DoD awards $6.8M for flight simulator hardware upgrades to support Army training

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,796,964 ($6.8M)

Contractor: BY Light Professional IT Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-25

End Date: 2026-01-31

Contract Duration: 859 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER TO PROVIDE FLIGHT SIMULATOR AND TRAINING SUPPORT HARDWARE UPGRADES

Place of Performance

Location: FORT CAMPBELL, CHRISTIAN County, KENTUCKY, 42223

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.8 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER TO PROVIDE FLIGHT SIMULATOR AND TRAINING SUPPORT HARDWARE UPGRADES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized hardware and training support. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include integration challenges with existing systems and future obsolescence. 4. This contract supports critical flight training infrastructure for the U.S. Army. 5. The awardee, BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC, has a track record in IT and defense support. 6. The contract duration of over two years allows for phased implementation and support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.8 million for flight simulator hardware upgrades and training support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized defense systems. Benchmarking against similar contracts for complex simulation equipment and long-term support would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the nature of the required upgrades and the duration of the support, the pricing seems competitive, especially considering the full and open competition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while initial exclusions might have occurred, the opportunity was ultimately opened to all eligible bidders. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, allowing multiple vendors to propose solutions and prices. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method suggests a robust competition was intended.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces and ensures the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of potential solutions and providers.

Public Impact

U.S. Army aviators will benefit from enhanced flight simulator capabilities, leading to improved training realism and safety. The contract delivers essential hardware upgrades and ongoing training support for critical aviation platforms. The geographic impact is primarily at the training facilities where the simulators are located, likely within the United States. Workforce implications include the need for skilled technicians to install, maintain, and operate the upgraded simulator hardware and software.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for integration issues with legacy flight simulator systems.
Risk of hardware obsolescence given the rapid pace of technological advancement.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical training support hardware.

Positive Signals

Award to a company with demonstrated experience in IT and defense services.
Use of firm-fixed-price contract type, which shifts some cost risk to the contractor.
Long-term support included, ensuring sustained operational capability of training systems.

Sector Analysis

The defense simulation and training market is a significant segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry. This contract falls under the category of specialized equipment manufacturing and support services. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for realistic and cost-effective training solutions for military personnel across various branches. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for flight simulators, virtual reality training systems, and associated maintenance services within the Department of Defense and allied nations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside criterion for this specific contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is likely minimal. However, the prime contractor, BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific aspects of the contract, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified hardware and support. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which publish award details. Inspector General jurisdiction may apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Army Aviation Training Systems
Flight Simulation Technology
Defense Training and Simulation
Military Hardware Procurement
IT Services for Defense

Risk Flags

Potential for integration challenges
Risk of technological obsolescence
Long-term sustainment requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.8 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC. DELIVERY ORDER TO PROVIDE FLIGHT SIMULATOR AND TRAINING SUPPORT HARDWARE UPGRADES

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 Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-25. End: 2026-01-31.

What is the track record of BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC in delivering similar flight simulator hardware and training support?

BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC has a background in providing IT and professional services, including support for defense and government clients. While specific details on their experience with flight simulator hardware upgrades are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, their broader experience in complex IT integration and support suggests a capability to manage such projects. Further investigation into their past performance on similar defense contracts, particularly those involving specialized hardware and long-term support, would be necessary to fully assess their track record for this specific requirement. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories would offer deeper insights into their reliability and expertise in this niche area.

How does the $6.8 million contract value compare to similar flight simulator upgrade contracts within the DoD?

The $6.8 million contract value for flight simulator hardware upgrades and training support is considered moderate for specialized defense systems. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, major flight simulator procurements or extensive overhauls can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. This award appears to be for specific hardware upgrades and ongoing support rather than a complete system replacement. The value seems reasonable given the scope of hardware upgrades and the multi-year support period, especially when considering the full and open competition that likely influenced pricing.

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

Key risks include potential integration challenges with existing Army flight simulator platforms, the possibility of hardware obsolescence due to rapid technological advancements, and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the training provided. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed technical specifications in the contract, phased implementation plans, and performance metrics tied to training outcomes. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract shifts some financial risk to the contractor. The inclusion of training support also suggests a focus on ensuring the system remains functional and relevant throughout its lifecycle, though ongoing monitoring and potential future upgrade cycles will be crucial.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring value for taxpayers on this contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach is generally designed to maximize value for taxpayers. By initially excluding certain sources (perhaps due to specific technical requirements or past performance issues), the government can ensure that the pool of potential bidders meets essential criteria. Subsequently opening it to full and open competition allows the widest possible range of qualified vendors to bid, fostering price competition and innovation. This method aims to secure the best possible technical solution at the most competitive price, thereby optimizing the use of taxpayer funds compared to a sole-source or more restricted competition.

What are the historical spending patterns for flight simulator hardware and training support within the Department of the Army?

Historical spending patterns for flight simulator hardware and training support within the Department of the Army are substantial, reflecting the continuous need for advanced aviation training. The Army invests significantly in maintaining and upgrading its simulation capabilities to ensure pilot proficiency and mission readiness across various aircraft platforms. This includes periodic procurements of new simulators, upgrades to existing ones, and long-term sustainment contracts for hardware and software. Spending fluctuates based on modernization cycles, new aircraft introductions, and evolving training requirements. This $6.8 million award represents a component of that ongoing investment in simulation technology.

What is the expected impact of these hardware upgrades on the quality and realism of Army aviator training?

The hardware upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the quality and realism of Army aviator training. Modern flight simulators incorporate advanced graphics, motion systems, and sensor simulations that more closely replicate real-world flight conditions and combat environments. Improved hardware can lead to more immersive training experiences, allowing pilots to practice complex maneuvers, emergency procedures, and tactical scenarios in a safe, controlled setting. This increased realism translates to better preparedness, reduced training costs compared to live flying, and ultimately, improved pilot performance and safety in actual operational missions.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W900KK20R0013

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8484 WESTPARK DR STE 600, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,692,724

Exercised Options: $6,889,863

Current Obligation: $6,796,964

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK20D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline