DoD Awards Boeing $142M for Search, Detection, Navigation Systems Amidst Limited Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $141,982,974 ($142.0M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-12-15

End Date: 2012-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,112 days

Daily Burn Rate: $127.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: LOT 6 PRODUCTION SDB I

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, ST. LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63134

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $142.0 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: LOT 6 PRODUCTION SDB I Key points: 1. Significant award to a single large defense contractor. 2. Focus on critical aerospace systems manufacturing. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to limited competition. 4. High value contract in the defense sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $141.98M for LOT 6 PRODUCTION SDB I appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar complex aerospace systems contracts is difficult without more specific data on the SDB I system's components and capabilities.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed, indicating a limited source selection. This approach may have been driven by specialized requirements or existing contractor capabilities, but it limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to higher prices than if multiple vendors had bid, impacting taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Ensures continued production of critical navigation and guidance systems for the Air Force. Supports jobs at The Boeing Company and its supply chain. Potential for follow-on contracts if the SDB I system is successful.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition
  • Lack of specific PSC code
  • No small business participation indicated

Positive Signals

  • Award to established prime contractor
  • Firm Fixed Price contract type

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on advanced navigation and guidance systems. Spending in this area is typically high due to the complexity and critical nature of the equipment.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of small business participation in this contract. Given the prime contractor and the nature of the work, it's possible that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses were not prioritized or identified.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Air Force. Oversight would focus on production quality, delivery schedules, and adherence to the firm fixed price terms to ensure taxpayer funds are used effectively.

Related Government Programs

  • Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole source justification unclear
  • Potential for cost creep without competition
  • No small business set-aside identified
  • Limited transparency on system capabilities

Tags

search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, mo, dca, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $142.0 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. LOT 6 PRODUCTION SDB I

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 $142.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-12-15. End: 2012-12-31.

What is the specific capability and performance of the SDB I system to justify a non-competed award?

The specific capabilities of the SDB I system are not detailed in the provided data. However, non-competed awards for such systems often stem from unique technological requirements, proprietary designs, or the need for seamless integration with existing platforms where only one contractor possesses the necessary expertise and intellectual property.

What are the long-term cost implications of awarding this contract without competition?

Awarding without competition can lead to higher long-term costs if the initial pricing was not optimized through market forces. Without competitive pressure, the contractor may have less incentive to reduce costs over the contract's life, potentially requiring future appropriations at inflated rates or necessitating costly re-competition later.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of Air Force operations?

This contract contributes to the effectiveness of Air Force operations by ensuring the continued availability of critical search, detection, and navigation systems. These systems are vital for mission success, pilot safety, and operational readiness across various Air Force platforms, enabling precise navigation and situational awareness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingNavigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments ManufacturingSearch, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: WEAPONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6200 JS MCDONNELL BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $145,842,312

Exercised Options: $141,982,974

Current Obligation: $141,982,974

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2009-12-15

Current End Date: 2012-12-31

Potential End Date: 2012-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2012-06-19

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