DoD Awards Boeing $241M for JDAM Lot 16 Production, Exercising Option

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $241,077,885 ($241.1M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-11-30

End Date: 2014-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,035 days

Daily Burn Rate: $232.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: JDAM LOT 16 PRODUCTION, OPTION EXERCISED

Place of Performance

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

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $241.1 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: JDAM LOT 16 PRODUCTION, OPTION EXERCISED Key points: 1. Significant contract value awarded to a single, established defense contractor. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about price discovery and competition. 3. Potential for cost overruns or inefficiencies due to lack of competitive pressure. 4. Focus on critical munitions production for the Air Force.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $241M for JDAM production is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair value compared to potential market alternatives. The 'COST NO FEE' (Cost-Reimbursement) contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.

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 limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive procurement. The rationale for the sole-source award is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award means taxpayers may be paying a premium for these munitions, as there was no market pressure to drive down costs.

Public Impact

Ensures continued production of critical Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) for the U.S. Air Force. Supports national defense capabilities by maintaining a supply of precision-guided munitions. Potential impact on the defense industrial base through continued reliance on a single supplier for this specific component.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
  • Cost-reimbursement contract type can incentivize higher spending.
  • Lack of transparency on the justification for sole-sourcing.

Positive Signals

  • Ensures continued availability of critical munitions.
  • Award to an established prime contractor with proven production capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically in the manufacturing of guidance systems for munitions. Defense spending benchmarks for similar complex weapon systems can vary widely, but large sole-source awards for established platforms often warrant scrutiny regarding cost-effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to The Boeing Company, a large prime contractor. There is no indication that small businesses were significantly involved in this specific procurement action, either as subcontractors or direct awardees. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'MO' (Missouri) and 'ST' (State) codes indicate the contract was administered in Missouri. Oversight would typically involve contract management by the Air Force contracting office responsible for this award, focusing on cost tracking and delivery schedules for the JDAM production.

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 award
  • Cost-reimbursement contract type
  • Lack of competition
  • Potential for uncompetitive pricing
  • Limited transparency on justification

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $241.1 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. JDAM LOT 16 PRODUCTION, OPTION EXERCISED

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 $241.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-11-30. End: 2014-09-30.

What was the specific justification for awarding this JDAM production lot as a sole-source contract instead of pursuing a competitive bidding process?

The provided data does not specify the justification for the sole-source award. Typically, sole-sourcing is employed when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, such as in cases of urgent need, unique capabilities, or when follow-on work is required from the original manufacturer. Without this information, it's impossible to fully assess the necessity of this procurement approach.

How does the unit cost of these JDAMs compare to previous lots or similar munitions procured competitively?

The data provided does not include unit cost breakdowns or historical pricing for comparison. Given this is a sole-source, cost-reimbursement contract, a detailed cost analysis by the government would be crucial to ensure the pricing is reasonable and reflects fair value. Benchmarking against industry standards or previous competitive procurements would be necessary for a thorough assessment.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a sole-source provider for critical munitions like JDAMs?

The primary risks include a lack of competitive pressure leading to potentially inflated costs, reduced innovation, and a lack of flexibility in adapting to changing requirements or technological advancements. Furthermore, over-reliance on a single supplier can create vulnerabilities in the supply chain and reduce overall national security resilience if that supplier faces production issues or business disruptions.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

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: $241,077,885

Exercised Options: $241,077,885

Current Obligation: $241,077,885

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2011-11-30

Current End Date: 2014-09-30

Potential End Date: 2014-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2016-10-11

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