Air Force Awards $80.9M Lockheed Martin Contract for DMSMS Refresh to Resolve Component Obsolescence

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $80,913,929 ($80.9M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-26

End Date: 2027-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,160 days

Daily Burn Rate: $69.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM A DMSMS REFRESH TO RESOLVE SUB-COMPONENT OBSOLESCENCE WITHIN THE IFF, GALLEY COLD BOX STORAGE UNIT, MILACAS-XR TCAS 7.1, EMMU/ DSDTS/ RMM, AND PMD LRUS.

Place of Performance

Location: MARIETTA, COBB County, GEORGIA, 30063

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $80.9 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM A DMSMS REFRESH TO RESOLVE SUB-COMPONENT OBSOLESCENCE WITHIN THE IFF, GALLEY COLD BOX STORAGE UNIT, MILACAS-XR TCAS 7.1, EMMU/ DSDTS/ RMM, AND PMD LRUS. Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical component obsolescence in aircraft systems. 2. Lockheed Martin, a major defense contractor, is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risks include cost overruns due to fixed-fee structure and sole-source nature. 4. Spending falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount of $80.9M for a 1160-day duration needs further benchmarking against similar obsolescence resolution efforts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this critical obsolescence refresh may result in a higher overall cost to taxpayers.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of Air Force aircraft by addressing aging components. Supports the sustainment of critical defense systems through proactive obsolescence management. Potential for extended aircraft service life due to resolved component issues.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
  • Obsolescence resolution can be complex and unpredictable, impacting final costs.

Positive Signals

  • Addresses critical component obsolescence, ensuring system functionality.
  • Supports long-term sustainment of vital Air Force assets.
  • Awarded to a known, experienced defense contractor.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, specifically addressing sustainment and modernization needs. Spending benchmarks for DMSMS refreshes can vary significantly based on system complexity and the extent of obsolescence.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Lockheed Martin Corp, is a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific sole-source contract, missing an opportunity for their participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. Given the sole-source nature and cost-plus contract type, robust oversight will be crucial to manage costs and ensure effective resolution of obsolescence issues.

Related Government Programs

  • Aircraft Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of Competition
  • Cost Overrun Potential (CPFF)
  • Obsolescence Resolution Complexity
  • Sole-Source Justification Scrutiny

Tags

aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, ga, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $80.9 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. CONTRACTOR TO PERFORM A DMSMS REFRESH TO RESOLVE SUB-COMPONENT OBSOLESCENCE WITHIN THE IFF, GALLEY COLD BOX STORAGE UNIT, MILACAS-XR TCAS 7.1, EMMU/ DSDTS/ RMM, AND PMD LRUS.

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 $80.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-26. End: 2027-11-30.

What is the estimated cost savings or operational benefit achieved by performing this DMSMS refresh compared to alternative solutions like system replacement?

Quantifying the precise cost savings or operational benefits of this DMSMS refresh requires a detailed analysis comparing the current approach against alternatives such as full system replacement or redesign. Factors to consider include the lifespan extension of existing platforms, reduced maintenance costs due to new components, and the avoidance of procurement costs for entirely new systems. Without this comparative data, the true value proposition remains partially obscured.

What specific risks were identified that necessitated a sole-source award, and how are these risks being mitigated to prevent cost overruns?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique technical requirements, proprietary technology, or the unavailability of alternative sources. Mitigation strategies for cost overruns in a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract include stringent contract surveillance, detailed cost tracking, performance metrics, and regular reviews of contractor expenditures. The Air Force must actively manage these elements to ensure the project stays within budget and achieves its objectives.

How will the effectiveness of the DMSMS refresh be measured to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of the affected aircraft components?

Effectiveness will be measured through a combination of post-implementation testing, performance monitoring, and reliability assessments. This includes verifying that the new components meet or exceed original specifications, tracking failure rates of refreshed systems, and assessing the overall impact on aircraft availability and mission readiness. Establishing clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) before contract execution is vital for objective evaluation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingAircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

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: $80,913,929

Exercised Options: $80,913,929

Current Obligation: $80,913,929

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862520D3000

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-09-26

Current End Date: 2027-11-30

Potential End Date: 2027-11-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-04-26

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