DoD awards $10.1M R&D contract to Lockheed Martin for ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,101,072 ($10.1M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-02-05

End Date: 2026-02-04

Contract Duration: 730 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION

Place of Performance

Location: FORT WORTH, TARRANT County, TEXAS, 76108

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Duration of 730 days indicates a medium-term project. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 5. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, a major component of the DoD. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or basic ordering agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $10.1 million R&D contract is challenging without specific deliverables or performance metrics. However, the duration of two years for a complex system development suggests a moderate investment. The firm-fixed-price structure implies that the contractor has committed to a set price, which can be advantageous for the government if costs are managed effectively. Further analysis would require understanding the scope of work and comparing it to similar R&D efforts in advanced battle management systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 9 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this specific R&D requirement. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with multiple bidders is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining competitive pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is the primary beneficiary, seeking advancements in battle management systems. The contract aims to deliver advancements in the 'ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION' system, likely enhancing command and control capabilities. The contract is located in Texas, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region. This R&D effort could lead to improved military operational effectiveness and technological superiority for the U.S. Air Force.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value for money.
The complexity of R&D projects inherently carries a risk of cost overruns or schedule delays, even with fixed-price contracts.
The specific nature of 'ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION' is not detailed, making it hard to gauge its strategic importance or potential for duplication.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust and fair bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, Lockheed Martin, is a major defense contractor with extensive experience in R&D and complex systems.
The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it aligns with a broader strategic acquisition framework.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced technologies for defense applications. The market for defense R&D is characterized by significant government investment, long development cycles, and a focus on technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other DoD contracts for similar advanced battle management or fusion technology R&D efforts, which can range from millions to billions of dollars depending on the scope and maturity.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss=false, sb=false). Given the nature of the work and the prime contractor, it is unlikely that significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses will be mandated, though the prime contractor may engage them for specific components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified outcomes within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting, though specific project details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS)
Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)
Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Dependency on contractor's technical expertise.
Risk of technology obsolescence.
Integration challenges with existing systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.

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 $10.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-05. End: 2026-02-04.

What is the specific technical objective of the 'ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION' system?

The specific technical objective of the 'ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION' system is not fully detailed in the provided data. However, based on the name, it likely pertains to enhancing the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) by improving the tracking and fusion of data within Command and Control (C2) systems. This could involve integrating sensor data from various platforms, improving situational awareness, and enabling faster decision-making in complex operational environments. The 'fusion' aspect suggests a capability to combine disparate information sources into a coherent operational picture. Further details would be found in the Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS) associated with the contract.

How does the $10.1 million value compare to other R&D contracts in similar domains?

The $10.1 million value for this R&D contract is moderate within the defense sector. Large-scale R&D programs, especially those involving major system developments like advanced battle management, can easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars over their lifecycle. This $10.1 million award, being a delivery order with a two-year duration, likely represents a specific phase, a component development, or a technology maturation effort within a larger ABMS initiative. For instance, foundational R&D contracts for new weapon systems or communication networks can be in the tens of millions, while full-scale system development and integration contracts are significantly larger. This specific award suggests a focused research effort rather than a full system build.

What are the key risks associated with this contract for the government?

Key risks for the government on this contract include technical risks, where the R&D may not yield the desired capabilities or may fall short of performance expectations. Schedule risks are also present, as R&D projects are inherently uncertain, and delays could impact the broader ABMS roadmap. Cost risks, while mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure, could still materialize if the contractor misinterprets the scope or encounters unforeseen challenges requiring contract modifications. Finally, there's a risk of obsolescence if the technology developed is quickly surpassed by advancements elsewhere, or if the strategic needs of the DoD shift significantly during the development period.

What is Lockheed Martin's track record with similar R&D contracts for the DoD?

Lockheed Martin Corporation has an extensive and well-established track record of performing complex Research and Development (R&D) contracts for the Department of Defense (DoD) and its various branches, including the Air Force. They are a prime contractor on numerous advanced technology programs, encompassing areas like aerospace, C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), missile defense, and advanced materials. Their history includes developing and integrating sophisticated systems similar in nature to battle management and data fusion technologies. While specific performance details for every contract are not publicly available, their consistent selection for large, critical R&D efforts indicates a strong capability and a generally positive performance history with the DoD.

How does this contract fit into the broader Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) initiative?

This contract for 'ABMS CBC2 TRACKER FUSION' is a component of the U.S. Air Force's broader Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) initiative. ABMS aims to create a resilient, connected network of sensors, platforms, and weapons across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber) to enable faster decision-making and coordinated operations. The 'CBC2 TRACKER FUSION' aspect specifically targets the Command and Control (C2) element, focusing on improving the ability to track targets and fuse information from diverse sources to provide a unified operational picture. This R&D effort likely contributes to the foundational capabilities required for ABMS, potentially enhancing situational awareness and the speed at which commanders can act upon intelligence.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp

Address: 1 LOCKHEED BLVD BLDG 10, FORT WORTH, TX, 76108

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: $15,958,088

Exercised Options: $10,101,072

Current Obligation: $10,101,072

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA861220D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline