DoD Awards $40M for C-130J Weapons Systems Trainer to Lockheed Martin
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $40,072,644 ($40.1M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-04-29
End Date: 2025-11-30
Contract Duration: 1,311 days
Daily Burn Rate: $30.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: C-130J NEW ZEALAND WEAPONS SYSTEMS TRAINER
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32825
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $40.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: C-130J NEW ZEALAND WEAPONS SYSTEMS TRAINER Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced training for C-130J aircrews. 2. Sole awardee is Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the C-130J. 3. Potential for cost overruns exists if training needs evolve beyond initial scope. 4. This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $40.07 million for a weapons systems trainer appears reasonable given the complexity of modern aircraft simulation. Benchmarking against similar advanced training systems for large military aircraft would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, as the prime contractor for the C-130J, Lockheed Martin likely had a significant advantage in developing a trainer for its own platform.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance the operational readiness and safety of C-130J aircrews, which is a justifiable use of public funds for national defense.
Public Impact
Enhances pilot proficiency and mission effectiveness for C-130J operations. Supports the readiness of air mobility forces critical for global logistics and support. Contributes to the technological advancement of military training simulations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized nature of the trainer.
- Risk of scope creep if additional training modules are required.
Positive Signals
- Directly supports a critical military aircraft platform.
- Utilizes advanced simulation technology for improved training outcomes.
Sector Analysis
This contract is within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing. Spending in this area is driven by military modernization and readiness requirements, with significant government investment typical for complex systems.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a large prime contractor. There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses were directly involved as subcontractors on this specific delivery order.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms should ensure proper execution and accountability for the funds expended.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole source advantage for OEM
- Potential for scope creep
- Long-term sustainment costs
- Integration with evolving C-130J upgrades
Tags
other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, fl, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $40.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. C-130J NEW ZEALAND WEAPONS SYSTEMS TRAINER
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 $40.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-04-29. End: 2025-11-30.
What is the projected return on investment for this weapons systems trainer in terms of reduced flight hours or improved mission success rates?
The return on investment is primarily measured through enhanced aircrew proficiency and reduced risk during actual missions. By providing a realistic training environment, the trainer can decrease the need for costly and potentially hazardous flight hours for training purposes, ultimately improving mission success rates and aircrew survivability.
What are the specific risks associated with the 'full and open competition' if Lockheed Martin is the sole manufacturer of the C-130J?
While the award was under 'full and open competition,' the inherent advantage of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for a specialized system like an aircraft trainer is significant. The primary risk is that potential competitors may lack the proprietary data, technical expertise, or integration capabilities necessary to offer a truly comparable system, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the competition.
How will the effectiveness of the trainer be measured and validated post-delivery to ensure it meets the Department of Defense's training objectives?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of user feedback from aircrews and instructors, performance metrics within the simulator itself (e.g., scenario completion rates, error analysis), and potentially through post-training mission performance data. Formal testing and evaluation phases, along with periodic reviews, will ensure the trainer aligns with evolving training requirements and operational needs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: TRAINING AIDS AND DEVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 100 GLOBAL INNOVATION CIR, ORLANDO, FL, 32825
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: $40,072,644
Exercised Options: $40,072,644
Current Obligation: $40,072,644
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862115D6276
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-04-29
Current End Date: 2025-11-30
Potential End Date: 2025-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-25
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