DoD awards $58M to Boeing for B-52 Engineering Services, extending through 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $58,073,026 ($58.1M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-12-20

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,933 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: B-52 ENGINEERING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73135

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $58.1 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: B-52 ENGINEERING SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized aircraft sustainment. 2. Sole-source award to incumbent, raising competition concerns. 3. Long-term contract duration may pose cost escalation risks. 4. Focus on critical defense asset maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar sole-source engineering support contracts for legacy aircraft is difficult without more data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The Boeing Company. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for essential B-52 engineering services means taxpayers may be paying a premium for these services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of the B-52 bomber fleet. Supports critical maintenance and engineering expertise for a strategic asset. Potential for cost savings through performance incentives, but risks remain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Cost-plus contract type
  • Long contract duration

Positive Signals

  • Ensures critical platform sustainment
  • Performance incentives included

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft manufacturing and sustainment. Spending in this area is often characterized by long-term contracts and specialized, sole-source providers due to the complexity and proprietary nature of defense systems.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract award. Given the sole-source nature and the prime contractor, opportunities for small businesses are likely limited to subcontracting roles, if any.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective performance. The Air Force should monitor cost growth and contractor performance diligently to mitigate risks associated with non-competitive awards.

Related Government Programs

  • Aircraft Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs.
  • Cost-plus contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
  • Long contract duration increases exposure to market volatility and scope creep.
  • Reliance on a single contractor for critical sustainment.

Tags

aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, ok, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $58.1 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. B-52 ENGINEERING SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BOEING COMPANY.

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 $58.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-20. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, proprietary data, or the need for continuity of essential services for a specific platform. Agencies must document why full and open competition is not feasible. Without this documentation, it's difficult to assess if alternative strategies were explored or if this was the most cost-effective approach for the government.

How are the incentive fee structures designed to control costs and ensure performance for the B-52 engineering services?

The Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) structure aims to align contractor and government interests by providing bonuses for exceeding targets (e.g., cost savings, performance metrics) and penalties for falling short. The effectiveness depends on clearly defined targets, robust performance metrics, and diligent government oversight to ensure the incentives drive desired outcomes without encouraging unnecessary risk-taking or compromising quality.

What is the long-term strategy for B-52 sustainment, and how does this contract fit into that plan?

This contract covers engineering services through 2026, indicating a commitment to the B-52's continued operational life. Understanding the broader sustainment strategy, including potential upgrades, fleet size, and future platform replacements, is crucial. This contract appears to be a necessary component for maintaining the current fleet's readiness during its extended service period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingAircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6001 S AIR DEPOT BLVD, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73135

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: $58,073,026

Exercised Options: $58,073,026

Current Obligation: $58,073,026

Actual Outlays: $4,671,080

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 18

Total Subaward Amount: $4,136,379

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862810D1000

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-12-20

Current End Date: 2026-12-31

Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-09

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