DoD Awards Boeing $247M for Small Diameter Bomb Production, Lot 15

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $247,312,140 ($247.3M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-24

End Date: 2024-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,314 days

Daily Burn Rate: $188.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SMALL DIAMETER BOMB I, AND FOCUSED LETHALITY MUNITION PRODUCTION LOT 15

Place of Performance

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

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $247.3 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: SMALL DIAMETER BOMB I, AND FOCUSED LETHALITY MUNITION PRODUCTION LOT 15 Key points: 1. Significant contract value for critical munitions. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to fixed-price incentive structure. 4. Focus on advanced munition production for Air Force.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $247.3 million for Lot 15 production appears reasonable for advanced munitions. Benchmarking against similar large-scale munition contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning competition was not sought. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these munitions.

Public Impact

Ensures continued supply of advanced air-to-ground munitions for U.S. Air Force operations. Supports critical defense capabilities and technological advancement in weaponry. Potential impact on defense industrial base capacity and innovation due to sole-source award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
  • Fixed-price incentive contract may lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
  • Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

  • Ensures production of essential defense materiel.
  • Supports a key defense contractor.
  • Long-term contract provides production stability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically ammunition manufacturing. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs and technological advancements in weaponry. Benchmarks for similar large-scale munition production contracts are typically in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses in this contract. This suggests that large prime contractors are likely performing the majority of the work, potentially limiting opportunities for small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight of this contract. The sole-source nature warrants close monitoring to ensure fair pricing and efficient execution, especially given the fixed-price incentive structure.

Related Government Programs

  • Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Fixed-price incentive contract
  • Lack of small business participation
  • Potential for cost overruns
  • Limited transparency in price discovery

Tags

ammunition-except-small-arms-manufacturi, department-of-defense, mo, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $247.3 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. SMALL DIAMETER BOMB I, AND FOCUSED LETHALITY MUNITION PRODUCTION LOT 15

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 $247.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-24. End: 2024-04-30.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or urgent needs. The Department of Defense should provide detailed documentation for this decision. To ensure fair pricing, robust negotiation strategies and independent cost analyses are crucial, alongside continuous monitoring of performance and expenditures throughout the contract lifecycle.

What are the potential risks associated with the fixed-price incentive (FPI) contract type for this munition production?

An FPI contract shares cost risks and benefits between the government and the contractor. While it incentivizes cost control, there's a risk that the contractor may not achieve target costs, leading to higher prices for the government. Conversely, if costs are significantly lower than anticipated, the government shares in those savings. Effective oversight is needed to manage the target cost, ceiling price, and incentive sharing.

How does the production of Small Diameter Bomb I and Focused Lethality Munition contribute to current and future Air Force operational effectiveness?

These munitions provide precision strike capabilities against a wide range of targets, enhancing the Air Force's ability to conduct effective missions with reduced collateral damage. Their advanced features are crucial for maintaining air superiority and achieving mission objectives in complex, contested environments, supporting both current operational needs and future warfare concepts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingOther Fabricated Metal Product ManufacturingAmmunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

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: $247,312,140

Exercised Options: $247,312,140

Current Obligation: $247,312,140

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA867220D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-09-24

Current End Date: 2024-04-30

Potential End Date: 2024-04-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-05-20

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