DoD Awards Raytheon $9.5M for Advanced Ejection Seat Sequencer Phase 2, Boosting Air Force Readiness

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,509,753 ($9.5M)

Contractor: Raytheon Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-27

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 672 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ADVANCED CONCEPT EJECTION SEAT SEQUENCER PHASE 2

Place of Performance

Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $9.5 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: ADVANCED CONCEPT EJECTION SEAT SEQUENCER PHASE 2 Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical aircraft safety technology. 2. Raytheon Company, a major defense contractor, secures the award. 3. Potential for future sustainment and upgrade contracts. 4. Focus on enhancing pilot survivability in high-risk scenarios.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $9.5M for a 2-year effort appears reasonable for advanced aerospace development. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for specialized avionics or safety systems would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple qualified vendors to bid, driving competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to advance critical safety technology, potentially reducing future pilot loss and associated costs.

Public Impact

Enhances pilot safety and survivability in fighter jets. Supports the operational readiness of the U.S. Air Force. Contributes to the advancement of aerospace defense technology.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus fixed fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Long-term sustainment costs for this advanced system are not yet defined.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses a critical safety requirement for aircrews.
Supports a key branch of the U.S. military.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft components and manufacturing. Spending in this area is driven by military modernization and readiness requirements.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is Raytheon Company, it's important to assess if small businesses are included in the subcontracting plan to ensure broad economic participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. Robust contract management and performance monitoring will be crucial to ensure successful delivery and cost control.

Related Government Programs

Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Cost-plus fixed fee contract type.
Limited information on long-term sustainment costs.
Potential for schedule delays in complex R&D projects.
Dependence on a single prime contractor for initial development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $9.5 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. ADVANCED CONCEPT EJECTION SEAT SEQUENCER PHASE 2

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON 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 $9.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-27. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the projected long-term cost of ownership for this advanced ejection seat sequencer, including sustainment and potential upgrades?

The long-term cost of ownership is not detailed in this award. Future sustainment and upgrade contracts will be necessary. A comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis should be conducted to understand the full financial commitment beyond the initial development phase.

How does the performance of this new sequencer compare to existing technologies in terms of reliability and effectiveness during actual ejection events?

Performance comparisons are likely detailed in the technical proposals submitted during the competition. Post-award testing and operational deployment will ultimately validate its effectiveness and reliability against current systems, ensuring enhanced pilot survivability.

What is the potential for technology transfer or spin-off applications from this advanced sequencer to other defense or commercial aviation systems?

Advanced aerospace technologies often have spin-off potential. The specific innovations in this sequencer could potentially be adapted for other safety-critical systems or advanced avionics, though specific applications would depend on further research and development.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: RTX Corp

Address: 1151 E HERMANS RD, TUCSON, AZ, 85756

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: $9,509,753

Exercised Options: $9,509,753

Current Obligation: $9,509,753

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA865621DA004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline