DOE awards $49.1M to Lockheed Martin for radioisotope Stirling generator system integration, a sole-source procurement
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,136,774 ($49.1M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2002-06-07
End Date: 2007-06-30
Contract Duration: 1,849 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SYSTEM INTEGRATION OF A 55 WATT RADIOISOTOPE STIRLING GENERATOR
Place of Performance
Location: KING OF PRUSSIA, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19406
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $49.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: SYSTEM INTEGRATION OF A 55 WATT RADIOISOTOPE STIRLING GENERATOR Key points: 1. High contract value for specialized technology. 2. Sole-source award limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential risks associated with single-vendor reliance. 4. Spending concentrated in advanced manufacturing/aerospace sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $49.1M for system integration of a 55-watt generator is substantial. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to benchmark pricing against similar specialized systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers for this specialized system.
Public Impact
Supports advanced energy generation technology for potential space or remote applications. Procurement by the Department of Energy highlights national interest in specialized power sources. Long contract duration (2002-2007) suggests a complex, multi-year development or integration effort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- Lack of competition
- High contract value
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a major defense contractor
- Supports advanced technology development
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the advanced manufacturing and aerospace sector, specifically related to specialized propulsion and power generation units. Spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of radioisotope Stirling generators.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corp, a large prime contractor. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Energy. Oversight details regarding performance and cost control for this sole-source contract are not provided in the data.
Related Government Programs
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition.
- Potential for cost overruns without competitive pressure.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical technology.
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to non-competed nature.
Tags
guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-propuls, department-of-energy, pa, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $49.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. SYSTEM INTEGRATION OF A 55 WATT RADIOISOTOPE STIRLING GENERATOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $49.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-06-07. End: 2007-06-30.
What was the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative solutions considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one vendor can fulfill the requirement. Without specific documentation, it's unknown if alternatives were thoroughly explored or if the justification was solely based on Lockheed Martin's unique position for this specific radioisotope Stirling generator system integration.
How does the final cost compare to the initial estimated cost, and what factors influenced any variance?
The provided data does not include initial estimated costs or final obligated amounts, only the awarded value. Therefore, a comparison to assess cost variance and identify influencing factors is not possible. Further analysis would require access to the contract's financial history and modification details.
What is the long-term strategic value and operational effectiveness of this radioisotope Stirling generator system?
The long-term strategic value likely lies in providing a reliable, long-duration power source for specialized applications, such as deep space missions or remote terrestrial operations where traditional power sources are infeasible. Its effectiveness depends on the successful integration and performance of the Stirling generator technology in its intended operational environment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Address: 1111 LOCKHEED MARTIN WAY BLDG 157, SUNNYVALE, CA, 94089
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $49,901,759
Exercised Options: $49,901,759
Current Obligation: $49,136,774
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-06-07
Current End Date: 2007-06-30
Potential End Date: 2007-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-11-28
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