DoD Awards Boeing $13.5M for MMIII Program Flight Test Telemetry Production

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,575,557 ($13.6M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-05-24

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,225 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FLIGHT TEST TELEMETRY AND TERMINATION (FT3) PRODUCTION FOR THE MMIII PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: LAYTON, DAVIS County, UTAH, 84041

State: Utah Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: FLIGHT TEST TELEMETRY AND TERMINATION (FT3) PRODUCTION FOR THE MMIII PROGRAM Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a major defense contractor, Boeing. 2. Focus on critical flight test telemetry for the MMIII program. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 4. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and value.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for potential cost growth beyond initial estimates. Benchmarking is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns, but the award amount appears substantial for production of telemetry and termination systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may not ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars, as competitive pressure is absent.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to higher costs than if the contract were awarded through a competitive process, impacting taxpayer investment.

Public Impact

Ensures continued support for critical missile testing and development. Maintains readiness and technological advancement for the MMIII program. Supports a key defense contractor's operations and workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
  • Lack of transparency in pricing due to non-competitive nature.

Positive Signals

  • Supports a critical national defense program.
  • Ensures continued technological development in a sensitive area.
  • Leverages established contractor expertise for specialized production.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this niche area is often characterized by high R&D costs, specialized manufacturing, and significant government oversight due to national security implications.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to The Boeing Company, a large prime contractor. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data, suggesting limited direct impact.

Oversight & Accountability

As a sole-source award for a critical defense program, this contract warrants close oversight to ensure cost control and adherence to contract terms. The Air Force will need to monitor performance and expenditures diligently.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • Potential for cost overruns
  • Lack of competitive bidding
  • Limited transparency on pricing justification

Tags

other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-p, department-of-defense, ut, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. FLIGHT TEST TELEMETRY AND TERMINATION (FT3) PRODUCTION FOR THE MMIII PROGRAM

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 $13.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-24. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were any attempts made to explore competitive options?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one source can fulfill the requirement. Without further details, it's unclear if alternative sources were considered or if specific program requirements necessitated this approach. Further investigation into the contracting officer's justification is needed to assess the necessity and potential impact on value.

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

Managing a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires robust government oversight, including detailed cost audits and performance monitoring. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs, but the 'cost plus' element means the government bears the risk of increased expenses. Clear performance metrics and regular reviews are essential to ensure the contractor operates efficiently and taxpayer funds are used appropriately.

What specific deliverables are included in the FT3 production, and how do they contribute to the MMIII program's overall effectiveness?

The FT3 production likely includes the manufacturing of specialized telemetry systems and termination devices crucial for gathering data during flight tests of the MMIII missile. This data is vital for assessing performance, identifying potential issues, and ensuring the system's reliability and effectiveness. Without these components, comprehensive flight testing and subsequent program improvements would be significantly hindered.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingOther Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: GUIDED MISSLES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 465 N MARSHALL WAY, LAYTON, UT, 84041

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: $13,575,557

Exercised Options: $13,575,557

Current Obligation: $13,575,557

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $3,573,997

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA821422D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-05-24

Current End Date: 2026-09-30

Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-09

More Contracts from THE Boeing Company

View all THE Boeing Company federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending