DARPA Awards Northrop Grumman $7.6M for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,661,151 ($7.7M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-08-12
End Date: 2026-08-12
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
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 $7.7 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. Potential for innovation in advanced scientific fields. 4. Contract duration of 730 days suggests a focused research effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which 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: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access to the best available solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research and development, with the potential for significant future technological advancements and economic benefits.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge and technological capabilities. Potential for breakthroughs in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Investment in future defense capabilities and national security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical research and development for DARPA.
- Contract awarded to a reputable and experienced contractor.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological innovation and maintaining a competitive edge, often characterized by high upfront investment and uncertain but potentially high returns.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, a large business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data, which could be an area for future analysis.
Oversight & Accountability
DARPA is known for its rigorous oversight of research projects. The contract's definitive nature and fixed duration suggest a structured approach to monitoring progress and expenditures.
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.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Potential for R&D scope expansion.
- No explicit small business participation noted.
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 $7.7 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 $7.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-12. End: 2026-08-12.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve within the physical, engineering, and life sciences?
The provided data does not detail the specific research objectives. DARPA projects are often classified or highly specialized, focusing on developing breakthrough technologies. Further inquiry into the project's statement of work would be necessary to understand the precise scientific and engineering goals.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money?
Effective management of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract relies on robust oversight, clear milestones, and regular performance reviews by the contracting agency. DARPA's established project management protocols are expected to be applied to monitor expenditures against the fixed fee and ensure the contractor remains within budget while achieving research goals.
What are the anticipated long-term impacts or potential applications of the research funded by this contract?
The long-term impacts are inherently uncertain in R&D. DARPA aims for transformative technologies that could significantly enhance national security, create new industries, or solve complex societal challenges. Specific applications would emerge as the research progresses and potential breakthroughs are realized and further developed.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: HR001124S0007
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: $10,981,620
Exercised Options: $10,981,620
Current Obligation: $7,661,151
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $6,043,507
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-12
Current End Date: 2026-08-12
Potential End Date: 2026-08-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-12
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