DoD's $31.1M Gray Wolf Program Awarded to Northrop Grumman Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,105,956 ($31.1M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-12-18
End Date: 2023-10-11
Contract Duration: 2,123 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF GRAY WOLF SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: REDONDO BEACH, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90278
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $31.1 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF GRAY WOLF SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM Key points: 1. The Department of Defense awarded $31.1 million for the Gray Wolf Science & Technology Demonstration Program. 2. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is the prime contractor for this R&D initiative. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The program falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences NAICS code.
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 specific deliverables and performance data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a robust process for soliciting bids. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced technology research and development, with the expectation of future technological advancements benefiting national security.
Public Impact
Supports technological advancement in defense capabilities. Invests in research and development for potential future military applications. Contract duration of over 5 years suggests a significant, long-term project.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money.
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on R&D for potential future benefits.
- Contract awarded to a major defense contractor with established capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals or participation from small businesses in this contract. Further investigation may be needed to determine if small businesses were involved.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, which provides oversight for defense contracts. However, the specific oversight mechanisms for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract are not detailed.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Lack of specific performance metrics.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for undefined scope in R&D.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $31.1 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF GRAY WOLF SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $31.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-12-18. End: 2023-10-11.
What specific technological advancements are expected from the Gray Wolf program, and how will they be measured?
The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. The 'Science & Technology Demonstration Program' suggests a focus on exploring and proving new capabilities. Measuring success would likely involve technical reviews, prototype performance evaluations, and milestone achievements, but these details are not publicly available in this summary.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for a demonstration program?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry the risk of cost overruns if the contractor's costs exceed projections, as the government bears the majority of the cost risk. For a demonstration program, where the scope and technical challenges may be less defined, this risk is amplified. It can also reduce the incentive for the contractor to control costs rigorously.
How does the full and open competition process ensure the best value for this R&D program?
Full and open competition allows any qualified vendor to submit a bid, fostering a competitive environment. This process is intended to drive down prices and encourage innovative solutions. For R&D, it increases the likelihood that the government will receive proposals that best meet the technical requirements and offer the most promising approach at a reasonable cost.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 1 SPACE PARK BLVD, REDONDO BEACH, CA, 90278
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: $31,109,959
Exercised Options: $31,109,959
Current Obligation: $31,105,956
Actual Outlays: $827,194
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 213
Total Subaward Amount: $89,992,251
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865118D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-12-18
Current End Date: 2023-10-11
Potential End Date: 2023-10-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-18
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