MDA to Acquire Next Generation Interceptor for $483.7M, Fielding by 2020

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,365,208 ($48.4M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-04-07

End Date: 2015-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,454 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THE MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) WILL ACQUIRE THE NEXT GENERATION INTERCEPTOR FOR FIELDING IN 2020 AS AN ELEMENT OF THE BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM (BMDS). THE NEXT GENERATION AEGIS MISSILE (NGAM) WILL BE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE EARLY INTERCEPT CAPABILITY AGAINST SOME SHORT RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (SRBM), ALL MEDIUM RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (MRBM), ALL INTERMEDIATE RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (IRBM) AND NON-ADVANCED INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES (ICBM) LAUNCHED FROM THE REGION WHERE AEGIS WEAPON SYSTEMS (AWS) (INCLUDING THE AEGIS BMD 5.1 AND MK 41 VERTICAL LAUNCHING SYSTEM (VLS)) ARE LOCATED. THE FIRST PHASE OF THIS ACQUISITION IS THE CONCEPT DEFINITION AND PROGRAM PLANNING PHASE BEGINNING IN 2011, TO BE FOLLOWED BY COMPETITIVE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PHASE IN FY13. THE PURPOSE OF THE CONCEPT DEFINITION AND PROGRAM PLANNING CONTRACTS ARE TO: 1) DEFINE DESIGN OBJECTIVES, 2) PRESENT TRADES TO MEET THAT CAPABILITY, AND 3) OPTIMIZE TRADES TO MINIMIZE COST, SCHEDULE, AND TECHNICAL RISKS. THE GOVERNMENT CONTEMPLATES THE COMPETITIVE AWARD OF UP TO THREE COST-PLUS FIXED-FEE (CPFF) CONTRACTS RESULTING FROM THIS SOLICITATION, BUT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE FEWER THAN THREE AWARDS, MORE THAN THREE AWARDS, OR NO AWARD AT ALL.

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35824

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $48.4 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: THE MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) WILL ACQUIRE THE NEXT GENERATION INTERCEPTOR FOR FIELDING IN 2020 AS AN ELEMENT OF THE BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM (BMDS). THE NEXT GENERATION AEGIS MISSILE (NGAM) WILL BE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE EARLY INTERCEPT CAPABILITY AGAINST SOME SHORT RANG… Key points: 1. The Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) aims to enhance ballistic missile defense capabilities against various missile ranges. 2. The program is in its early Concept Definition phase, with competitive development planned for FY13. 3. Key risks include technological complexity and the long development timeline for a critical defense system. 4. This acquisition falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $483.7M is for the initial Concept Definition and Program Planning phase. As a developmental program, current pricing is difficult to benchmark against fielded systems. Future phases will require significant investment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The acquisition strategy outlines a full and open competition for the competitive product development phase. This approach is intended to foster innovation and competitive pricing, though the initial phase is focused on planning.

Taxpayer Impact: The ultimate taxpayer impact will depend on the total program cost and the effectiveness of the NGI in providing missile defense.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by improving missile defense capabilities. Represents a significant investment in advanced defense technology. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications. Long-term commitment required for development and fielding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Technological complexity of next-generation interceptor.
  • Long development and fielding timeline.
  • Potential for cost overruns in R&D phases.
  • Uncertainty in threat evolution impacting system requirements.

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition planned for development.
  • Aims to address critical gaps in current missile defense.
  • Potential for significant technological advancements.

Sector Analysis

This acquisition falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of the federal budget, with complex systems like missile defense representing substantial investments.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is The Boeing Company, the contract details do not specify subcontracting plans for small businesses. Future phases may offer opportunities for SMB participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Missile Defense Agency is responsible for this acquisition. Oversight will be critical throughout the program's lifecycle, particularly during the competitive development and production phases, to ensure cost, schedule, and performance objectives are met.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • High technological complexity.
  • Long development and fielding timeline.
  • Potential for significant cost growth.
  • Evolving threat landscape.
  • Integration challenges with existing BMDS.
  • Dependence on future funding appropriations.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $48.4 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. THE MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) WILL ACQUIRE THE NEXT GENERATION INTERCEPTOR FOR FIELDING IN 2020 AS AN ELEMENT OF THE BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE SYSTEM (BMDS). THE NEXT GENERATION AEGIS MISSILE (NGAM) WILL BE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE EARLY INTERCEPT CAPABILITY AGAINST SOME SHORT RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (SRBM), ALL MEDIUM RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (MRBM), ALL INTERMEDIATE RANGE BALLISTIC MISSILES (IRBM) AND NON-ADVANCED INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES (ICBM) LAUNCHED FROM THE REGION WHERE AEGIS W

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BOEING COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-04-07. End: 2015-03-31.

What is the projected total lifecycle cost for the Next Generation Interceptor program, and how does it compare to previous interceptor programs?

The current contract value of $483.7M is for the initial concept and planning phase. The total lifecycle cost for the NGI program is not yet defined but is expected to be substantial, given the complexity and scope of developing a next-generation missile defense system. Historical data from similar advanced weapon system development programs suggests potential for multi-billion dollar investments over the program's duration.

What are the primary technical risks associated with developing a missile interceptor capable of countering advanced ICBMs and other threats?

Primary technical risks include achieving the required intercept speeds and accuracy against highly advanced and potentially maneuvering ballistic missiles. Developing reliable guidance, control, and warhead systems that function under extreme conditions and at long ranges presents significant challenges. Ensuring system integration with the broader Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) and maintaining operational readiness are also critical risk areas.

How will the effectiveness of the Next Generation Interceptor be measured and validated to ensure it meets its intended mission objectives?

Effectiveness will be measured through a rigorous testing and evaluation process, including ground tests, simulations, and flight tests. Validation will involve demonstrating the interceptor's ability to successfully engage a range of threat ballistic missiles under realistic operational scenarios. Independent assessments and operational readiness reviews will also contribute to validating its effectiveness against evolving threats.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HQ014710R0027

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 499 BOEING BLVD SW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35824

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: $48,397,207

Exercised Options: $48,397,207

Current Obligation: $48,365,208

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2011-04-07

Current End Date: 2015-03-31

Potential End Date: 2015-03-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-06-18

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