Boeing Awarded $74.2M for Maui Space Surveillance Complex Mission Execution by Air Force
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $74,216,758 ($74.2M)
Contractor: THE Boeing Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-03-20
End Date: 2026-05-03
Contract Duration: 2,235 days
Daily Burn Rate: $33.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RASTER TASK ORDER 0008 - MAUI SPACE SURVEILLANCE COMPLEX (MSSC) MISSION EXECUTION
Place of Performance
Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87109
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $74.2 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: RASTER TASK ORDER 0008 - MAUI SPACE SURVEILLANCE COMPLEX (MSSC) MISSION EXECUTION Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D for physical and engineering sciences, a critical area for national security. 2. Boeing, a major defense contractor, is the sole awardee, raising questions about potential competition limitations. 3. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize cost overruns, posing a financial risk. 4. This spending supports advanced surveillance capabilities, crucial for maintaining strategic advantage.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for complex systems is difficult without more granular cost data.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific awardee, Boeing, is a dominant player, which could influence price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, aiming to enhance national security through improved space surveillance capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances critical space surveillance infrastructure, vital for national security and defense. Supports advanced technological development in a highly specialized field. The project is located in New Mexico, potentially creating local economic benefits. Long-term contract duration suggests sustained investment in this capability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to cost escalation.
- Sole awardee to a large incumbent contractor.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements and economic conditions.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical national security mission.
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on advanced R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology), a sector often characterized by high innovation and significant government investment. Benchmarks for R&D contracts vary widely based on complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation goals for small businesses in this contract. Large, sole-source awards to major contractors often limit opportunities for smaller firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The contract's duration and complexity necessitate robust monitoring to ensure cost control and performance against objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited visibility into detailed cost breakdowns.
- Reliance on a single large contractor may reduce competitive pressure.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
- Complexity of R&D may lead to scope creep.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, nm, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $74.2 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. RASTER TASK ORDER 0008 - MAUI SPACE SURVEILLANCE COMPLEX (MSSC) MISSION EXECUTION
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 $74.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-03-20. End: 2026-05-03.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this R&D effort, and how do they align with current and future defense needs?
The R&D effort is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Maui Space Surveillance Complex (MSSC) for mission execution. This likely involves advancements in sensor technology, data processing, and tracking algorithms for space objects. These advancements are crucial for maintaining situational awareness in increasingly crowded space domains and supporting strategic defense objectives.
Given the CPFF contract type, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns?
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require stringent oversight. The Air Force likely employs mechanisms such as detailed cost tracking, regular audits, performance reviews, and potentially incentive clauses tied to cost efficiency. Clear definition of work and regular communication are vital to manage the contractor's spending effectively and ensure value for taxpayer money.
How will the effectiveness of the MSSC mission execution be measured and validated throughout the contract period?
Effectiveness will be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the MSSC's mission. This could include metrics like the accuracy and timeliness of space object tracking, the successful execution of surveillance tasks, the reliability of the complex's systems, and the quality of data provided to operational users. Regular performance reviews and acceptance testing of deliverables will validate these measures.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
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
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4411 THE 25 WAY, SUITE 350, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87109
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: $78,490,908
Exercised Options: $78,490,908
Current Obligation: $74,216,758
Actual Outlays: $12,168,310
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 52
Total Subaward Amount: $5,925,701
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945116D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-03-20
Current End Date: 2026-05-03
Potential End Date: 2026-05-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-19
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)