DoD awards $1.2B for F-15EX Eagle Vision Lot 6 Radars to Raytheon Company

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $120,408,813 ($120.4M)

Contractor: Raytheon Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-07-09

End Date: 2028-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,178 days

Daily Burn Rate: $102.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: F-15EX EAGLE VISION LOT 6 RADARS

Place of Performance

Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $120.4 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: F-15EX EAGLE VISION LOT 6 RADARS Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, raising questions about price competition. 2. Significant investment in advanced radar systems for the F-15EX fighter jet. 3. Long performance period suggests a need for sustained technological support. 4. Focus on search, detection, and navigation systems highlights critical mission capabilities. 5. Potential for follow-on work and sustainment contracts exists. 6. Geographic concentration in California for contract performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $1.2 billion for F-15EX Eagle Vision Lot 6 Radars is substantial. However, without competitive bidding, it is difficult to benchmark the value for money. The sole-source nature of this award means that taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price. Comparisons to similar radar system procurements for other advanced aircraft would be necessary to assess pricing effectiveness, but such data is not readily available in this context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one bidder, Raytheon Company, was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive procurement process, which typically involves multiple vendors submitting proposals. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to drive down costs and ensure the most innovative solutions are considered.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there is no direct price pressure from competing offers. This limits the government's leverage in negotiating favorable terms and pricing.

Public Impact

The U.S. Air Force benefits from enhanced radar capabilities for its F-15EX fighter fleet. Advanced search, detection, navigation, guidance, and aeronautical systems are delivered. The contract performance is concentrated in California, potentially impacting the local aerospace workforce. Modernized radar systems are crucial for maintaining air superiority and mission effectiveness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potential taxpayer savings.
Long contract duration may indicate potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Dependence on a single supplier for critical radar technology.

Positive Signals

Procurement of advanced technology critical for national defense.
Supports a key platform (F-15EX) in the Air Force's inventory.
Long-term contract provides stability for critical system development and sustainment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on avionics and radar systems manufacturing. The market for advanced military radar is highly specialized, with a limited number of prime contractors capable of developing and producing such sophisticated technology. Spending in this area is driven by the need for technological superiority in defense platforms. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other major defense platform upgrades or new system procurements.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to include specific small business set-aside provisions, as indicated by 'sb': false. The prime contractor, Raytheon Company, is a large aerospace firm. While large prime contractors often engage subcontractors, the absence of explicit set-asides suggests that small businesses may not be directly targeted for this specific award. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force, with potential involvement from the Department of Defense's Inspector General. Accountability measures would include performance metrics, delivery schedules, and quality control standards outlined in the contract. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but contract award details are typically made public.

Related Government Programs

F-15EX Program
Air Force Avionics Modernization Programs
Advanced Radar Systems Procurement
Defense Electronics Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competitive pricing
Potential for cost overruns
Long-term supplier dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $120.4 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. F-15EX EAGLE VISION LOT 6 RADARS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.

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 $120.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-09. End: 2028-09-29.

What is Raytheon Company's track record with similar radar system contracts for military aircraft?

Raytheon Company has a long and extensive history of developing and supplying radar systems for various military platforms, including fighter jets, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft. They are a major defense contractor with significant expertise in radar technology, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, which are likely incorporated into the F-15EX Eagle Vision system. Their track record includes numerous contracts for both domestic and international military clients, often involving complex system integration and long-term sustainment. While specific details of past performance on similar sole-source awards are proprietary, their general reputation in the industry is that of a capable provider of advanced radar solutions. However, the absence of competition on this specific award means that direct comparisons of Raytheon's pricing and performance against rivals for this particular system are not publicly available.

How does the $1.2 billion value compare to other radar system procurements for advanced fighter jets?

Benchmarking the $1.2 billion value for the F-15EX Eagle Vision Lot 6 Radars against other radar system procurements for advanced fighter jets is challenging without specific details on the scope and technological sophistication of comparable systems. However, major radar suite procurements for advanced platforms like the F-35, F-22, or even upgrades to platforms like the F-16 or F/A-18 can range from hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars, depending on the number of units, technology generation (e.g., AESA vs. older technologies), and included support services. Given the F-15EX is a modern platform intended for advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, a multi-billion dollar total program value for its radar systems, spread over multiple lots and years, is plausible. The $1.2 billion figure likely represents a significant portion of the overall radar investment for this lot.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical defense technology like advanced radar systems?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical defense technology like advanced radar systems include: 1. **Higher Costs:** Without competition, the government may pay a premium, as the contractor faces less pressure to offer the lowest possible price. 2. **Reduced Innovation:** A sole-source award can disincentivize contractors from pushing the boundaries of innovation, as they are guaranteed the contract regardless of competitor advancements. 3. **Lack of Transparency:** The procurement process is less transparent, making it harder for the public and oversight bodies to assess the fairness of the price and terms. 4. **Supplier Lock-in:** The government becomes dependent on a single supplier, potentially leading to difficulties if that supplier faces financial issues, changes strategic direction, or increases prices significantly in the future. 5. **Potential for Schedule Delays:** While not inherent, the lack of competitive pressure might indirectly contribute to less aggressive schedule management by the sole-source provider.

What is the expected impact of these new radar systems on the F-15EX's operational capabilities?

The F-15EX Eagle Vision Lot 6 Radars are expected to significantly enhance the F-15EX's operational capabilities by providing state-of-the-art situational awareness and targeting. These advanced radar systems, likely incorporating AESA technology, will offer superior detection ranges, improved tracking of multiple targets (both air and ground), enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and greater resistance to jamming. This translates to improved air-to-air combat effectiveness, better precision in air-to-ground strikes, and increased survivability in contested airspace. The 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System' designation points to a comprehensive suite of functions that will modernize the F-15EX, allowing it to effectively counter current and future threats and fulfill a wider range of mission requirements.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of Air Force modernization efforts for its fighter fleet?

This contract is a crucial component of the U.S. Air Force's broader modernization strategy, particularly concerning its legacy fighter fleet and the introduction of new platforms like the F-15EX. The Air Force is investing heavily in upgrading its combat aircraft to maintain technological superiority against potential adversaries. The F-15EX is intended to serve as a critical platform for both air superiority and strike missions, complementing the F-22 and F-35. Equipping the F-15EX with the latest radar technology ensures that this platform can effectively integrate into the future battlespace, communicate with other advanced assets (like the F-35), and employ next-generation weapons systems. This procurement signifies a commitment to extending the operational relevance of the F-15 platform well into the future.

What are the potential implications for future sustainment and upgrade contracts related to these radar systems?

The award of Lot 6 for the F-15EX Eagle Vision Radars, with a performance period extending to September 2028, strongly implies significant future sustainment and upgrade requirements. Defense contracts of this magnitude and duration typically include provisions for long-term support, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Furthermore, as radar technology continues to evolve rapidly, it is highly probable that follow-on contracts will be necessary for software updates, hardware enhancements, and integration of new capabilities to keep the systems effective against emerging threats. Given the sole-source nature of this initial award, Raytheon Company is well-positioned to pursue these subsequent sustainment and upgrade contracts, potentially leading to a long-term sole-source relationship for this critical system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: RTX Corp

Address: 2000 E EL SEGUNDO BLVD, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245

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: $120,464,780

Exercised Options: $120,464,780

Current Obligation: $120,408,813

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 12

Total Subaward Amount: $3,903,041

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA863421D2707

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline