NASA's $518M Low Boom Flight Demonstrator contract awarded to Lockheed Martin for supersonic boom research aircraft
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $518,486,416 ($518.5M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2018-04-02
End Date: 2026-06-28
Contract Duration: 3,009 days
Daily Burn Rate: $172.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE LOW BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR (LBFD) CONTRACT IS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND FLIGHT VALIDATION OF A RESEARCH AIRCRAFT THAT CREATES A SHAPED SONIC BOOM SIGNATURE WITH A CALCULATED LOUDNESS LEVEL OF 75 PLDB [PERCEIVED LEVEL (PL), DECIBELS (DB)] OR LESS DURING SUPERSONIC CRUISE (MACH = 1.4) FLIGHT.
Place of Performance
Location: PALMDALE, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 93599
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $518.5 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: THE LOW BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR (LBFD) CONTRACT IS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND FLIGHT VALIDATION OF A RESEARCH AIRCRAFT THAT CREATES A SHAPED SONIC BOOM SIGNATURE WITH A CALCULATED LOUDNESS LEVEL OF 75 PLDB [PERCEIVED LEVEL (PL), DECIBELS (DB)] OR LESS DURING SUPERSONIC CR… Key points: 1. Contract aims to demonstrate a quieter supersonic flight capability, potentially enabling future commercial supersonic travel. 2. The project involves complex aircraft design, construction, and flight validation, pushing technological boundaries. 3. A key performance metric is achieving a perceived loudness level of 75 PLdB or less. 4. The contract duration is substantial, spanning over 3000 days, indicating a long-term research and development effort. 5. This initiative aligns with NASA's broader goals of advancing aerospace technology and exploring new flight regimes.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total contract value of $518.5 million for a complex, long-term R&D project like the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator is within a reasonable range for cutting-edge aerospace development. Benchmarking against similar advanced aircraft development programs suggests that the cost is competitive, considering the novel technologies and extensive testing involved. The cost-plus-incentive-fee structure allows for flexibility while incentivizing performance and cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to yield a fair price and ensure the selection of the most capable contractor. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a market that drives innovation and cost-effectiveness, leading to better value for public funds invested in advanced research.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the aerospace research community, gaining critical data on low-boom supersonic flight. The project will deliver a functional research aircraft capable of validating advanced aerodynamic designs. Successful development could pave the way for future commercial supersonic aircraft, impacting air travel. The program supports high-skilled jobs in aerospace engineering and manufacturing, primarily in California where Lockheed Martin has significant operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term R&D contracts can face scope creep and cost overruns if not managed meticulously.
- Technological risks associated with developing novel supersonic flight capabilities are inherent.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for such a complex system requires strong oversight.
Positive Signals
- The 'full and open' competition suggests a strong initial vetting of capabilities and pricing.
- The cost-plus-incentive-fee contract structure incentivizes contractor performance and cost management.
- The project's alignment with NASA's strategic goals indicates strong programmatic support and potential for future investment.
Sector Analysis
The aerospace manufacturing sector is characterized by high R&D investment, long development cycles, and significant government procurement. This contract fits within the advanced aircraft development segment, focusing on next-generation capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks in this area are difficult to pinpoint due to the unique nature of R&D, but large-scale aircraft programs can range from hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. However, as a large prime contract awarded to Lockheed Martin, there is potential for significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the aerospace supply chain. The extent of small business participation will depend on Lockheed Martin's subcontracting plan and the availability of specialized small business capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is provided by NASA, likely through its contracting officers and program management teams. Accountability measures are built into the cost-plus-incentive-fee structure, which ties contractor profit to performance metrics. Transparency is expected through regular reporting requirements and potential public outreach regarding project milestones. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Supersonic Technology Project
- X-Planes Program
- Advanced Air Mobility Initiatives
- Hypersonic Research Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term R&D project with inherent technological uncertainties.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex aerospace development.
- Reliance on advanced, unproven aerodynamic shaping for sonic boom reduction.
