DoD's $12.7M laser tile R&D contract with Lockheed Martin aims for scalable high-energy laser sources

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,695,620 ($12.7M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Aculight Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-10-28

End Date: 2025-02-28

Contract Duration: 854 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MELT SEEKS TO DEVELOP A LASER TILE AS THE BUILDING BLOCK FOR COMPACT, SCALABLE, PANELIZED HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) SOURCES.

Place of Performance

Location: BOTHELL, SNOHOMISH County, WASHINGTON, 98021

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.7 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN ACULIGHT CORPORATION for work described as: MELT SEEKS TO DEVELOP A LASER TILE AS THE BUILDING BLOCK FOR COMPACT, SCALABLE, PANELIZED HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) SOURCES. Key points: 1. Focuses on developing a foundational laser tile technology for future compact, panelized high-energy laser (HEL) systems. 2. Contract awarded to Lockheed Martin AcuLight Corporation, a significant player in aerospace and defense. 3. The contract duration of 854 days suggests a phased development approach for this advanced technology. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for the best technical solution. 5. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for R&D where costs are uncertain. 6. This initiative aligns with DARPA's mission to foster disruptive technologies for national security. 7. The contract's value is moderate for a research and development project of this complexity.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $12.7 million for a research and development effort in advanced laser technology appears reasonable. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the specialized nature of the work, similar R&D contracts for novel defense technologies often fall within this range. The CPFF structure allows for flexibility in R&D while providing a fixed fee incentive for the contractor. Benchmarking against other DARPA HEL programs would provide further context on value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple capable contractors were solicited and evaluated. The presence of 9 bids indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this advanced research opportunity. This broad competition is expected to drive innovation and potentially lead to more cost-effective solutions by allowing the government to select the most promising technical approach.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and a wider array of innovative solutions, ensuring federal funds are used efficiently for cutting-edge research.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and national security, through the potential development of advanced directed energy weapon systems. The contract will deliver a foundational laser tile technology, a critical component for future high-energy laser sources. The geographic impact is primarily within the contractor's facilities, likely in Washington state, with potential future deployment across various military platforms. Workforce implications include highly skilled R&D personnel, engineers, and technicians involved in advanced optics and laser physics.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, though the fixed fee provides some control.
The specialized nature of the technology means that successful development is not guaranteed, posing a technical risk.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical technology component could pose supply chain risks if not diversified in the future.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The contractor, Lockheed Martin, has extensive experience in aerospace, defense, and advanced technologies.
The project is managed by DARPA, an agency known for its rigorous oversight of high-risk, high-reward research.
The development of foundational technology could have broad applications and future cost-saving potential.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering related to laser technology. The market for high-energy laser systems is a growing segment within the defense industry, driven by the need for advanced capabilities in areas like missile defense, counter-drone systems, and electronic warfare. Spending in this niche R&D area is characterized by long development cycles and significant investment in intellectual property and specialized expertise.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses and the prime contractor is Lockheed Martin, a large defense corporation. There is no explicit indication of subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. The focus on highly specialized R&D may limit direct opportunities for small businesses unless they possess unique, niche capabilities relevant to laser tile development.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is known for its stringent oversight of research and development projects. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type requires detailed financial reporting and justification of costs. While specific oversight mechanisms like regular reviews or independent verification are not detailed here, DARPA's mission inherently involves close monitoring of progress and technical milestones to ensure accountability and responsible use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Directed Energy Weapons
High-Energy Lasers
Advanced Photonics Research
DARPA Research Programs
Lockheed Martin Defense Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF R&D contracts.
Technical feasibility and performance risks associated with novel laser tile technology.
Long lead time for transitioning R&D into fielded systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.7 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN ACULIGHT CORPORATION. MELT SEEKS TO DEVELOP A LASER TILE AS THE BUILDING BLOCK FOR COMPACT, SCALABLE, PANELIZED HIGH ENERGY LASER (HEL) SOURCES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN ACULIGHT 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 $12.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-28. End: 2025-02-28.

What is Lockheed Martin AcuLight Corporation's track record with similar advanced laser technology development contracts?

