DoD Awards $25.1M for MC-130J GPS Hardening, Lockheed Martin Selected
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,091,216 ($25.1M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-09-30
End Date: 2024-02-23
Contract Duration: 1,607 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: MC-130J GPS HARDENING ANTI-JAMMING CAPABILITY FOR MC-130J AND EC-130J
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON, FAYETTE County, KENTUCKY, 40516
State: Kentucky Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: MC-130J GPS HARDENING ANTI-JAMMING CAPABILITY FOR MC-130J AND EC-130J Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical aircraft navigation technology. 2. Sole awardee is Lockheed Martin, raising questions about competition. 3. Cost-plus fixed-fee contract type may incentivize higher spending. 4. Focus on Special Operations Command highlights strategic importance.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $25.1 million award for GPS hardening is substantial. Without specific benchmarks for this specialized capability, it's difficult to definitively assess value. The cost-plus fixed-fee structure warrants scrutiny for potential cost overruns compared to fixed-price contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting an initial effort to solicit multiple bids. However, the specific awardee (Lockheed Martin) and the nature of the delivery order warrant further investigation into the competitive process and price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance the survivability and operational effectiveness of key military aircraft, which can be seen as a necessary investment in national security.
Public Impact
Enhances the operational capabilities of MC-130J and EC-130J aircraft, vital for special operations missions. Improves resistance to jamming and spoofing, ensuring reliable navigation in contested environments. Supports the technological edge of U.S. Special Operations Command.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus fixed-fee contract type
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for unit price
- Potential for cost escalation
Positive Signals
- Enhances critical military capability
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Supports strategic national security assets
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft modification and electronic warfare capabilities. Spending benchmarks for specialized avionics upgrades can vary widely based on complexity and technology maturity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the primary awardee is Lockheed Martin Corporation. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this specific contract, which warrants further inquiry.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense and U.S. Special Operations Command are responsible for oversight. The cost-plus fixed-fee contract type necessitates diligent monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and the project stays within scope.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Support Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Special Operations Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus fixed-fee contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- Limited transparency on specific cost components.
- Potential for sole-source follow-on contracts.
- Need for detailed performance metrics and validation.
Tags
all-other-support-services, department-of-defense, ky, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.1 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. MC-130J GPS HARDENING ANTI-JAMMING CAPABILITY FOR MC-130J AND EC-130J
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2024-02-23.
What specific technical requirements drove the need for this GPS hardening, and how do they compare to industry standards for similar aircraft?
The need for GPS hardening likely stems from evolving threats in electronic warfare, particularly sophisticated jamming and spoofing techniques. Industry standards for such capabilities are rapidly advancing, driven by both military and commercial applications. A detailed technical specification comparison would reveal if this solution represents state-of-the-art technology or a more standard upgrade, impacting its long-term value and effectiveness.
Given the cost-plus fixed-fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and ensure the government receives fair value for the $25.1 million expenditure?
Cost-plus fixed-fee contracts require robust government oversight to manage costs effectively. Mechanisms typically include detailed audits of contractor expenses, negotiation of fee percentages, and clear definitions of allowable costs. Regular reviews and performance metrics are crucial to ensure the contractor is incentivized to control spending while meeting the technical requirements of the GPS hardening.
How will the effectiveness of this GPS hardening capability be measured and validated post-award to ensure it meets the operational needs of the MC-130J and EC-130J?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of rigorous testing and operational deployment feedback. This includes ground-based testing simulating various jamming scenarios, flight testing in controlled environments, and ultimately, performance evaluation during actual operational missions. Key performance indicators will focus on maintaining navigation accuracy and system integrity under electronic attack conditions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Other Support Services › All Other Support Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: H9225416R0001
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5749 BRIAR HILL RD, LEXINGTON, KY, 40516
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: $25,091,216
Exercised Options: $25,091,216
Current Obligation: $25,091,216
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 21
Total Subaward Amount: $55,481,326
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: H9225417D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-30
Current End Date: 2024-02-23
Potential End Date: 2024-02-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-26
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