DoD's $69.6M SHASSAM Contract Awarded to Boeing for Space Situational Awareness
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $69,588,988 ($69.6M)
Contractor: THE Boeing Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-12-13
End Date: 2026-05-03
Contract Duration: 2,333 days
Daily Burn Rate: $29.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RASTER TO 09: SOR HOST AND SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SHASSAM)
Place of Performance
Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87109
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $69.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: RASTER TO 09: SOR HOST AND SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SHASSAM) Key points: 1. Boeing secured a significant contract for critical space situational awareness capabilities. 2. The contract falls under R&D for physical and engineering sciences, indicating advanced technology development. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The contract's duration extends to May 2026, implying a long-term need for these services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for space systems is difficult due to unique requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was employed, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the CPFF structure means the government bears cost risk, and the fixed fee is negotiated upfront.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D in a critical defense sector. The CPFF structure necessitates close oversight to ensure cost efficiency.
Public Impact
Enhances national security by improving space domain awareness. Supports the Department of Defense's strategic objectives in space. Potential for technological advancements with dual-use applications. Long-term contract may indicate sustained investment in space capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type carries inherent cost risk.
- Long contract duration requires ongoing monitoring.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Addresses a critical national security need.
- Awarded to a major defense contractor with relevant expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be prone to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties of R&D.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the award was made to The Boeing Company, a large prime contractor. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is the contracting agency. Oversight will be critical to manage the CPFF structure, ensuring costs remain reasonable and performance objectives are met throughout the contract's duration.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type.
- Long contract duration (approx. 6.5 years).
- Research and Development focus implies inherent uncertainty.
- Potential for scope creep in advanced technology development.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor without explicit SMB participation data.
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 $69.6 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. RASTER TO 09: SOR HOST AND SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS (SHASSAM)
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 $69.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-12-13. End: 2026-05-03.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this SHASSAM contract, and how will they enhance space situational awareness capabilities beyond current systems?
The contract aims to develop advanced capabilities for space situational awareness (SSA). While specific details are proprietary, it likely involves enhancing tracking, identification, and characterization of space objects, potentially using novel sensor fusion, AI/ML algorithms, or improved data processing techniques to provide a more comprehensive and timely understanding of the space environment.
Given the CPFF contract type, what are the primary cost drivers, and what mechanisms are in place to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money?
Primary cost drivers for a CPFF contract in R&D typically include labor (highly skilled personnel), materials, equipment, and indirect costs. Mitigation mechanisms involve rigorous government oversight, detailed cost tracking, regular performance reviews, and negotiation of a fixed fee that incentivizes efficient performance. The government bears the direct cost risk, making effective management paramount.
How does the awarded contract align with the Department of Defense's broader strategy for space domain awareness and the National Defense Space Architecture?
This contract directly supports the DoD's strategic imperative to maintain superiority in the space domain by enhancing SSA. It likely contributes to the development of integrated capabilities envisioned in the National Defense Space Architecture, ensuring that the U.S. military can effectively monitor, track, and respond to threats or anomalies in the increasingly complex space environment.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
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: $75,786,987
Exercised Options: $75,786,987
Current Obligation: $69,588,988
Actual Outlays: $1,128,111
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 109
Total Subaward Amount: $23,610,285
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: 2019-12-13
Current End Date: 2026-05-03
Potential End Date: 2026-05-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-15
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