DoD's $36.2M Mjolnir Project Aims to Counter Drones with High-Power Microwaves
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,231,266 ($36.2M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-02-24
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,771 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE OF MJOLNIR IS TO DEVELOP, TEST AND DEMONSTRATE A MATURE PROTOTYPE BASED ON THE FIRST GENERATION TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR, HIGH-POWER MICROWAVE (HPM) COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (CUAS) PLATFORM.
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $36.2 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: THE OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE OF MJOLNIR IS TO DEVELOP, TEST AND DEMONSTRATE A MATURE PROTOTYPE BASED ON THE FIRST GENERATION TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR, HIGH-POWER MICROWAVE (HPM) COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (CUAS) PLATFORM. Key points: 1. Focuses on developing a mature prototype for High-Power Microwave (HPM) Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) technology. 2. Contract awarded to Leidos, Inc. under full and open competition. 3. Significant investment in R&D for advanced defense capabilities. 4. Potential for broad application in countering drone threats across various sectors.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which allows for flexibility in R&D projects but can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for selecting the best offer. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in cutting-edge defense technology with the potential to enhance national security.
Public Impact
Enhances national security by developing advanced counter-drone capabilities. Supports technological innovation in the defense sector. Could lead to more effective and less kinetic solutions for drone threats. Potential for dual-use applications beyond military contexts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
- Technological feasibility and maturity of HPM CUAS.
- Effectiveness against diverse drone threats.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on a critical national security need.
- Development of advanced, potentially non-kinetic, defense solutions.
Sector Analysis
This project falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research area and maturity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data, which could be an area for future oversight.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a definitive contract with a significant duration, suggesting ongoing oversight will be necessary to ensure milestones are met and costs are managed effectively. The Air Force's role implies established oversight mechanisms.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract risks.
- Technological maturity and reliability.
- Potential for collateral electromagnetic interference.
- Effectiveness against sophisticated drone swarms.
- Long-term operational and maintenance costs.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $36.2 million to LEIDOS, INC.. THE OVERARCHING OBJECTIVE OF MJOLNIR IS TO DEVELOP, TEST AND DEMONSTRATE A MATURE PROTOTYPE BASED ON THE FIRST GENERATION TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR, HIGH-POWER MICROWAVE (HPM) COUNTER UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (CUAS) PLATFORM.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, INC..
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 $36.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-02-24. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the projected cost-effectiveness of HPM technology compared to existing CUAS solutions?
The cost-effectiveness of High-Power Microwave (HPM) Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) technology is still under development. While initial investment in HPM systems can be high, the potential for long-term cost savings lies in the ability to engage multiple targets with a single system without expending expensive munitions. However, operational costs, maintenance, and the energy requirements of HPM systems need thorough evaluation to provide a definitive cost-benefit analysis against current CUAS methods.
What are the primary risks associated with developing and deploying HPM CUAS technology?
Key risks include the technological maturity and reliability of HPM systems, potential collateral damage or unintended effects on friendly electronics, the significant power requirements for operation, and the development of countermeasures by adversaries. Ensuring the system is safe, effective against a wide range of drone threats, and compliant with electromagnetic spectrum regulations are also critical risk factors that require careful management throughout the development lifecycle.
How will the effectiveness of the Mjolnir prototype be measured against evolving drone threats?
Effectiveness will be measured through rigorous testing and demonstration phases against a variety of unmanned aerial system (UAS) targets, simulating realistic operational scenarios. Metrics will likely include target engagement success rates, range and precision of the HPM effect, system reliability under different environmental conditions, and the ability to adapt to evolving drone capabilities. Feedback from operational testing and expert evaluations will inform adjustments to the prototype.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc.
Address: 1750 PRESIDENTS ST, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $37,978,160
Exercised Options: $37,978,160
Current Obligation: $36,231,266
Actual Outlays: $3,526,214
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $2,385,829
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-02-24
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-26
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