NOAA Acquires Four Modified C-130J Aircraft from Lockheed Martin for $461 Million
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $461,039,171 ($461.0M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-09-30
End Date: 2029-09-29
Sector: Defense
Official Description: NOAA/OMAO_PRODUCTION OF UP TO FOUR (4) FULLY MODIFIED C130J AIRCRAFT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $461.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: NOAA/OMAO_PRODUCTION OF UP TO FOUR (4) FULLY MODIFIED C130J AIRCRAFT Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced aircraft for oceanic and atmospheric research. 2. Sole-source award to Lockheed Martin, limiting competitive options. 3. Potential risks associated with sole-source procurement and long-term contract duration. 4. Enhances NOAA's operational capabilities for critical environmental monitoring.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $461 million for four modified C-130J aircraft represents a substantial investment in NOAA's research fleet. The modification scope is extensive, suggesting a fair price for specialized capabilities.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to Lockheed Martin Corporation. This approach was likely chosen due to the specialized nature of the C-130J platform and the required modifications.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding a significant upgrade to national environmental monitoring infrastructure.
Public Impact
Improved data collection for weather forecasting and climate research. Enhanced disaster response capabilities through aerial observation. Support for scientific missions in remote or challenging environments.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award may limit price competition.
- Long contract duration (5 years) increases exposure to market changes.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical modifications.
Positive Signals
- Acquisition of highly capable, specialized aircraft.
- Strengthens NOAA's ability to conduct vital research.
- Ensures continuity of critical atmospheric and oceanic monitoring.
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on the modification and integration of military-grade aircraft for civilian scientific purposes. It highlights the government's reliance on established defense contractors for complex technological upgrades.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a large business. There is no indication of small business set-asides for this specific procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Commerce, through NOAA, is responsible for overseeing this contract. The definitive contract nature suggests a clear scope and payment terms, with oversight focused on delivery and performance.
Related Government Programs
- C-130J Aircraft Modification
- NOAA Research Fleet Modernization
- Atmospheric and Oceanic Research Platforms
Risk Flags
- Sole-source justification
- Long-term contract risk
- Technical complexity of modifications
Tags
noaa, c-130j, lockheed-martin, aircraft-modification, sole-source, department-of-commerce, research-and-development, atmospheric-science, oceanography, federal-spending
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $461.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. NOAA/OMAO_PRODUCTION OF UP TO FOUR (4) FULLY MODIFIED C130J AIRCRAFT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $461.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2029-09-29.
Analysis insight 1
The modifications will likely include advanced sensor integration and data processing capabilities.
Analysis insight 2
The C-130J platform offers long-range endurance suitable for extensive scientific missions.
Analysis insight 3
This investment aims to replace or augment aging research aircraft within NOAA's inventory.