DoD awards $510M Task Order to Northrop Grumman for Guided Missile Manufacturing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,063,062 ($51.1M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-12-13

End Date: 2023-07-28

Contract Duration: 1,688 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: OT-5 TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: CHANDLER, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85286

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $51.1 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: OT-5 TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $510.6 million awarded to a major defense contractor. 2. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Contract type is 'Cost Plus Incentive Fee', which can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. 4. The sector is Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing, a critical defense capability.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract type allows for shared savings and cost overruns, making direct price comparison difficult without detailed cost breakdowns. The base award amount is $30.25 million, with significant potential for growth.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives better pricing. However, the CPIF structure means the final price is contingent on performance and cost management, impacting the certainty of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for this significant defense procurement. The CPIF structure necessitates careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency and prevent excessive spending.

Public Impact

Supports national defense capabilities through the production of guided missiles and space vehicles. Impacts the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, potentially creating jobs and driving innovation. The long duration (over 4 years) indicates a sustained need for these defense assets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
  • Long contract duration may increase exposure to changing economic conditions and technological obsolescence.
  • No specific small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
  • Northrop Grumman is an established defense contractor with relevant expertise.
  • Contract supports critical national security assets.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a specialized area of the defense industry. Spending in this sector is driven by national security priorities and technological advancements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no specific mention of subcontracting goals or participation by small businesses in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is responsible for oversight. The CPIF contract type requires diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

  • Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract type.
  • Long contract duration (over 4 years).
  • No explicit small business participation mentioned.
  • Potential for cost overruns and scope creep in advanced manufacturing.
  • Reliance on a single contractor for a critical defense capability.

Tags

guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, department-of-defense, az, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $51.1 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. OT-5 TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $51.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-13. End: 2023-07-28.

What is the projected total cost if all incentives and potential cost overruns are realized under the CPIF structure?

The Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) structure makes predicting the final cost challenging. While the base award is $30.25 million, the total potential value is $510.6 million. The final cost will depend heavily on Northrop Grumman's ability to meet performance targets and manage costs efficiently, with potential for both savings and overruns shared between the contractor and the government.

What specific risks are associated with the 'Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing' sector for a CPIF contract?

Risks in this sector include rapid technological advancements requiring costly R&D, complex manufacturing processes prone to delays and cost overruns, and potential for scope creep as mission requirements evolve. For a CPIF contract, these factors increase the likelihood of exceeding target costs, necessitating robust government oversight to manage incentives and control expenditures effectively.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition' method ensure effectiveness and value for this large defense contract?

Full and open competition theoretically maximizes the number of potential bidders, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For this contract, it suggests that multiple qualified companies had the opportunity to bid, potentially leading to a more effective solution at a competitive price. However, the CPIF structure requires ongoing monitoring to ensure the initially competitive price remains effective throughout the contract's lifecycle.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingGuided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Address: 1575 SOUTH PRICE RD, CHANDLER, AZ, 85286

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: $53,729,582

Exercised Options: $53,729,582

Current Obligation: $51,063,062

Actual Outlays: $1,678,454

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 42

Total Subaward Amount: $5,804,846

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA881819D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-12-13

Current End Date: 2023-07-28

Potential End Date: 2023-07-28 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2023-12-12

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