DoD's Missile Defense Agency Awards Northrop Grumman $30.7M for R&D Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,744,071 ($30.7M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-06-11

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 749 days

Daily Burn Rate: $41.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SERVICES TO SUPPORT TASK INSTRUCTION 0800-24-01

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35806

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.7 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: SERVICES TO SUPPORT TASK INSTRUCTION 0800-24-01 Key points: 1. This contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is for a period of approximately 2 years. 4. The award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract. 5. The total value is $30.7 million.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost certainty.

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. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical R&D services.

Public Impact

Supports advanced research and development in critical defense areas. Potential for technological advancements in missile defense systems. Investment in scientific and engineering expertise within the defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can be susceptible to cost growth.
  • Long duration of 749 days requires ongoing monitoring.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under full and open competition.
  • Supports critical national security mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and national security.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this award was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is a large corporation. There is no information on small business subcontracting participation.

Oversight & Accountability

As a Delivery Order under a larger contract, oversight is likely managed through the existing contract vehicle. The Missile Defense Agency's oversight is critical for ensuring performance and cost control.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
  • Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
  • Reliance on a single large contractor.
  • Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.7 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. SERVICES TO SUPPORT TASK INSTRUCTION 0800-24-01

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Missile Defense Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-11. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific R&D tasks will Northrop Grumman perform under this contract, and how do they align with current missile defense priorities?

The contract details are limited, but the NAICS code 541715 indicates research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Specific tasks would likely involve advanced theoretical and applied research, experimental development, and analysis related to missile defense technologies, potentially including sensor development, interceptor technologies, or system integration.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure value for money?

While specific KPIs are not detailed, typical metrics for R&D contracts include successful completion of research milestones, technical feasibility demonstrations, prototype development, and timely delivery of research reports. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure implies that performance against defined objectives will be monitored to justify the fixed fee payment.

How does the $30.7 million award compare to similar R&D contracts for missile defense technologies, and does it represent a fair and reasonable price?

Benchmarking this specific award requires access to proprietary contract data. However, given the specialized nature of missile defense R&D and the prime contractor's expertise, the price appears within a reasonable range for complex research efforts. The full and open competition process should have ensured a competitive price discovery.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HQ085622R0002

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Address: 301 VOYAGER WAY NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,528,895

Exercised Options: $31,528,895

Current Obligation: $30,744,071

Actual Outlays: $305,548

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 18

Total Subaward Amount: $3,972,448

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ085622D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-06-11

Current End Date: 2026-06-30

Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-07

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