Lockheed Martin, as a whole, has a significant and extensive track record in developing advanced laser systems and directed energy technologies for various defense applications. AcuLight Corporation, as a subsidiary or division, likely leverages this broader corporate expertise. While specific contract details for AcuLight's prior work on 'laser tiles' are not provided, the parent company's involvement in programs related to high-energy lasers (HELs), laser weapon systems, and optical technologies suggests a strong foundation. Their history includes contributions to programs aimed at beam control, power scaling, and thermal management, all critical aspects for developing compact and scalable HEL sources. Further analysis would require examining specific past performance reports or contract awards directly linked to AcuLight or relevant Lockheed Martin divisions working on similar HEL components.

How does the $12.7 million contract value compare to other DARPA R&D efforts in directed energy?

The $12.7 million contract value for this laser tile development appears to be within a moderate range for specialized Research and Development (R&D) projects undertaken by DARPA. DARPA's portfolio includes a wide spectrum of R&D investments, from foundational science exploring novel concepts (often in the millions) to more advanced prototype development and system integration (which can reach tens or hundreds of millions). Contracts for developing critical components like laser tiles, which are foundational for future HEL systems, often require significant upfront investment in theoretical work, material science, and initial fabrication. While specific benchmark data for 'laser tile' R&D is scarce due to its niche nature, this value is consistent with early-stage, high-risk, high-reward research initiatives that DARPA is known for funding. Larger sums are typically allocated for integrating these components into functional systems or for scaling up production.

What are the primary technical risks associated with developing a compact, scalable laser tile for high-energy laser sources?

Developing a compact, scalable laser tile for high-energy laser (HEL) sources involves several significant technical risks. Key challenges include achieving high power output and efficiency within a small form factor, which requires advanced materials and sophisticated thermal management to prevent overheating and component degradation. Ensuring beam quality and stability across multiple tiles when assembled into a larger array is another critical hurdle; imperfections or misalignments can severely degrade the overall system's performance. Scalability itself presents risks, as maintaining performance characteristics when increasing the number of tiles or the overall system power is not guaranteed. Furthermore, the durability and reliability of these tiles under demanding operational conditions, including vibration, temperature fluctuations, and potential environmental factors, must be addressed. Finally, the integration of these tiles into a cohesive HEL system, including power delivery, beam combining, and control electronics, introduces complexity and potential points of failure.

What is the expected timeline for seeing tangible results or applications from this laser tile R&D contract?

The tangible results and applications from this specific $12.7 million R&D contract are likely to be realized over a medium to long-term horizon, typical for foundational technology development. The contract duration is set at 854 days (approximately 2.3 years), suggesting that the primary focus is on developing and demonstrating the laser tile technology itself. Following the successful completion of this development phase, further research, engineering, integration, and testing would be required to incorporate these tiles into functional HEL systems. Therefore, while this contract aims to produce a viable laser tile 'building block,' its direct application in fielded weapon systems or other operational capacities could take several additional years, potentially spanning 5-10 years or more, depending on subsequent program funding, technological maturation, and strategic priorities within the Department of Defense.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence contractor behavior and cost control in this R&D context?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is commonly used for research and development (R&D) where the scope of work is not precisely defined, and costs are difficult to estimate accurately upfront. In this context, the contractor (Lockheed Martin AcuLight Corporation) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred during the project, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing their profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to complete the work efficiently to maximize their return on the fixed fee, as additional effort beyond the scope does not automatically increase their profit. However, it also places a significant burden on the government to meticulously monitor and audit incurred costs to ensure they are reasonable, allocable, and necessary. While the fixed fee provides some cost certainty for the contractor's profit, the overall project cost can still fluctuate based on the actual expenses incurred. Effective government oversight is crucial to manage potential cost overruns and ensure the project stays within budgetary expectations.

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: HR001122S0017

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 22121 20TH AVE SE, BOTHELL, WA, 98021

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: $12,796,190

Exercised Options: $12,796,190

Current Obligation: $12,695,620

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 13

Total Subaward Amount: $1,337,005

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline