DoD awards $62.2M for Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) to Boeing, facing limited competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $62,245,813 ($62.2M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-06-01

End Date: 2027-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,404 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SMALL DIAMETER BOMB I (SDB I)

Place of Performance

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

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $62.2 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: SMALL DIAMETER BOMB I (SDB I) Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized munitions. 2. Boeing is the sole provider, raising competition concerns. 3. Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 4. Ammunition manufacturing sector with critical defense applications.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed closely. Benchmarking is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The Boeing Company. This lack of competition limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being spent without competitive bidding, potentially leading to a less efficient use of resources.

Public Impact

Ensures continued supply of critical SDB I munitions for the Air Force. Supports advanced aerial warfare capabilities. Potential impact on future defense procurement strategies if sole-source awards become standard.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • Lack of small business participation.

Positive Signals

  • Ensures availability of critical defense asset.
  • Long-term contract provides stability for production.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense manufacturing sector, specifically ammunition. Spending benchmarks for such specialized munitions are often proprietary, but significant investment indicates high strategic importance.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific small business set-aside or participation. This sole-source award to a large prime contractor may limit opportunities for small businesses in the supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure the government receives fair value. The Department of the Air Force is responsible for contract administration.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • No small business participation identified
  • Potential for cost creep
  • Limited transparency on unit pricing

Tags

ammunition-except-small-arms-manufacturi, department-of-defense, mo, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $62.2 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. SMALL DIAMETER BOMB I (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 $62.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-01. End: 2027-12-31.

What is the projected unit cost for the Small Diameter Bomb I under this contract, and how does it compare to historical or alternative munitions?

The provided data does not specify the unit cost for the Small Diameter Bomb I. Determining this would require a detailed cost analysis of the contract, including the fixed fee and estimated costs. Benchmarking against similar munitions or previous SDB I procurements would be necessary to assess value for money.

What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for critical munitions like the SDB I, particularly regarding long-term sustainment and technological advancement?

Sole-source awards for critical munitions pose risks such as inflated pricing due to lack of competition, potential for vendor lock-in, and reduced incentive for innovation. Long-term sustainment could become dependent on a single supplier's pricing and availability, while technological advancements might be slower without competitive pressure to develop superior alternatives.

How effective is the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure in ensuring the efficient delivery of SDB I munitions, and what oversight mechanisms are in place?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure aims to incentivize the contractor to control costs while ensuring delivery, but it carries inherent risks of cost overruns. Effectiveness hinges on robust government oversight, including detailed cost audits and performance monitoring, to ensure the fixed fee remains reasonable and the total contract cost stays within acceptable limits.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: WEAPONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6200 JS 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: $63,554,720

Exercised Options: $63,554,720

Current Obligation: $62,245,813

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 19

Total Subaward Amount: $26,987,608

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA867219D0003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-06-01

Current End Date: 2027-12-31

Potential End Date: 2027-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-18

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