DoD Awards $18.9M for F100 Engine Component Improvement Program to RTX Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,913,183 ($18.9M)
Contractor: RTX Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-11-01
End Date: 2027-06-30
Contract Duration: 971 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: F100 ENGINE COMPONENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: EAST HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.9 million to RTX CORPORATION for work described as: F100 ENGINE COMPONENT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development for physical and engineering sciences. 2. RTX Corporation, a major aerospace and defense contractor, is the sole awardee. 3. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating ongoing work. 4. The R&D nature of the contract suggests potential for technological advancement but also inherent risks.
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 more specific cost data for similar R&D efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, meaning RTX Corporation was the only entity considered. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces the incentive for cost efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: Without competition, taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for the research and development services.
Public Impact
Enhances critical engine components for Air Force aircraft, potentially improving performance and longevity. Supports advanced manufacturing and engineering capabilities within the defense industrial base. Invests in future military readiness through technological upgrades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract structure carries risk of cost escalation.
- Long duration (971 days) increases exposure to changing economic conditions.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical component improvement for existing platforms.
- Leverages established contractor expertise (RTX Corporation).
- Supports ongoing modernization efforts within the Department of Defense.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to procurement of established goods.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, RTX Corporation, is a large business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates robust monitoring to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable.
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
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize spending over efficiency.
- R&D projects inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to market volatility.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ct, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.9 million to RTX CORPORATION. F100 ENGINE 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 $18.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-11-01. End: 2027-06-30.
What specific performance improvements are expected from the F100 engine component upgrades, and how will these be measured?
The specific performance improvements are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such programs aim to enhance thrust, fuel efficiency, reliability, or lifespan of engine components. Measurement would likely involve rigorous testing, simulation, and comparison against baseline performance metrics established before the program's commencement. The success criteria should be clearly defined in the contract's statement of work.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure RTX Corporation is not overcharging for these R&D services?
While competition is absent, the government typically employs several oversight mechanisms. These include detailed cost proposal reviews, audits of incurred costs, negotiation of fair and reasonable profit margins, and establishing clear performance metrics. The contracting officer must justify the sole-source award and ensure the negotiated price reflects the value received, often relying on historical data or independent cost estimates.
How does this investment align with the Air Force's long-term strategic goals for its fighter and bomber fleets?
Investing in F100 engine component improvements directly supports the longevity and operational readiness of aircraft utilizing this engine type, likely including F-15 and F-16 variants. This aligns with strategic goals by extending the service life of existing platforms, reducing the need for premature replacement, and ensuring continued mission capability. It also contributes to maintaining a technological edge through incremental upgrades.
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: $44,362,806
Exercised Options: $30,123,722
Current Obligation: $18,913,183
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: 2027-06-30
Potential End Date: 2028-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-15
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