DoD Awards Boeing $8.57M for JDAM Technical Support and Integration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,570,461 ($8.6M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: JOINT DIRECT ATTACK MUNITIONS TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND AIRCRAFT/WEAPON SYSTEM INTEGRATION

Place of Performance

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

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: JOINT DIRECT ATTACK MUNITIONS TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND AIRCRAFT/WEAPON SYSTEM INTEGRATION Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a single, established defense contractor. 2. Focus on technical support and integration for critical munitions. 3. Potential for cost overruns given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. 4. Limited visibility into competitive landscape for this specific support.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $8.57M for a 2-year period appears reasonable for specialized technical support and integration services. However, without specific benchmarks for JDAM technical support, a definitive value assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure introduces risk.

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 limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive environment. The justification for sole-sourcing is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being spent without the benefit of competitive bidding, which may result in a less optimal price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs). Supports critical aircraft and weapon system integration for the Air Force. Maintains specialized technical expertise within a key defense contractor. Potential impact on future munitions development and sustainment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
  • Lack of transparency on the justification for sole-sourcing.
  • Potential for vendor lock-in for specialized JDAM support.

Positive Signals

  • Ensures continuity of essential technical support for critical munitions.
  • Leverages existing expertise of The Boeing Company for JDAM integration.
  • Supports Air Force operational readiness and mission effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on munitions and weapon system integration. Spending benchmarks for technical support and integration services for complex weapon systems can vary widely, but typically involve significant investment to maintain advanced capabilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to The Boeing Company and does not indicate any subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The nature of specialized technical support and integration for advanced munitions often requires specific capabilities that may not be readily available from smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is the awarding agency. Oversight would typically involve contract management personnel ensuring performance and adherence to terms. The lack of competition raises questions about the thoroughness of oversight in ensuring best value.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract.
  • Potential for lack of competitive pricing.
  • Limited transparency on justification for sole-sourcing.
  • Dependency on a single contractor for critical support.

Tags

ammunition-except-small-arms-manufacturi, department-of-defense, mo, delivery-order, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. JOINT DIRECT ATTACK MUNITIONS TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND AIRCRAFT/WEAPON SYSTEM INTEGRATION

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 $8.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the specific technical expertise that necessitates a sole-source award to Boeing for JDAM technical support and integration?

The justification for a sole-source award typically centers on unique capabilities, proprietary knowledge, or essential integration requirements that only one contractor can fulfill. For JDAMs, Boeing's long-standing role in their development and production likely provides them with unparalleled insight into the system's intricacies, including specific integration challenges with various aircraft platforms and potential upgrades.

How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure fair pricing for taxpayers?

Effective management of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract requires robust oversight from the contracting agency. This includes detailed tracking of incurred costs, regular performance reviews, and strict adherence to the fixed fee. The agency must ensure that Boeing's costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract, and that the fixed fee adequately compensates for the performance risks undertaken, preventing excessive profit.

What is the long-term strategy for JDAM technical support and integration, and will future requirements be subject to competition?

The long-term strategy for JDAM technical support and integration is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of this vital munition. While this specific award is sole-source, future requirements should ideally be evaluated for competitive potential. Agencies should explore opportunities to break down complex support needs into smaller, more competitive packages or to foster new sources of expertise to ensure sustained competition and innovation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingOther Fabricated Metal Product ManufacturingAmmunition (except Small Arms) 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 FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

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

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: $20,275,900

Exercised Options: $8,570,461

Current Obligation: $8,570,461

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA821324DB007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-09-30

Current End Date: 2026-09-29

Potential End Date: 2029-09-29 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-15

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