DoD Awards $6M+ for JASSM GNC Systems to Lockheed Martin, Raising Oversight Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,046,539 ($6.0M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-04-23

End Date: 2026-04-22

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: JASSM GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION, AND CONTROL (GNC) 2024

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32819

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: JASSM GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION, AND CONTROL (GNC) 2024 Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized missile components. 2. Sole-source award to Lockheed Martin limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 4. Focus on advanced GNC systems highlights critical defense technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $6,046,539 for JASSM GNC systems appears high given the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts' NAICS code. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Lockheed Martin. This lack of competition limits price discovery and may lead to less favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for this sole-source award raises concerns about taxpayer value, as the government may be paying a premium for these critical missile components.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying for essential missile guidance technology due to a lack of competition. The Department of Defense relies on Lockheed Martin for advanced GNC systems, creating a dependency. The contract duration of 729 days suggests a long-term need for these components.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • Lack of competition
  • No small business participation

Positive Signals

  • Critical defense technology acquisition
  • Long-term contract for sustained supply

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this specialized defense manufacturing area is often characterized by high R&D costs and limited supplier bases, making competitive bidding challenging but crucial.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication of small business participation in this contract. Given the specialized nature of the work and the sole-source award to a large corporation, opportunities for small businesses appear to be absent.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure fair pricing and prevent potential cost overruns. The Department of Defense should justify the lack of competition and monitor contract performance diligently.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award lacks competition
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type increases cost risk
  • No small business participation noted
  • Potential for price inflation due to lack of competitive pressure
  • Limited transparency on pricing justification

Tags

other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-p, department-of-defense, fl, delivery-order, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. JASSM GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION, AND CONTROL (GNC) 2024

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.

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 $6.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-23. End: 2026-04-22.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or proprietary technology held by a single contractor. The Department of Defense should provide documentation supporting this determination. To ensure fair pricing, they should conduct thorough cost analyses, benchmark against historical data if available, and negotiate aggressively on profit margins and indirect costs.

What are the specific risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type for this acquisition, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risk of a CPFF contract is that the contractor has less incentive to control costs, as the government agrees to cover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns. Mitigation strategies include robust government oversight of incurred costs, detailed performance metrics, and clear definitions of allowable expenses to prevent scope creep and ensure efficiency.

How does the acquisition of these JASSM GNC systems contribute to the overall effectiveness and readiness of the Air Force's missile capabilities?

The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems are critical for the precision and effectiveness of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). Ensuring a reliable supply of these advanced components directly supports the Air Force's ability to deploy standoff munitions accurately, enhancing its strategic reach and operational effectiveness in various mission scenarios.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingOther Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: GUIDED MISSLES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp

Address: 5600 W SAND LAKE RD # MP-265, ORLANDO, FL, 32819

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: $9,525,034

Exercised Options: $6,333,539

Current Obligation: $6,046,539

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA868222DB001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-04-23

Current End Date: 2026-04-22

Potential End Date: 2026-04-22 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-11

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