DoD's $149M R&D Contract for Aerospace Components Awarded to Coherent Technologies, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,151,819 ($13.2M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2002-07-10
End Date: 2011-10-14
Contract Duration: 3,383 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 200210!000091!5700!GR13 !AFRL/SNKE AEROSPACE COMPONENTS !F3361502C1106 !A!N! !N! !20020710!20031117!149375479!149375479!149375479!N!COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC !655 ASPEN RIDGE DRIVE !LAFAYETTE !CO!80026!41835!013!08!LAFAYETTE !BOULDER !COLORADO !+000000333000!N!N!000000519315!AC62!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-APPLIED RESEA !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !A!N!U!2!004!E! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !C! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! ! ! !0001!
Place of Performance
Location: LAFAYETTE, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80026
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.2 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: 200210!000091!5700!GR13 !AFRL/SNKE AEROSPACE COMPONENTS !F3361502C1106 !A!N! !N! !20020710!20031117!149375479!149375479!149375479!N!COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC !655 ASPEN RIDGE DRIVE !LAFAYETTE !CO!80026!41835!013!08!LAFAYETTE !BOULD… Key points: 1. This contract focuses on Research and Development for aerospace components, a critical area for defense. 2. The awardee, Coherent Technologies, Inc., is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, indicating a large prime contractor. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process. 4. The sector is primarily R&D within the Defense industry, with a specific NAICS code of 541710.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is $149,375,479. Without specific cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar R&D projects, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, the duration of over 9 years suggests significant scope.
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.' This implies a competitive process was initiated, but specific sources were excluded, which could impact the breadth of competition and price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant value of this contract represents a substantial investment of taxpayer funds into advanced aerospace R&D.
Public Impact
Advancement in aerospace technology through dedicated research and development. Potential for new component development impacting future military aircraft and space systems. Economic impact on the Colorado region through contract work and potential job creation. Contribution to national security through enhanced defense capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
- Risk of technological obsolescence given the long contract duration.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting potential for value.
- Focus on R&D aligns with strategic defense modernization goals.
- Involves a major defense contractor, potentially ensuring robust execution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on electronics and communication equipment applied research. The aerospace component focus is typical for defense R&D spending, which often involves significant investment in innovation.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Coherent Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. There is no indication of small business participation in the provided data, suggesting this contract primarily involves large prime contractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and significant value warrant robust oversight to ensure progress, manage costs, and verify the achievement of R&D objectives. Accountability for deliverables and milestones will be crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns and technological obsolescence.
- Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
- R&D projects inherently carry uncertainty in outcomes and timelines.
- Lack of transparency on specific R&D objectives and expected deliverables.
- Significant financial commitment without clear, immediate return on investment.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, co, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.2 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. 200210!000091!5700!GR13 !AFRL/SNKE AEROSPACE COMPONENTS !F3361502C1106 !A!N! !N! !20020710!20031117!149375479!149375479!149375479!N!COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC !655 ASPEN RIDGE DRIVE !LAFAYETTE !CO!80026!41835!013!08!LAFAYETTE !BOULDER !COLORADO !+000000333000!N!N!000000519315!AC62!RDTE/ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATION EQ-APPLIED RESEA !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !3000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN COHERENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-07-10. End: 2011-10-14.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this $149M R&D investment, and how do they align with current and future Air Force operational needs?
The contract aims to advance aerospace components through applied research in electronics and communication. Specific advancements are not detailed, but they likely target improvements in areas such as sensor technology, communication systems, or propulsion components for next-generation aircraft and space assets. Alignment with Air Force needs would involve enhancing capabilities like situational awareness, secure communications, or performance efficiency.
Given the 'exclusion of sources' clause, what was the rationale, and could it have limited the potential for more innovative solutions or better pricing?
The rationale for excluding sources is not provided. It could be due to proprietary technology, specific technical expertise required, or prior performance. While intended to ensure the best fit, excluding sources can limit the competitive landscape, potentially leading to higher prices or fewer innovative approaches compared to a truly open competition.
How will the effectiveness and value of this long-term R&D contract be measured, especially considering the inherent uncertainties in research and development outcomes?
Effectiveness and value will likely be measured through milestone achievements, prototype development, successful testing, and the eventual integration of developed components into operational systems. Regular technical reviews, performance metrics, and adherence to budget will be key oversight mechanisms. The contract's success will ultimately be judged by its contribution to advancing defense capabilities and technological superiority.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)
Address: 655 ASPEN RIDGE DRIVE, LAFAYETTE, CO, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-07-10
Current End Date: 2011-10-14
Potential End Date: 2011-10-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-06-29
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