DoD's $833M ASSERT program to advance radiation testing for 3D electronic components

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,333,632 ($8.3M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-04-04

End Date: 2027-08-18

Contract Duration: 1,231 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE ADVANCED SOURCES FOR SINGLE-EVENT EFFECTS RADIATION TESTING (ASSERT) PROGRAM WILL DEVELOP NEW CAPABILITIES FOR SINGLE-EVENT EFFECT (SEE) TESTING OF 3D HETEROGENEOUSLY INTEGRATED (3DHI) ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS.

Place of Performance

Location: LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21090

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.3 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: THE ADVANCED SOURCES FOR SINGLE-EVENT EFFECTS RADIATION TESTING (ASSERT) PROGRAM WILL DEVELOP NEW CAPABILITIES FOR SINGLE-EVENT EFFECT (SEE) TESTING OF 3D HETEROGENEOUSLY INTEGRATED (3DHI) ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS. Key points: 1. Focuses on developing novel capabilities for single-event effect (SEE) testing of advanced 3D heterogeneous integrated (3DHI) electronic components. 2. Contract awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, a major defense contractor. 3. The contract duration is 1231 days, indicating a significant, long-term research and development effort. 4. This initiative aligns with the growing need for resilient electronics in defense and space applications. 5. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) suggests a focus on R&D where costs may be less predictable. 6. The award amount of $833,363,200 represents a substantial investment in future technological capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $833.36 million for a 3-year R&D effort in advanced electronics testing appears substantial. Benchmarking this specific type of specialized R&D is challenging due to its cutting-edge nature. However, given the complexity and the critical defense applications, the investment may be justified if it yields the intended technological advancements. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure implies that the government is willing to cover actual costs plus a negotiated profit, which can lead to higher overall spending if costs escalate.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple companies had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 8 bidders indicates a competitive landscape for this specialized research and development. This level of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive proposals for complex technological endeavors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition with multiple bidders helps ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation among potential contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and potentially other government agencies requiring advanced, radiation-hardened electronics for critical missions. The program will deliver new capabilities for testing the resilience of next-generation electronic components against radiation. This research is crucial for the future of military hardware, satellites, and other systems operating in harsh environments. Workforce implications include potential job creation in specialized R&D roles within Northrop Grumman and its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost escalation risk inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts for novel R&D.
Dependence on a single contractor (Northrop Grumman) for critical technology development.
Potential for long development cycles and unforeseen technical challenges in advanced materials and testing.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Significant investment signals a commitment to advancing critical defense technology.
Focus on developing unique testing capabilities that could provide a strategic advantage.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to advanced electronics. The market for radiation-hardened components and testing services is specialized, driven by the stringent requirements of defense, aerospace, and nuclear industries. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and ensuring the reliability of systems operating in extreme environments.

Small Business Impact

While this contract is a large prime award to Northrop Grumman, the specifics regarding small business subcontracting are not detailed in the provided data. Large R&D contracts often include provisions for small business participation, but the extent of this contract's impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on Northrop Grumman's subcontracting plan and execution.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is known for its rigorous program management. Accountability measures would be embedded within the contract terms, including milestones, deliverables, and performance reviews. Transparency is typically managed through program reports and potential public affairs releases, though detailed R&D specifics may remain classified.

Related Government Programs

Advanced Electronic Component Testing
Radiation Hardening Research
Semiconductor Technology Development
Defense Research and Development Programs
Single Event Effects (SEE) Mitigation

Risk Flags

Technology Readiness Risk
Cost Overrun Potential
Long Development Timeline
Dependence on Specialized Expertise

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.3 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. THE ADVANCED SOURCES FOR SINGLE-EVENT EFFECTS RADIATION TESTING (ASSERT) PROGRAM WILL DEVELOP NEW CAPABILITIES FOR SINGLE-EVENT EFFECT (SEE) TESTING OF 3D HETEROGENEOUSLY INTEGRATED (3DHI) ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND CIRCUITS.

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 $8.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-04. End: 2027-08-18.

What is the historical spending pattern for DARPA's ASSERT program or similar radiation testing initiatives?

Historical spending data for specific DARPA programs like ASSERT is often not publicly detailed in aggregate. However, DARPA's overall budget for research and development is substantial, typically in the billions of dollars annually, with significant portions allocated to advanced materials, electronics, and systems engineering. Similar radiation testing initiatives, particularly those focused on next-generation components like 3DHI, would represent a strategic investment. Past contracts for radiation effects testing have varied widely in value, from millions for specific component testing to hundreds of millions for broader capability development. The $833 million awarded here suggests a significant, multi-year commitment to establishing a new, advanced testing infrastructure or capability.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence the potential final cost compared to other contract types?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined, or where cost estimation is difficult. Under CPFF, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs to maximize their profit margin, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost. However, it also carries a risk of cost escalation for the government if unforeseen expenses arise. Compared to a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract, CPFF offers more flexibility for the government in R&D but potentially higher final costs if cost overruns occur. It differs from Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) where the fee is adjusted based on performance against targets.

What are the key risks associated with developing new capabilities for 3D Heterogeneously Integrated (3DHI) electronic components?

Developing new capabilities for 3D Heterogeneously Integrated (3DHI) electronic components presents several key risks. Technically, 3DHI involves complex stacking and interconnectivity of different semiconductor technologies, which can lead to challenges in thermal management, signal integrity, and manufacturing yield. Radiation effects on these complex, multi-layered structures are not fully understood and may differ significantly from traditional 2D architectures. Furthermore, the development of specialized testing equipment and methodologies for 3DHI components is itself a significant undertaking, requiring innovation in metrology and simulation. Ensuring reliability and long-term performance in harsh environments, particularly for defense applications, adds another layer of risk. The novelty of the technology means that established best practices and extensive historical data may be limited.

What is Northrop Grumman's track record in advanced electronics and radiation testing?

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation has a long and extensive track record in developing and producing advanced electronic systems for defense and aerospace applications. They are a major player in areas such as space systems, defense electronics, and advanced materials. Their experience includes designing and manufacturing components that must operate reliably in challenging environments, including those with high radiation levels. While specific details on their past radiation testing capabilities for 3DHI components might be proprietary, their overall expertise in complex electronic systems, including those for space and military use, suggests a strong foundation for undertaking the ASSERT program. They have consistently been awarded large, complex R&D contracts by agencies like DARPA and the DoD.

How does this contract align with broader trends in semiconductor technology and defense modernization?

This contract aligns directly with critical trends in both semiconductor technology and defense modernization. The push towards 3D Heterogeneous Integration (3DHI) is a major trend in the semiconductor industry, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional Moore's Law scaling by stacking diverse chiplets and functionalities. For defense, modernizing systems requires increasingly sophisticated, smaller, lighter, and more power-efficient electronics that can withstand harsh operational conditions, including radiation. Developing robust testing capabilities for these advanced 3DHI components is essential to ensure their reliability and performance in military platforms, satellites, and strategic systems. This investment by DARPA signals a proactive approach to securing future technological advantages and mitigating risks associated with cutting-edge electronics.

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: HR001123S0047

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Address: 1580A 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: $18,403,694

Exercised Options: $13,364,624

Current Obligation: $8,333,632

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $7,251,656

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline