DoD Awards Northrop Grumman $54.2M for Electronic Warfare R&D, Ending 2027
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $54,241,880 ($54.2M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-07-02
End Date: 2027-06-30
Contract Duration: 3,285 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PRECISE REFERENCE SENSING FOR COLLABORATIVE ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW): (PRESENCE)
Place of Performance
Location: LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21090
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $54.2 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: PRECISE REFERENCE SENSING FOR COLLABORATIVE ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW): (PRESENCE) Key points: 1. Northrop Grumman is the sole awardee for this specific R&D effort. 2. The contract is for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. This award represents a significant investment in advanced electronic warfare capabilities. 4. The contract duration extends over 3285 days, indicating a long-term project.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns for R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process. However, the specific awardee is Northrop Grumman, and further details on the bidding process are needed to assess price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced defense technology, with the ultimate benefit being enhanced national security.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. military's electronic warfare capabilities. Supports technological advancement in a critical defense sector. Potential for dual-use applications in civilian technology. Long-term investment in national security infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract risk
- Long contract duration may increase uncertainty
- Limited public detail on specific R&D outcomes
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical defense technology
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Supports advanced research and development
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. Future opportunities may arise for subcontracting, but this award is directly to a large corporation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the Department of the Air Force. The long duration necessitates consistent monitoring to ensure progress and cost control.
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
- Cost overrun potential
- Long-term project management complexity
- Lack of specific technical outcome details
- Sole awardee for this specific R&D focus
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $54.2 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. PRECISE REFERENCE SENSING FOR COLLABORATIVE ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW): (PRESENCE)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS 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 $54.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-07-02. End: 2027-06-30.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D effort, and how will they be measured?
The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, R&D contracts typically aim for breakthroughs in areas like signal processing, jamming, or counter-EW systems. Success metrics would likely involve prototype performance, system integration, and operational effectiveness testing against simulated or actual threats, as defined in the contract's statement of work.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this long-term R&D project?
The primary risks with a CPFF contract for long-term R&D include potential cost overruns if the contractor's estimated costs are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. The fixed fee provides incentive for the contractor, but the government bears the risk of actual costs exceeding estimates. Effective oversight is crucial to manage these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.
How does this investment align with broader DoD strategies for electronic warfare modernization?
This investment likely aligns with the DoD's broader strategy to maintain dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum, which is increasingly contested. Modernizing EW capabilities is critical for protecting U.S. forces, disrupting adversary operations, and ensuring mission success across all domains. This R&D effort contributes to developing next-generation technologies to meet evolving threats.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: FA865018S1020
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 7575 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $96,497,779
Exercised Options: $96,497,779
Current Obligation: $54,241,880
Actual Outlays: $4,982,189
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $438,744
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-07-02
Current End Date: 2027-06-30
Potential End Date: 2027-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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