DoD's F-22 Fielding Contract with TIAX LLC Exceeds $256M, Awarded via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,655,427 ($25.7M)
Contractor: Tiax LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-05-07
End Date: 2021-07-05
Contract Duration: 790 days
Daily Burn Rate: $32.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: F-22 PRODUCTION&FIELDING
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02421
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.7 million to TIAX LLC for work described as: F-22 PRODUCTION&FIELDING Key points: 1. Contract value of $256.5M for F-22 production and fielding. 2. TIAX LLC is the contractor, operating under the Department of Defense. 3. Awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. The contract duration is 790 days, ending July 5, 2021. 5. PSC code is not specified, but NAICS code 541712 indicates R&D services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is substantial at $256.5M. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparison to similar R&D contracts for advanced aircraft systems, a precise value assessment is difficult. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process where specific sources were initially considered but ultimately opened. This method aims for competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical defense needs.
Public Impact
Supports the operational readiness and advancement of the F-22 fighter jet program. Ensures continued fielding and potential upgrades for a key national defense asset. Impacts the aerospace and defense sector, particularly companies involved in advanced R&D. The contract's duration of over two years suggests ongoing support requirements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns despite fixed-price contract.
- Limited visibility into specific R&D outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm fixed-price contract type.
- Supports a critical defense asset (F-22).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically related to advanced aerospace systems. Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of the federal budget, with contracts often involving high costs due to complexity and innovation.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The contractor, TIAX LLC, is not identified as a small business in this context. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is unclear from this data alone.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Defense's Defense Contract Management Agency, implying oversight. However, further details on specific oversight mechanisms, performance reviews, and accountability measures are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract value is high.
- Duration is significant (790 days).
- NAICS code suggests R&D, which can be high-risk.
- Specific deliverables and outcomes are not detailed.
- Small business participation is not evident.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.7 million to TIAX LLC. F-22 PRODUCTION&FIELDING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TIAX LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-05-07. End: 2021-07-05.
What specific R&D advancements or production support were delivered under this contract for the F-22 program?
The provided data focuses on the contract's administrative details (value, dates, contractor) rather than the specific deliverables. To assess the value, a detailed breakdown of the R&D outcomes, production support activities, and their impact on F-22 capabilities or operational readiness would be necessary. Without this, it's difficult to quantify the return on the $256.5M investment.
What were the key factors that led to the 'exclusion of sources' in the initial phase of this full and open competition?
The 'exclusion of sources' typically occurs when specific capabilities, past performance, or proprietary technologies are required, leading agencies to initially limit the pool of potential bidders. For a complex system like the F-22, this could involve specialized expertise in areas like avionics, materials science, or stealth technology. Understanding these initial criteria helps evaluate if the final competitive process adequately balanced specialized needs with broad market access.
How does the $256.5M contract value compare to historical spending on similar F-22 sustainment or upgrade contracts?
Benchmarking this $256.5M contract against historical F-22 program spending requires access to prior contract data for similar services. Factors like inflation, technological evolution, and the specific scope of work (production vs. fielding vs. R&D) influence comparisons. Without this context, it's challenging to determine if the current spending level is typical, excessive, or cost-effective relative to past investments in maintaining and advancing the F-22 fleet.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, INSIGNA, AND JEWELRY
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 35 HARTWELL AVE, LEXINGTON, MA, 02421
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,655,427
Exercised Options: $25,655,427
Current Obligation: $25,655,427
Actual Outlays: $2,775,433
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA860611D6360
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-05-07
Current End Date: 2021-07-05
Potential End Date: 2021-07-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-10-12
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)