DoD Awards $33.1M for C-130J Sustainment to Lockheed Martin for France-Germany Fleet

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,132,436 ($33.1M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: LONG TERM SUSTAINMENT (LTS) IN SUPPORT FOR THE C-130J UNDER FOREIGN MILITARY SALES CASES: FRANCE-GERMANY C-130J FLEET. CASE: FR-D-QCB. FR-D-QAM

Place of Performance

Location: MARIETTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30063

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: LONG TERM SUSTAINMENT (LTS) IN SUPPORT FOR THE C-130J UNDER FOREIGN MILITARY SALES CASES: FRANCE-GERMANY C-130J FLEET. CASE: FR-D-QCB. FR-D-QAM Key points: 1. The contract is for long-term sustainment of the C-130J aircraft for France and Germany. 2. Lockheed Martin is the sole provider of C-130J sustainment, limiting competition. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract aims to control costs for a critical defense asset. 4. This Foreign Military Sales case supports allied military readiness and interoperability.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $33.1 million for a two-year period appears reasonable for specialized aircraft sustainment. Benchmarking is difficult without specific contract details, but it aligns with typical sustainment costs for complex military platforms.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract is sole-source due to Lockheed Martin's exclusive role as the manufacturer and sustainment provider for the C-130J aircraft. This lack of competition may lead to higher prices than if alternatives were available.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for Foreign Military Sales, supporting allied defense capabilities and U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Public Impact

Enhances operational readiness for allied C-130J fleets, crucial for joint operations. Supports U.S. defense industrial base through sustainment contracts for key platforms. Facilitates interoperability between U.S. and allied air forces. Ensures continued availability of a vital transport aircraft for partner nations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source nature limits competitive pricing.
  • Long-term sustainment can be costly if not managed efficiently.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for critical parts.

Positive Signals

  • Supports key allies' military capabilities.
  • Ensures interoperability with U.S. forces.
  • Maintains readiness of a critical transport platform.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically aircraft manufacturing and support. Spending on sustainment for major platforms like the C-130J is common and essential for maintaining fleet readiness and extending operational life.

Small Business Impact

This contract is awarded to a large prime contractor, Lockheed Martin. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data, which is typical for sole-source sustainment contracts of this nature.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through the Air Force, is responsible for oversight. Foreign Military Sales cases are subject to congressional notification and oversight, ensuring transparency and alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals.

Related Government Programs

  • Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Potential for price escalation
  • Dependence on single supplier
  • Limited transparency on cost drivers

Tags

aircraft-engine-and-engine-parts-manufac, department-of-defense, ga, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. LONG TERM SUSTAINMENT (LTS) IN SUPPORT FOR THE C-130J UNDER FOREIGN MILITARY SALES CASES: FRANCE-GERMANY C-130J FLEET. CASE: FR-D-QCB. FR-D-QAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.

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 $33.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the projected cost per flight hour for C-130J sustainment under this contract, and how does it compare to historical data or other C-130 variants?

The provided data does not include a cost per flight hour metric. Determining this would require further analysis of operational tempo and maintenance logs. Benchmarking against other C-130 variants or similar aircraft sustainment contracts would offer valuable insights into cost-effectiveness and potential areas for efficiency improvements.

What are the specific risks associated with relying solely on Lockheed Martin for C-130J sustainment, particularly concerning parts availability and potential price increases over the contract duratio

The primary risk is the lack of competition, potentially leading to inflated prices and less incentive for Lockheed Martin to optimize costs. Dependence on a single source also creates vulnerability to supply chain disruptions or unexpected price hikes for proprietary parts and technical data. This necessitates robust contract management and potential long-term strategic sourcing discussions.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the overall mission readiness and interoperability goals for the French and German C-130J fleets?

This contract is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of the French and German C-130J fleets by ensuring access to necessary parts, technical support, and maintenance. By standardizing sustainment efforts, it directly supports interoperability goals, allowing for seamless joint operations and coalition missions with U.S. and allied forces.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingAircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 86 SOUTH COBB DR, MARIETTA, GA, 30063

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: $33,638,210

Exercised Options: $33,638,210

Current Obligation: $33,132,436

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA855321D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-01-01

Current End Date: 2026-12-31

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

Last Modified: 2025-11-17

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