DoD Awards Boeing $16.3M for Common Tactical Edge Network R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,278,121 ($16.3M)
Contractor: THE Boeing Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-07-11
End Date: 2026-02-20
Contract Duration: 1,320 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: COMMON TACTICAL EDGE NETWORK
Place of Performance
Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.3 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: COMMON TACTICAL EDGE NETWORK Key points: 1. Boeing secured a significant R&D contract for a critical defense network. 2. The contract value is substantial, indicating a complex and important project. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The R&D focus in physical and engineering sciences points to advanced technological development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $16.3 million for R&D appears reasonable given the scope of developing a tactical network. Benchmarking against similar large-scale defense R&D projects would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract structure suggests a phased approach to acquisition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense technology development, aiming to enhance national security capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances battlefield communication and data sharing capabilities for the Air Force. Supports the development of cutting-edge technology for military operations. Potential for broader application in other defense branches or allied nations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor (Boeing) for critical network development.
- Ensuring interoperability with existing and future defense systems.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D for national security.
- Contract awarded to a reputable defense contractor.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of the federal budget, often focused on maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The prime contractor is The Boeing Company, a large aerospace firm. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this specific delivery order, which is common for large prime contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The contract's duration and phased nature suggest ongoing monitoring and performance reviews will be crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Technological obsolescence risk.
- Integration challenges with legacy systems.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
- Contractor performance risk.
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.3 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. COMMON TACTICAL EDGE NETWORK
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 $16.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-07-11. End: 2026-02-20.
What specific technological advancements does the Common Tactical Edge Network aim to achieve, and how will these directly impact operational effectiveness?
The Common Tactical Edge Network likely aims to improve real-time data dissemination, enhance situational awareness, and enable more agile command and control on the battlefield. These advancements are expected to directly impact operational effectiveness by providing warfighters with faster, more reliable information, leading to better-informed decisions and improved mission outcomes in complex tactical environments.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) being used to measure the success of this R&D effort, and how will they be tracked?
Key performance indicators would likely include metrics related to network speed, reliability, security, bandwidth, latency, and successful integration with existing platforms. These KPIs would be tracked through rigorous testing, simulations, and operational assessments conducted by the Department of the Air Force throughout the contract duration.
How does the pricing structure (firm fixed price) align with the inherent uncertainties of research and development, and what mechanisms are in place to manage potential cost escalations?
A firm fixed price (FFP) contract for R&D can be challenging due to inherent uncertainties. While FFP provides cost certainty for the government, it places risk on the contractor. Mechanisms to manage potential cost escalations might include detailed scope definitions, phased development with clear milestones, and robust change control processes to limit scope creep.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5301 BOLSA AVE, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, 92647
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: $84,069,264
Exercised Options: $18,405,514
Current Obligation: $16,278,121
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA872618D0006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-07-11
Current End Date: 2026-02-20
Potential End Date: 2026-02-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-19
More Contracts from THE Boeing Company
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (Department of Defense)
- International Space Station — $22.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- 200112!000108!9700!ZD60 !ballistic Missile Defense ORG. !HQ000601C0001 !A!N!*!N! !20001222!20080930!848025649!848025649!009256819!n!the Boeing Company !3370 E Miraloma AVE !anaheim !ca!92806!37000!089!01!huntsville !madison !alabama !+000383571022!n!n!000000000000!ad93!rdte/Other Defense-Adv Tech DEV !S1 !services !1caa!ballistic Missile Defense SYS !541710!*!*!3! ! ! !*!*!*!B!*!*!A! !A !U!R!2!001!B! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! — $18.8B (Department of Defense)
- USN P-8A FRP II Long Lead Material — $18.1B (Department of Defense)
- 200512!010860!2100!w56hzv!tacom - Warren !w56hzv05c0724 !A!N! !Y! ! !20050923!20141231!016544780!016544780!009256819!n!the Boeing Company !J S Mcdonnell Blvd !saint Louis !mo!63166!65000!510!29!st. Louis !ST. Louis (city) !missouri !+000219245691!n!n!000000000000!az15!rdte/Other Research&development-Eng/Manuf Devel !S1 !services !301 !FCS !541330!E! !1! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !d!u!u!1!001!n!1a!z!y!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! TAS::21 2040::TAS — $12.7B (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)