Air Force awards $24.7M for Combat Air Force Global Strike Mission Planning Systems to Boeing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,706,937 ($24.7M)

Contractor: Boeing Aerospace Operations, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-19

End Date: 2026-03-18

Contract Duration: 545 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: COMBAT AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE MISSION PLANNING SYSTEMS- SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND MODERNIZATION.

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63134

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.7 million to BOEING AEROSPACE OPERATIONS, INC. for work described as: COMBAT AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE MISSION PLANNING SYSTEMS- SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND MODERNIZATION. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on software development, maintenance, and modernization for critical mission planning systems. 2. Boeing Aerospace Operations, Inc. is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability or existing relationship. 3. The contract utilizes a Time and Materials pricing structure, which can pose cost control challenges. 4. This spending supports the Department of the Air Force's strategic capabilities within the defense sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to manage costs effectively. Benchmarking against similar software development and maintenance contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process. However, the specific award mechanism (Delivery Order) and the sole awardee to Boeing warrant further examination of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated for essential defense software modernization, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and national security.

Public Impact

Enhances critical mission planning capabilities for the Combat Air Force. Supports the modernization of essential software systems, potentially improving efficiency and security. Investment in advanced defense technology contributes to national security readiness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely.
Sole awardee to Boeing may limit competitive pressure on future modifications or extensions.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes independent price validation challenging.

Positive Signals

Supports critical national defense infrastructure.
Awarded under full and open competition, indicating initial market engagement.
Addresses modernization needs for advanced combat systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense IT and aerospace operations. Spending benchmarks for similar software development and maintenance contracts vary widely based on complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the awardee is Boeing Aerospace Operations, Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities exist within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight of this contract. The use of Time and Materials pricing necessitates robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure accountability and prevent cost creep.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Limited visibility into detailed cost breakdowns for independent validation.
Sole awardee may reduce competitive pressure on future contract actions.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical mission planning systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.7 million to BOEING AEROSPACE OPERATIONS, INC.. COMBAT AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE MISSION PLANNING SYSTEMS- SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND MODERNIZATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOEING AEROSPACE OPERATIONS, 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 $24.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-19. End: 2026-03-18.

What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the software development, maintenance, and modernization efforts?

Performance metrics are crucial for assessing the value of this contract. Key indicators should include system uptime, bug resolution rates, successful implementation of new features, adherence to modernization roadmaps, and user satisfaction feedback from Combat Air Force personnel. Without clearly defined and measurable metrics, it is difficult to ascertain if the $24.7 million investment is achieving its intended objectives effectively.

How will the Air Force ensure cost control and prevent potential overruns given the Time and Materials pricing structure?

The Air Force must implement stringent oversight and controls for this Time and Materials contract. This includes establishing clear labor hour ceilings, detailed tracking of all material costs, regular audits of invoices, and requiring detailed progress reports. Proactive engagement with the contractor to manage scope and identify efficiencies will be vital to mitigate the inherent risks of cost escalation associated with this pricing model.

What is the long-term strategy for ensuring continued competition and innovation in mission planning systems beyond this contract?

The long-term strategy should involve market research to identify emerging technologies and potential new vendors. The Air Force could consider breaking down future requirements into smaller, more manageable components to encourage broader participation. Additionally, fostering an environment that supports innovation through pilot programs or research initiatives could help identify alternative solutions and prevent vendor lock-in, ensuring sustained technological advancement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Boeing Company

Address: 6200 JAMES S MCDONNELL BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63134

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $115,945,628

Exercised Options: $38,547,812

Current Obligation: $24,706,937

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU307

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline