DoD Awards $35.4M for Airborne Processor Architecture to General Dynamics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,369,200 ($35.4M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-06-27
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $76.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-FUNCTION PROCESSOR HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE THAT PROVIDES PLATFORMS AN ABILITY TO EXTEND THE ABMS DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE AIRBORNE LAYER AND ENABLE BIDIRECTIONAL DATA EXCHANGE ACROSS THE DAF BATTLE NETWORK.
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $35.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-FUNCTION PROCESSOR HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE THAT PROVIDES PLATFORMS AN ABILITY TO EXTEND THE ABMS DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE AIRBORNE LAYER AND ENABLE BIDIRECTIONAL DATA EXCHANGE ACROSS THE DAF BATTLE NETWORK. Key points: 1. This contract focuses on developing a multi-function processor hardware architecture for airborne platforms. 2. The goal is to extend the Air Force's digital infrastructure to the airborne layer, enabling data exchange. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 4. The sector is Research and Development, specifically in physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific unit cost data for the processor architecture.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the specific nature of advanced R&D may limit the number of truly capable bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D to enhance military communication and data exchange capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances military communication capabilities by enabling airborne data exchange. Supports the Air Force's digital infrastructure modernization efforts. Potential for future technological advancements in defense systems. Invests in cutting-edge hardware architecture for strategic advantage.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can increase risk of cost overruns.
- Advanced R&D nature may present unforeseen technical challenges.
- Limited visibility into specific unit cost benchmarks for this novel architecture.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes a competitive bidding process.
- Aims to improve critical military digital infrastructure.
- Supports technological advancement in defense capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced hardware architecture for defense applications. Spending benchmarks in this niche area are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature of the technology.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a delivery order under a larger award, suggesting some level of prior oversight. Further oversight will be crucial to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure project milestones are met.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost overrun potential due to CPFF contract type.
- Technical feasibility and performance risks in advanced R&D.
- Dependency on contractor's specialized expertise.
- Potential for scope creep in complex development projects.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $35.4 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC.. DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-FUNCTION PROCESSOR HARDWARE ARCHITECTURE THAT PROVIDES PLATFORMS AN ABILITY TO EXTEND THE ABMS DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE AIRBORNE LAYER AND ENABLE BIDIRECTIONAL DATA EXCHANGE ACROSS THE DAF BATTLE NETWORK.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS MISSION SYSTEMS, INC..
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 $35.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-06-27. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the multi-function processor hardware architecture?
The success of the multi-function processor hardware architecture will likely be evaluated based on its ability to meet defined performance specifications for data processing speed, power consumption, thermal management, and reliability in airborne environments. Key metrics may include data throughput rates, latency, Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), and successful integration with existing Air Force Battle Network systems. Formal testing and validation phases will be critical for assessing these metrics.
How will the government mitigate the cost risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for advanced R&D?
Mitigation strategies for Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts in advanced R&D typically involve robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clearly defined milestones. The Air Force will likely establish stringent reporting requirements for contractor expenditures, conduct regular audits, and implement performance-based incentives or penalties tied to achieving specific technical objectives within projected cost ranges. Negotiation of a realistic fixed fee based on the estimated cost and risk is also crucial.
What is the long-term strategic value of developing this airborne processor architecture beyond immediate operational needs?
The long-term strategic value lies in establishing a foundational technology for future airborne command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. This architecture could enable more agile and resilient communication networks, facilitate real-time data fusion from diverse sources, and support the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities directly onto airborne assets. It positions the Air Force for future technological dominance and adaptability in evolving threat landscapes.
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: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Wico Limited
Address: 12450 FAIR LAKES CIR, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $352,146,561
Exercised Options: $35,369,200
Current Obligation: $35,369,200
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 21
Total Subaward Amount: $9,454,401
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA868423DB137
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-06-27
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2028-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-17
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