnel involved in aviation support, logistics, and administration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or quality assurance details in the provided data makes it difficult to assess service quality.
The duration of the contract (336 days) is relatively short, which might lead to frequent re-competition and potential disruption.
No information on subcontracting plans is available, making it hard to gauge the extent of small business participation.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that could yield favorable terms.
Firm Fixed Price contract type shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor, potentially protecting taxpayer funds.
DynCorp International LLC's established presence in government contracting indicates experience and capacity to handle complex requirements.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' sector encompasses a range of services critical to the functioning of aviation operations, including ground support, maintenance coordination, and logistical planning. This contract fits within the broader defense and government services industry, where companies like DynCorp International LLC are established players. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for reliable logistical support for government agencies operating globally, particularly those with significant international travel and operational footprints.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it specify any subcontracting requirements for small business participation. This suggests that opportunities for small businesses to directly participate in this specific contract may be limited. The absence of set-asides or subcontracting goals could mean that the prime contractor is expected to perform the majority of the work in-house or with larger, established partners.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Department of State. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which penalizes the contractor for cost overruns. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Aviation Support Contracts
Government Logistics and Transportation Services
Air Mobility Command Contracts
Defense Logistics Agency Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if performance issues arise despite FFP.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support services.
Lack of transparency regarding specific performance metrics and quality assurance.
Limited visibility into small business subcontracting opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $139.1 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC. ORDER DEFINITIZATIONIGF::CT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $139.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-28. End: 2018-08-30.

What is DynCorp International LLC's track record with similar government contracts, particularly within the Department of State?

DynCorp International LLC has a significant history of performing large-scale government contracts, including extensive work with the Department of Defense and the Department of State. Their portfolio often includes aviation support, logistics, security services, and base operations support. For instance, they have previously held contracts for aviation maintenance and support services for various government agencies, often in complex international environments. Their experience suggests a capacity to manage large, complex requirements. However, like many large contractors, they have also faced scrutiny and contract disputes on past engagements, highlighting the importance of diligent oversight and performance management.

How does the $139.1 million contract value compare to other contracts for similar air transportation support services?

The $139.1 million contract value for a 336-day period represents a substantial investment. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it with contracts for similar 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense or other entities requiring global logistical support. Factors such as the specific services included (e.g., maintenance, flight operations, ground handling), geographic scope, and contract duration are crucial for a fair comparison. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts with these specific parameters, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents a high, low, or average value. However, given the firm-fixed-price nature, the government is aiming for a defined cost for a specific set of services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, leading to disruptions in air transportation services critical for diplomatic missions. Cost overruns are mitigated by the Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type, which places the financial risk on DynCorp International LLC. However, FFP contracts can sometimes lead to reduced scope or quality if not carefully managed. Operational risks, such as geopolitical instability in regions where services are provided or unforeseen logistical challenges, are also present. Mitigation strategies would involve robust contract oversight, clear performance standards, contingency planning by the State Department, and potentially performance bonds from the contractor.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process in ensuring value for money for this type of service?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in government contracting, as it allows the widest possible pool of qualified vendors to bid. This competition drives down prices and encourages innovation. For 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation,' where multiple companies possess the capability, this process is likely to yield competitive bids. The effectiveness is further enhanced if the solicitation clearly defines requirements and evaluation criteria, allowing the government to select the best overall value, not just the lowest price. However, the administrative burden of managing a full and open competition can be significant.

What is the historical spending trend for 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' by the Department of State?

Analyzing historical spending trends for 'Other Support Activities for Air Transportation' by the Department of State would require access to detailed historical contract data. Generally, spending in this category tends to fluctuate based on geopolitical events, diplomatic needs, and the operational tempo of the department. Periods of increased international engagement or heightened security concerns often correlate with higher spending on logistical and transportation support. The Department of State relies heavily on air transport for its global operations, making consistent investment in these support services a necessity. Examining trends over the past 5-10 years would reveal patterns related to specific regions or types of support.

What are the implications of this contract being a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle?

The provided data indicates this is a 'Delivery Order' (aw: DELIVERY ORDER), which means it is likely a task order issued against a previously awarded Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar contract vehicle. This implies that the initial competition and award were for the overall contract vehicle, establishing terms, conditions, and potentially pricing structures. The specific services and value of this $139.1 million order are then defined within that broader framework. This approach allows for flexibility and faster procurement of services as needs arise, but it also means the full scope and value of the eventual work might not be known at the time of the initial vehicle award. Oversight is crucial to ensure task orders remain within the scope and intent of the original competition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Transportation and Warehousing › Support Activities for Air Transportation › Other Support Activities for Air Transportation

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC (UEI: 117548597)

Address: 13500 HERITAGE PKWY, FORT WORTH, TX, 76177

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $139,135,495

Exercised Options: $139,135,495

Current Obligation: $139,128,495

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA12C1103

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline