DoD's EXACTO Phase I contract awarded to Lockheed Martin for $12.57M, focusing on R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,573,162 ($12.6M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2008-11-21
End Date: 2010-09-15
Contract Duration: 663 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: EXACTO PHASE I
Place of Performance
Location: GRAND PRAIRIE, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75051
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: EXACTO PHASE I Key points: 1. Contract Value: $12.57 million for research and development. 2. Competition: Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Risk: Moderate risk due to cost-plus-fixed-fee structure. 4. Sector: Defense R&D, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $12.57M for a 663-day R&D project appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar DARPA contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment.
Public Impact
Advancement in defense technology through R&D. Potential for improved targeting systems. Investment in cutting-edge scientific research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Limited information on the specific R&D outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical defense research and development.
- Contract awarded to a reputable defense contractor.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense R&D sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight due to its specialized and often experimental nature.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (SB: false). Larger prime contractors like Lockheed Martin may engage small businesses as subcontractors, but this is not detailed here.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is primarily managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates close monitoring of expenditures and progress to ensure value for money.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type.
- Research and Development inherently carries uncertainty.
- No specific small business participation noted.
- Limited public information on specific deliverables.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, tx, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $12.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. EXACTO PHASE I
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-11-21. End: 2010-09-15.
What specific technological advancements are expected from EXACTO Phase I, and how do they align with DARPA's strategic goals?
EXACTO Phase I likely focused on foundational research for advanced projectile guidance systems, aiming to improve accuracy and reduce collateral damage. These advancements align with DARPA's broader mission of developing disruptive technologies for national security, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of existing weapon platforms and enabling new operational capabilities.
What are the primary risks associated with the cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type for this R&D project?
The primary risk with a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, as the government agrees to cover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. For R&D, this can be exacerbated by the inherent uncertainties in research, potentially leading to cost overruns if unforeseen challenges arise or the scope needs adjustment.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D investment be measured and validated by DARPA?
DARPA typically measures R&D effectiveness through a series of technical reviews, milestone achievements, and prototype demonstrations. For EXACTO Phase I, effectiveness would likely be assessed by the successful development and testing of guidance technologies, quantifiable improvements in projectile accuracy, and the potential for transition to later phases or operational systems.
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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)
Address: 1701 W MARSHALL DR, GRAND PRAIRIE, TX, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,573,162
Exercised Options: $12,573,162
Current Obligation: $12,573,162
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-11-21
Current End Date: 2010-09-15
Potential End Date: 2010-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-07-12
More Contracts from Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Department of Defense)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Department of Defense)
- THE Purpose of This Modification IS to Award F-35A Lrip 15 Usaf Aircraft* Long Lead Funding — $30.1B (Department of Defense)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Award Long Lead Funding for F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C Aircraft for U.S. Services, Non-Dod Partners, and FMS Customers — $24.5B (Department of Defense)
- Lrip 11 AAC — $12.3B (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)