DoD awards $32.8M for aircraft radome manufacturing, with delivery expected by late 2027

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,862,895 ($32.9M)

Contractor: Canadian Commercial Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-22

End Date: 2027-12-21

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: B-1 NOSE RADOME

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.9 million to CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION for work described as: B-1 NOSE RADOME Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in specialized aircraft components. 2. Competition dynamics for this niche manufacturing sector warrant further examination. 3. Potential risks include supply chain disruptions and technological obsolescence. 4. Performance will be assessed against delivery timelines and quality specifications. 5. This contract positions the supplier within the broader aerospace and defense manufacturing landscape. 6. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the per-unit cost for this specific radome is challenging due to its specialized nature and limited public data. The total contract value of $32.8 million over approximately two years suggests a substantial investment. Without comparable contract data for identical or highly similar radomes, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the Department of Defense, mitigating some financial risk.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The specific number of bidders and the details of the solicitation process would provide further insight into the intensity of the competition and its impact on the final award price.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and innovative solutions, potentially leading to cost savings and better value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Air Force, receiving critical aircraft components. The contract ensures the continued availability of specialized radome parts for operational aircraft. Geographic impact is likely concentrated around the manufacturing facilities and the Air Force bases receiving the components. Workforce implications include skilled manufacturing jobs in the aerospace sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen manufacturing challenges arise, despite the fixed-price structure.
Risk of delivery delays impacting aircraft readiness if the contractor faces production issues.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical component could pose a supply chain risk.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Long-term delivery schedule allows for phased production and potential quality control.

Sector Analysis

The aerospace manufacturing sector is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and stringent quality requirements. This contract for aircraft radomes falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' industry. The market for specialized aircraft components is often dominated by a few key players due to the technical expertise and certifications required. Spending in this sector is driven by military readiness, aircraft modernization programs, and commercial aviation demand.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus is on the prime contractor's capabilities. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor engages small businesses for specialized services or materials not covered by their internal capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the contract's performance clauses, delivery schedules, and quality assurance provisions. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed operational oversight specifics are typically internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Parts Manufacturing
Aerospace Component Production
Defense Procurement
Air Force Logistics

Risk Flags

Supply Chain Vulnerability
Sole Source Potential for Specialized Materials
Technological Obsolescence Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.9 million to CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION. B-1 NOSE RADOME

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION.

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 $32.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-22. End: 2027-12-21.

What is the historical spending pattern for this specific type of radome or similar components by the Department of Defense?

Analyzing historical spending for this specific radome type is challenging without a more granular product code or detailed contract description. However, the broader category of 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' (NAICS 336413) has seen significant government spending. For instance, in recent fiscal years, the Department of Defense has awarded billions of dollars across various contracts within this NAICS code, supporting a wide range of aircraft components. This particular $32.8 million award represents a portion of that overall defense expenditure, focused on a critical, specialized item. Understanding the trend would require tracking awards for similar components over multiple years to identify any increases or decreases in demand or pricing.

How does the awarded price compare to previous contracts for similar radome systems?

A direct price comparison to previous contracts for identical radome systems is not feasible with the provided data. The contract specifies 'B-1 NOSE RADOME,' suggesting a component for a specific aircraft model (B-1 bomber). Without access to historical contract awards for the same B-1 nose radome, or a highly comparable component for other aircraft, a precise benchmark is impossible. Factors such as material costs, technological upgrades, manufacturing process improvements, and inflation over time would influence price variations. The firm fixed-price nature of this award aims to lock in a price, but its competitiveness relative to past procurements can only be assessed with historical data for the exact item.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and quality assurance measures for this contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided summary, typical performance indicators for aircraft component manufacturing contracts include on-time delivery rates, adherence to technical specifications and drawings, defect rates, and compliance with stringent aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100). Quality assurance measures likely involve rigorous inspections at various stages of production, material testing, functional testing of the finished radome, and final acceptance testing by the government. The contract's firm fixed-price structure incentivizes the contractor to meet these performance and quality standards efficiently to maximize profit.

What is the contractor's track record in delivering similar complex aerospace components?

Information regarding the contractor's specific track record for delivering complex aerospace components, particularly radomes, is not included in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing the contractor's past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), any history of contract disputes or terminations, and their experience with similar government contracts. The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) is acting as the contracting entity, which often facilitates procurement for foreign governments or acts as an intermediary. Understanding CCC's role and the performance history of the actual manufacturing entity is crucial for evaluating reliability.

What are the potential risks associated with the supply chain for the materials used in these radomes?

The supply chain risks for specialized radome materials can be significant. Radomes often utilize advanced composite materials, resins, and specialized coatings that may be sourced from a limited number of global suppliers. Potential risks include geopolitical instability affecting raw material availability, trade restrictions or tariffs, quality control issues with sourced materials, and price volatility. The long lead times often associated with these materials can also create vulnerabilities. The contractor's supply chain management plan, including supplier diversification and risk mitigation strategies, would be critical in addressing these potential disruptions.

How does this contract align with the Department of the Air Force's broader modernization or sustainment strategies?

This contract for B-1 nose radomes directly supports the sustainment strategy for the B-1 Lancer bomber fleet. Radomes are critical components that protect sensitive radar and electronic systems, ensuring the aircraft's operational effectiveness for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strategic bombing missions. By ensuring a supply of these parts, the Air Force maintains the readiness and longevity of its B-1 aircraft. Depending on the specific technological requirements of the radome, it could also align with modernization efforts if it incorporates newer materials or design features that enhance performance or reduce maintenance needs compared to older versions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA811923R0004

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 350 ALBERT ST STE 1100, OTTAWA

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,862,895

Exercised Options: $32,862,895

Current Obligation: $32,862,895

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA811925D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline