DARPA Awards Boeing $40.9M for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $40,941,125 ($40.9M)
Contractor: THE Boeing Company
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-09-23
End Date: 2024-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,103 days
Daily Burn Rate: $37.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTINGTON BEACH, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92647
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $40.9 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM Key points: 1. Boeing secures a significant contract for advanced research and development. 2. The contract falls under the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code. 3. The award is a definitive contract with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. 4. The contract duration is over 1100 days, indicating a substantial project scope.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of DARPA projects.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated without competitive bidding, potentially reducing the value for money.
Public Impact
Advanced research by a major defense contractor could lead to technological breakthroughs. The specific R&D focus is not detailed, making public impact assessment challenging. Investment in R&D by DARPA aims to maintain U.S. technological superiority.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Limited transparency on R&D specifics
Positive Signals
- Award to a major defense contractor
- Focus on critical R&D areas
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and technological advancement, often involving high-risk, high-reward research.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to The Boeing Company, a large aerospace corporation. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
DARPA is known for its rigorous oversight of research programs. However, the lack of competition for this specific contract warrants close monitoring of cost and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of detailed project scope
- Potential for cost overruns
- No small business participation indicated
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $40.9 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM
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 $40.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-23. End: 2024-09-30.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this $40.9 million DARPA contract with Boeing?
The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the research. DARPA's mission is to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. The contract's focus on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' suggests potential advancements in areas like advanced materials, novel propulsion systems, AI applications in engineering, or bio-integrated technologies, but specific outcomes remain undisclosed.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract of this magnitude?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the 'Cost Plus' nature, as contractor expenses are reimbursed plus a fixed fee. The 'sole-source' aspect means there's no competitive pressure to ensure the best possible price or innovative solutions. Additionally, the specialized R&D may have uncertain outcomes, posing a risk to achieving desired technological advancements within budget and timeline.
How does this contract contribute to DARPA's overall mission of maintaining technological superiority?
This contract aligns with DARPA's mission by funding advanced research and development in critical scientific and engineering fields. By investing in potentially disruptive technologies through established contractors like Boeing, DARPA aims to foster innovation that can provide future national security advantages. The long duration suggests a commitment to exploring complex challenges that require sustained effort and expertise.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14441 ASTRONAUTICS LN, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, 92647
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: $51,479,870
Exercised Options: $40,941,125
Current Obligation: $40,941,125
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $1,831,894
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-23
Current End Date: 2024-09-30
Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-11-20
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