DoD awards $37.6M for flight training devices, with delivery orders extending through 2027
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,628,538 ($37.6M)
Contractor: BY Light Professional IT Services LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-10-31
End Date: 2027-09-07
Contract Duration: 1,407 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: PROCUREMENT, INSTALLATION, AND CERTIFICATION TESTING OF COCKPIT FLIGHT TRAINING DEVICES
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $37.6 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC for work described as: PROCUREMENT, INSTALLATION, AND CERTIFICATION TESTING OF COCKPIT FLIGHT TRAINING DEVICES Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable given the scope of procurement, installation, and certification testing for complex flight training devices. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive environment that should drive favorable pricing. 3. The contract duration of 1407 days indicates a long-term need for these training capabilities. 4. The primary contractor, BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC, will be responsible for delivering critical training infrastructure. 5. This procurement supports the Department of the Army's readiness and training objectives.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total contract value of $37.6 million for the procurement, installation, and certification testing of cockpit flight training devices is within a reasonable range for such specialized equipment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale training system procurements by the Department of Defense suggests that this value is competitive. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps to control costs and provides predictability for the government.
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 multiple vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. This competitive process is designed to ensure the government receives the best value by fostering price discovery and encouraging innovation among bidders. The specific details of the bidding process, such as the number of proposals received, are not provided but the designation suggests a robust competition.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces, ensuring that the government is not overpaying for essential services and equipment.
Public Impact
Pilots and aircrew within the Department of the Army will benefit from advanced flight training capabilities, enhancing their proficiency and safety. The contract will facilitate the procurement, installation, and certification of critical flight training devices, directly supporting military readiness. The geographic impact is likely concentrated at military installations where these training devices will be deployed. This contract may have implications for the specialized workforce involved in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of flight simulation technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if installation or certification proves more complex than anticipated.
- Risk of vendor lock-in if follow-on support or upgrades are not competitively procured.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical training infrastructure could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost escalation risks for the government.
- Full and open competition suggests a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained training capabilities and potential for phased delivery and payment.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on simulation and training equipment. The market for flight simulators is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and significant investment in research and development. Comparable spending benchmarks in this sector would involve other large-scale procurements of advanced training systems for military aviation, which often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements for this contract. Given the specialized nature and significant value of procuring and certifying flight training devices, it is possible that the prime contractor is a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of the Army, likely through contracting officers and program managers responsible for training systems. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods and services at an agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly available.
Related Government Programs
- Military Flight Training Systems
- Aerospace Simulation Technology
- Defense Procurement
- Training and Readiness Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for schedule delays
- Technical complexity of installation and certification
- Long-term sustainment and obsolescence management
- Dependence on contractor performance for critical training capability
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, flight-training-devices, simulation-and-training, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, it-services, machinery-manufacturing, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $37.6 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC. PROCUREMENT, INSTALLATION, AND CERTIFICATION TESTING OF COCKPIT FLIGHT TRAINING DEVICES
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 $37.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-31. End: 2027-09-07.
What is the track record of BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC in delivering similar flight training devices to the Department of Defense?
Information regarding BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC's specific track record with delivering cockpit flight training devices is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on similar government contracts. This would involve searching federal procurement databases and potentially agency performance assessment reports to gauge their experience and reliability in this specialized area. Understanding their history with complex installations and certification testing is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this award.
How does the awarded value of $37.6 million compare to the market price for similar flight training devices?
Benchmarking the $37.6 million contract value against the market price for similar flight training devices requires detailed specifications of the devices being procured. Factors such as the level of fidelity, specific aircraft simulated, motion systems, visual systems, and instructor stations significantly influence cost. Without these specifics, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the 'full and open competition' designation, it suggests that the market was assessed and the price achieved through competitive bidding is considered fair value. Further analysis would involve comparing the technical requirements of this contract against publicly available data on similar simulator procurements.
What are the primary risks associated with the procurement and installation of these flight training devices?
Key risks include technical complexity, potential for schedule delays during installation and certification, and the possibility of cost overruns if unforeseen issues arise, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. Ensuring the devices meet stringent certification standards is critical. There's also a risk related to the long-term sustainment and obsolescence management of the technology. The contractor's ability to manage the supply chain for specialized components and integrate complex systems are also potential risk areas that require careful monitoring by the contracting agency.
How effective are cockpit flight training devices in improving pilot performance and reducing training costs?
Cockpit flight training devices, particularly high-fidelity simulators, are highly effective in improving pilot performance by allowing for the practice of a wide range of scenarios, including emergency procedures, in a safe and controlled environment. They significantly reduce training costs by minimizing the use of actual aircraft, thereby saving on fuel, maintenance, and operational expenses. Studies consistently show that simulator training translates to improved real-world performance and enhanced safety. The certification testing ensures these devices accurately replicate flight characteristics and provide a valid training experience.
What has been the historical spending trend for flight training devices within the Department of the Army?
Historical spending trends for flight training devices within the Department of the Army typically fluctuate based on modernization programs, fleet readiness requirements, and the introduction of new aircraft platforms. Significant investments are often made during periods of major equipment upgrades or when new training mandates are established. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards for simulation and training systems would reveal patterns of investment. This $37.6 million award should be viewed in the context of these broader historical spending patterns to assess its relative scale and importance.
What are the implications of the 'delivery order' award type for this contract?
The 'delivery order' award type indicates that this is likely a task order contract or a basic ordering agreement where specific quantities and delivery schedules are determined over time through individual orders. For this contract, it means that the $37.6 million represents the total potential value, and the Department of the Army will issue specific delivery orders for the procurement, installation, and certification testing of the devices as needed. This provides flexibility in managing the acquisition process and aligning expenditures with evolving training requirements and budget availability.
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: $37,628,538
Exercised Options: $37,628,538
Current Obligation: $37,628,538
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
Start Date: 2023-10-31
Current End Date: 2027-09-07
Potential End Date: 2027-09-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-12-06
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