DoD's Space Fence Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin for $111.7M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $111,734,139 ($111.7M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-01-26
End Date: 2012-07-26
Contract Duration: 547 days
Daily Burn Rate: $204.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: SPACE FENCE
Place of Performance
Location: MOORESTOWN, BURLINGTON County, NEW JERSEY, 08057
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $111.7 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: SPACE FENCE Key points: 1. The contract value of $111.7 million for the Space Fence program is a significant investment in space domain awareness. 2. Lockheed Martin Corporation, a major defense contractor, secured this award, indicating strong capabilities in the relevant sector. 3. The primary risk lies in the successful deployment and operationalization of this advanced tracking system. 4. This falls under the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $111.7 million appears reasonable for a complex system like Space Fence, given the specialized nature of the technology and the contractor's expertise. Benchmarking against similar advanced radar or satellite tracking systems would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple bidders vie for the contract.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this critical defense capability.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. and allied space situational awareness, crucial for national security. Supports the tracking of orbital debris, mitigating collision risks for satellites. Represents a significant technological advancement in space surveillance capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns during development and deployment.
- Technical challenges in achieving full operational capability.
- Long-term maintenance and upgrade costs.
Positive Signals
- Strengthens U.S. military's ability to monitor space.
- Contributes to global space safety by tracking debris.
- Leverages advanced technology for critical defense needs.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced sensor and tracking systems. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and national security in the increasingly contested domain of space.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate specific subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for major defense acquisitions would apply, including performance reviews and financial audits.
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
- Potential for schedule delays.
- Risk of technical performance not meeting requirements.
- Dependency on a single prime contractor.
- Budgetary constraints impacting sustainment.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, nj, dca, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $111.7 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. SPACE FENCE
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 $111.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-01-26. End: 2012-07-26.
What is the projected operational lifespan of the Space Fence system, and what are the associated sustainment costs?
The projected operational lifespan of the Space Fence system is typically measured in decades, often 20-30 years or more, due to its strategic importance and the high cost of replacement. Associated sustainment costs include maintenance, software updates, personnel training, and potential upgrades to counter evolving threats or technological advancements. These costs can represent a significant portion of the total lifecycle cost, often exceeding the initial acquisition price.
How does the performance of the Space Fence system compare to previous space surveillance technologies in terms of accuracy and coverage?
The Space Fence system represents a significant leap in performance compared to previous space surveillance technologies. It offers vastly improved accuracy in tracking smaller objects, greater coverage of orbital regimes, and enhanced detection capabilities. This allows for more precise cataloging of satellites and debris, reducing the risk of collisions and improving overall space situational awareness for military and civilian applications.
What are the key performance metrics used to evaluate the success of the Space Fence program post-deployment?
Key performance metrics for the Space Fence program post-deployment typically include the accuracy and timeliness of object detection and tracking, the number of objects cataloged, the system's uptime and reliability, and its ability to provide actionable data for collision avoidance and threat assessment. Success is also measured by its contribution to maintaining a safe and secure space environment and supporting national security objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)
Address: 199 BORTON LANDING RD, MOORESTOWN, NJ, 03
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $111,734,139
Exercised Options: $111,734,139
Current Obligation: $111,734,139
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-01-26
Current End Date: 2012-07-26
Potential End Date: 2012-07-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-07-27
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