DoD Awards $162.5M for Next Generation Propulsion Enablers Technology Development to RTX Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,257,065 ($16.3M)
Contractor: RTX Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-02-22
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,832 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NEXT GENERATION PROPULSION ENABLERS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: EAST HARTFORD, HARTFORD County, CONNECTICUT, 06118
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.3 million to RTX CORPORATION for work described as: NEXT GENERATION PROPULSION ENABLERS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced propulsion technology development. 2. RTX Corporation, a major defense contractor, is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for technological advancement in military propulsion systems. 4. Research and Development focused on future defense capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is substantial for R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Although the contract type is Full and Open Competition, the award went to a single entity, RTX Corporation. This suggests that while the opportunity was open, RTX was selected as the most capable or suitable offeror.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced research, aiming for future technological superiority, but the cost-plus nature requires diligent oversight to ensure value.
Public Impact
Advancement in aerospace technology could lead to more efficient and powerful military aircraft. Investment in R&D supports the long-term strategic goals of the Department of Defense. Potential for job creation within the aerospace and defense sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 88 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus contracts can be prone to cost escalation.
- Sole awardee may limit broader industry innovation in the short term.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical future technology needs.
- Significant investment in a key defense capability.
- Award to established prime contractor with relevant expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, with significant government investment typically directed towards defense-related R&D.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a large corporation (RTX), and there is no explicit indication of small business participation in the provided data. Further investigation would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Navy to monitor costs, ensure progress, and verify that the fixed fee remains appropriate throughout the contract's duration.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost escalation risk due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
- Potential for limited innovation if key technologies are solely developed by one entity.
- Long development cycles inherent in advanced propulsion R&D.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical future technology.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ct, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.3 million to RTX CORPORATION. NEXT GENERATION PROPULSION ENABLERS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RTX CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-02-22. End: 2026-02-28.
What specific technological advancements are anticipated from this 'Next Generation Propulsion Enablers' project, and how do they align with current and future DoD strategic objectives?
The project likely aims to develop advanced engine technologies, potentially focusing on increased thrust, improved fuel efficiency, reduced thermal signatures, or novel propulsion concepts for next-generation aircraft and missiles. These advancements are critical for maintaining air superiority and addressing evolving threats, aligning with strategic goals for technological dominance and modernization of military platforms.
Given the 'full and open competition' designation but a sole awardee, what was the rationale for selecting RTX Corporation, and were alternative solutions thoroughly evaluated?
The rationale for selecting RTX Corporation likely stems from their demonstrated expertise, existing technological base, and proposed approach being deemed superior or most advantageous to the government. While the competition was open, the evaluation process would have rigorously assessed proposals against specific criteria, leading to the selection of the offeror best positioned to meet the complex R&D requirements.
How will the effectiveness and ultimate value of this R&D investment be measured, particularly considering the long-term nature of propulsion technology development?
Effectiveness will be measured through a series of technical milestones, performance demonstrations, and the successful maturation of key propulsion technologies. Value will be assessed by the degree to which the developed enablers contribute to enhanced platform capabilities, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness over the lifecycle of future systems, ultimately supporting the DoD's long-term strategic and warfighting needs.
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: N0001419SB001
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: RTX Corp
Address: 400 MAIN ST, EAST HARTFORD, CT, 06118
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: $16,257,065
Exercised Options: $16,257,065
Current Obligation: $16,257,065
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $40,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-02-22
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-06
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