Tags
nasa, lockheed-martin, aircraft-manufacturing, research-and-development, supersonic-flight, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-incentive-fee, california, definitive-contract, advanced-technology, aerospace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $518.5 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. THE LOW BOOM FLIGHT DEMONSTRATOR (LBFD) CONTRACT IS FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND FLIGHT VALIDATION OF A RESEARCH AIRCRAFT THAT CREATES A SHAPED SONIC BOOM SIGNATURE WITH A CALCULATED LOUDNESS LEVEL OF 75 PLDB [PERCEIVED LEVEL (PL), DECIBELS (DB)] OR LESS DURING SUPERSONIC CRUISE (MACH = 1.4) FLIGHT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $518.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-04-02. End: 2026-06-28.
What is Lockheed Martin's track record with large, complex NASA R&D contracts?
Lockheed Martin has a long and extensive history of working with NASA and other government agencies on complex aerospace research and development projects. They have been involved in numerous high-profile programs, including spacecraft development, advanced aircraft design, and space exploration missions. Their experience with programs like the X-35 Joint Strike Fighter and various satellite programs demonstrates a strong capability in managing large-scale, technologically challenging endeavors. While specific details on past NASA R&D contracts of this exact nature are proprietary, their overall portfolio suggests a proven ability to deliver on demanding technical requirements and manage significant budgets.
How does the $518.5 million cost compare to similar advanced aircraft development programs?
Direct comparisons for highly specialized R&D aircraft like the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator are challenging due to the unique technological objectives and limited number of such programs. However, considering the development of experimental aircraft and advanced prototypes, $518.5 million is within the expected range for a program of this complexity and duration. For instance, previous NASA X-plane programs or advanced military prototype developments have incurred costs in the hundreds of millions. The cost-plus-incentive-fee structure also implies that the final cost could vary based on performance outcomes, making a precise benchmark difficult without knowing the incentive targets and achieved results.
What are the primary technical risks associated with the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator project?
The primary technical risks revolve around achieving the core objective: shaping the sonic boom signature to a perceived loudness of 75 PLdB or less at Mach 1.4. This involves significant aerodynamic challenges in designing an aircraft configuration that can generate a 'quiet' boom. Other risks include the development and integration of advanced propulsion systems suitable for supersonic flight, ensuring structural integrity under extreme conditions, and the complex flight control systems required for stability and maneuverability. Furthermore, the validation process through flight testing itself carries inherent risks, including potential hardware failures or unexpected atmospheric conditions impacting data collection.
What is the expected effectiveness of the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator in advancing supersonic flight technology?
The Low Boom Flight Demonstrator is expected to be highly effective in proving the viability of low-boom supersonic overland flight. By demonstrating that a shaped sonic boom can be achieved and measured at the target loudness level, it will provide critical data to regulators and the public, potentially easing restrictions on supersonic flight over land. The aircraft's design and flight data will inform the development of future commercial supersonic transport aircraft, accelerating the path towards quieter, more efficient supersonic aviation. Its success hinges on validating the aerodynamic theories and control strategies employed in its design.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's advanced aircraft research programs?
NASA's historical spending on advanced aircraft research, particularly through its X-plane programs, has varied significantly based on program scope, technological ambition, and duration. Early X-planes in the mid-20th century were often less expensive due to simpler technologies. However, more recent advanced research aircraft, especially those involving complex aerodynamics, materials, and flight systems, have typically required investments in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Programs focused on specific technological breakthroughs, like noise reduction or high-speed flight, often represent substantial, long-term investments. The LBFD contract's value aligns with the upper end of spending for such specialized, cutting-edge research aircraft development.
What are the implications of the 'Cost Plus Incentive Fee' contract type for this project?
The Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract type means that Lockheed Martin will be reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a target fee. However, the final fee is adjusted based on whether the contractor meets or exceeds targets for performance, cost, and schedule. For the LBFD project, this incentivizes Lockheed Martin to not only complete the design and construction but also to do so efficiently and effectively, potentially achieving the desired sonic boom characteristics. It provides NASA with a degree of cost control while encouraging the contractor to excel in technical execution, balancing risk and reward.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NND17616105R
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp
Address: 1011 LOCKHEED WAY, PALMDALE, CA, 93599
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $519,110,078
Exercised Options: $519,110,078
Current Obligation: $518,486,416
Actual Outlays: $388,625,350
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 254
Total Subaward Amount: $45,512,055
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-04-02
Current End Date: 2026-06-28
Potential End Date: 2026-06-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-06
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