DoD's Hypersonic Weapon Concept Contract with Boeing Reaches $25M, Raising R&D Questions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,976,580 ($25.0M)
Contractor: THE Boeing Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-10-30
End Date: 2016-04-29
Contract Duration: 547 days
Daily Burn Rate: $45.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF HYPERSONIC AIR-BREATHING WEAPON CONCEPT
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63134
State: Missouri Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.0 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF HYPERSONIC AIR-BREATHING WEAPON CONCEPT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to The Boeing Company for hypersonic weapon concept research. 2. Significant investment in advanced defense technology, potentially impacting future military capabilities. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 5. High-risk, high-reward nature of advanced weapons development presents inherent uncertainties.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $24.98 million for a 547-day duration appears reasonable for a research and development project in a highly specialized field like hypersonic weapons. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of the technology.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in cutting-edge defense technology, aiming for future strategic advantage. The ultimate taxpayer impact depends on the success and deployment of the developed technology.
Public Impact
Advancement in hypersonic technology could significantly alter the defense landscape. Investment in R&D signals a commitment to maintaining technological superiority. Potential for dual-use applications of the research, benefiting both defense and civilian sectors. Long-term implications for international arms control and global security dynamics.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Technological feasibility and development risks
- Long-term cost implications of advanced weapon systems
- Potential for program delays and cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical national security capabilities
- Fostering innovation in advanced aerospace engineering
- Potential for technological breakthroughs
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but often involves higher risk and longer timelines compared to procurement of existing technologies.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is The Boeing Company, a large aerospace firm, the contract details do not specify any subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is known for its rigorous oversight of high-risk, high-reward research projects. The definitive contract structure implies specific deliverables and milestones that would be subject to review.
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
- High technological risk
- Long development cycle
- Potential for cost overruns
- Uncertainty in operational effectiveness
- National security implications
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, mo, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.0 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. IGF::OT::IGF HYPERSONIC AIR-BREATHING WEAPON CONCEPT
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 Advanced Research Projects Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-10-30. End: 2016-04-29.
What is the projected timeline for achieving key technological milestones in this hypersonic weapon concept development?
The contract duration is 547 days, suggesting an initial phase of concept development. Specific milestones are not detailed in the provided data, but DARPA projects typically involve phased reviews and demonstrations to assess progress and determine future funding. The success of these milestones will dictate the project's continuation and ultimate effectiveness.
How does the cost of this contract compare to similar R&D efforts in advanced propulsion or aerospace technologies?
Benchmarking this specific contract's cost is challenging due to the unique and cutting-edge nature of hypersonic air-breathing weapon concepts. However, R&D in advanced aerospace and defense technologies often involves substantial investment due to the complexity, specialized expertise, and long development cycles required. The $24.98 million figure for a 547-day project appears within a plausible range for such high-risk, high-reward research.
What are the primary risks associated with the technological feasibility and potential effectiveness of this hypersonic weapon concept?
The primary risks include the immense technical challenges of achieving sustained hypersonic flight, managing extreme heat and material stress, and developing reliable guidance and control systems. The effectiveness is also contingent on integration into existing military doctrine and overcoming countermeasures. The 'concept' nature of the contract implies early-stage development where feasibility and ultimate effectiveness are still largely unproven.
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: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6200 JS MCDONNELL BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63134
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: $24,976,580
Exercised Options: $24,976,580
Current Obligation: $24,976,580
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-10-30
Current End Date: 2016-04-29
Potential End Date: 2016-04-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-03-31
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