DoD Awards $6.6M for TF33 Component Improvement Program to RTX Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,628,585 ($6.6M)
Contractor: RTX Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-11-01
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 849 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TF33 COMPONENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: EAST HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.6 million to RTX CORPORATION for work described as: TF33 COMPONENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract is for research and development related to physical and engineering sciences. 2. RTX Corporation, a major aerospace and defense contractor, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract duration is 849 days, ending in February 2027. 4. This award falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $6.6M, but the final cost is subject to actual expenses incurred.
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 compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a sole-source R&D contract, where the full value and efficiency are not guaranteed through competition.
Public Impact
Supports advanced component improvement for critical defense systems. Potential for technological advancements in aerospace engineering. Ensures continued operational readiness of Air Force assets.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Cost-plus contracts carry inherent risk of cost overruns.
- Lack of transparency in R&D spending can obscure true value.
Positive Signals
- Award to a known, established contractor (RTX).
- Focus on critical component improvement for defense systems.
- Long-term contract duration allows for thorough R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is RTX Corporation, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses will be involved as subcontractors in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source, cost-plus contract, this award warrants close oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure costs are reasonable and the research objectives are met efficiently.
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
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type
- Lack of defined small business participation
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency in R&D spending
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ct, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.6 million to RTX CORPORATION. TF33 COMPONENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RTX 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 $6.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-11-01. End: 2027-02-28.
What is the specific component being improved under the TF33 program, and what is the expected performance enhancement?
The specific component targeted for improvement under the TF33 program is not detailed in the provided data. However, the objective is generally to enhance the performance, reliability, or lifespan of critical engine components. The expected enhancements would likely involve increased thrust, improved fuel efficiency, or reduced maintenance requirements, ultimately contributing to the operational effectiveness of the aircraft utilizing the TF33 engine.
Given the sole-source nature of this award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure RTX Corporation is not overcharging for its services?
For sole-source, cost-plus fixed-fee contracts, the government typically relies on forward pricing agreements, historical cost data, and independent government cost estimates to establish a reasonable fixed fee. Continuous monitoring of incurred costs, audits, and negotiation of equitable adjustments are also crucial. The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) plays a vital role in auditing costs to ensure they are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D investment be measured to ensure it meets the Department of Defense's objectives?
The effectiveness of this R&D investment will be measured through defined technical milestones and performance metrics outlined in the contract. This includes achieving specific performance improvements, demonstrating component reliability under simulated or actual operating conditions, and meeting cost targets for the research effort. Regular progress reports, technical reviews, and final acceptance testing by the Air Force will be key to assessing the program's success.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 400 MAIN ST, EAST HARTFORD, CT, 06118
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: $16,155,315
Exercised Options: $7,905,410
Current Obligation: $6,628,585
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $89,944
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862621D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-11-01
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2028-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-18
More Contracts from RTX Corporation
- LOT 12 AAC Long Lead for Propulsion Systems — $8.7B (Department of Defense)
- 200204!008533!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3003 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!001447952!001447952!001344142!n!united Technologies Corp !400 Main Street !east Hartford !ct!06108!22700!003!09!east Hartford !hartford !conn !+000014000000!n!n!004803460088!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1b!aircraft Engines and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !d!n!r!1!001!n!1a!a!y!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $7.9B (Department of Defense)
- LOT 15 FMS-1 F135 Ctol Prop System — $7.5B (Department of Defense)
- FY21 PBL2 — $4.9B (Department of Defense)
- F119 Engine Long Term Sustainment Program for the Raptor Engine (spare) — $3.6B (Department of Defense)
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)