DARPA Awards Northrop Grumman $9.98M for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,975,926 ($10.0M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-09-26
End Date: 2027-03-15
Contract Duration: 1,631 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT
Place of Performance
Location: LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21090
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a large, established defense contractor. 2. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 4. Potential for significant technological advancements from the research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount of $9.98M for a duration of over 5 years needs further analysis against similar R&D projects to determine value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced research and development, which could yield long-term benefits but carries inherent risks of research failure.
Public Impact
Investment in cutting-edge research with potential for national security advancements. Contract supports a major defense contractor, impacting the aerospace and defense sector. Long-term project duration suggests a sustained commitment to the research area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long project duration increases risk of scope creep or changing research needs.
- Lack of specific deliverables in the provided data makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for DARPA.
- Contractor has significant experience in defense systems.
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 innovation but can be highly variable and project-dependent.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
DARPA's mission inherently involves oversight of high-risk, high-reward research. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring of costs and progress to ensure accountability.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (over 5 years).
- Broad R&D scope without specific deliverables.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. DARPA RESEARCH PROJECT
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 (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-26. End: 2027-03-15.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how do they align with DARPA's strategic goals?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While broad, DARPA's goals typically involve exploring and developing breakthrough technologies for national security. Specific objectives would require reviewing the detailed statement of work, which is not available here, to assess alignment and potential impact.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure fair pricing?
Effective management of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract relies on robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and regular performance reviews. DARPA will need to closely monitor Northrop Grumman's expenditures against the estimated costs and the fixed fee. Clear milestones and deliverables are essential to ensure the contractor remains focused on achieving project goals within budget constraints.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this research project, and how will success be measured?
Success metrics for R&D projects, especially those with long durations and under CPFF contracts, are often tied to achieving specific research milestones, developing prototypes, or demonstrating novel capabilities. Without the detailed SOW, specific KPIs are unknown. DARPA likely has internal metrics related to technological advancement and potential application, but these are not publicly detailed in the award notice.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: HR001122S0004
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 1580B W NURSERY RD, LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD, 21090
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: $13,831,866
Exercised Options: $13,831,866
Current Obligation: $9,975,926
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-26
Current End Date: 2027-03-15
Potential End Date: 2027-03-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-09
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