DoD Awards Boeing $4M for Maritime Seeker Development, Research Focused on Physical and Engineering Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,000,000 ($4.0M)
Contractor: THE Boeing Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-12-03
End Date: 2027-07-02
Contract Duration: 576 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEVELOP, INTEGRATE, AND DEMONSTRATE A MARITIME SEEKER.
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63134
State: Missouri Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $4.0 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: DEVELOP, INTEGRATE, AND DEMONSTRATE A MARITIME SEEKER. Key points: 1. Boeing secured a $4M contract for maritime seeker development, indicating potential for advanced defense capabilities. 2. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a sector with high innovation potential. 3. Full and open competition was used, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The contract's value is relatively small for R&D, but its strategic importance for maritime capabilities could be significant.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific technical details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The use of full and open competition suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, promoting a competitive environment for price discovery. This method aims to secure the best value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The $4M award represents a modest investment, but the ultimate taxpayer impact will depend on the success of the developed maritime seeker and its future applications.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. maritime surveillance and defense capabilities. Supports technological advancement in the defense sector. Potential for follow-on contracts if the seeker proves successful. Creates specialized jobs in research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize higher spending.
- R&D projects carry inherent risks of technical failure or unmet objectives.
- Limited public information on the specific technology being developed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical maritime defense technology.
- Contract duration allows for thorough development and testing.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, excluding Nanotechnology and Biotechnology. Spending in this broad R&D category is substantial, with a significant portion allocated to defense-related innovation.
Small Business Impact
The prime contractor is The Boeing Company, a large aerospace firm. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this award notice, suggesting it may not be a primary focus for this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense and Department of the Air Force are responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure requires diligent monitoring to ensure cost control and adherence to project milestones.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Technical risks inherent in R&D projects.
- Lack of detailed technical specifications in the award notice.
- Limited visibility into small business subcontracting opportunities.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, mo, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $4.0 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. DEVELOP, INTEGRATE, AND DEMONSTRATE A MARITIME SEEKER.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE BOEING 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 $4.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-12-03. End: 2027-07-02.
What is the specific technological innovation expected from this maritime seeker, and how does it advance current capabilities?
The specific technological innovation is not detailed in the award notice. However, a maritime seeker typically refers to a sensor system designed to detect and track targets in a marine environment. Advancements could include improved range, accuracy, target discrimination (e.g., distinguishing vessels from natural phenomena), or operation in challenging weather conditions, potentially enhancing naval surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, or missile defense.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the 'demonstrate' phase of this contract, and how will success be measured?
Key performance indicators for the demonstration phase are not specified in the award notice. Typically, for a maritime seeker, KPIs would include metrics such as detection probability, false alarm rate, tracking accuracy, operational range, environmental resilience (e.g., performance in various sea states and weather), and integration compatibility with existing naval platforms. Success would be measured against pre-defined thresholds for these metrics.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure inherently carries a risk of cost overruns. To mitigate this, the contracting agency (Department of the Air Force) will likely implement stringent oversight, including regular audits, performance reviews, and milestone tracking. The 'fixed fee' component provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs, as the fee is predetermined. However, robust Earned Value Management (EVM) systems and clear contract clauses defining allowable costs are crucial for accountability.
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
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6200 JAMES S MCDONNELL BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63134
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: $29,263,061
Exercised Options: $23,723,381
Current Obligation: $4,000,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865122DA009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-12-03
Current End Date: 2027-07-02
Potential End Date: 2027-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-19
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