DoD's $331M Coyote Block 3 Autonomous Strike R&D Contract Awarded to Raytheon

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,140,146 ($33.1M)

Contractor: Raytheon Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-02-26

End Date: 2024-03-30

Contract Duration: 1,128 days

Daily Burn Rate: $29.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COYOTE BLOCK 3 AUTONOMOUS STRIKE IS A RAPID CAPABILITY EFFORT TO ACHIEVE OPERATIONAL LAUNCH CAPABILITY FROM UNMANNED SURFACE VESSELS (USVS) AND AN UNMANNED UNDERWATER VESSEL (UUV). THE INTENDED CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS (CONOP) AND TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, A

Place of Performance

Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85756

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.1 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: COYOTE BLOCK 3 AUTONOMOUS STRIKE IS A RAPID CAPABILITY EFFORT TO ACHIEVE OPERATIONAL LAUNCH CAPABILITY FROM UNMANNED SURFACE VESSELS (USVS) AND AN UNMANNED UNDERWATER VESSEL (UUV). THE INTENDED CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS (CONOP) AND TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, A Key points: 1. This contract focuses on developing rapid operational launch capabilities for unmanned surface and underwater vessels. 2. Raytheon Company, a major defense contractor, secured this definitive contract. 3. The project falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award value of $331.4M for R&D is significant, but without specific deliverables or milestones, a direct comparison is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in advanced defense technology, aiming for future operational capabilities. The effectiveness of this investment depends on successful development and deployment.

Public Impact

Enhances naval warfare capabilities with autonomous strike technology. Supports the development of advanced unmanned systems for defense. Potential for dual-use applications in maritime security and research.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
R&D projects inherently carry a risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
Long contract duration (1128 days) may indicate complexity or potential delays.

Positive Signals

Focus on rapid capability development.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Leverages advanced unmanned vehicle technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract is within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on R&D for advanced weapon systems. Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of the federal budget, with a focus on maintaining technological superiority.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Raytheon Company, a large prime contractor. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data, which could be a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The definitive contract structure implies oversight, but the CPFF type requires diligent monitoring to control costs. The Department of the Navy is responsible for overseeing this R&D effort.

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

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
R&D projects carry inherent uncertainty in achieving desired outcomes.
Integration complexity across different unmanned platforms (USV/UUV).
Dependence on successful development of the Coyote missile system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.1 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. COYOTE BLOCK 3 AUTONOMOUS STRIKE IS A RAPID CAPABILITY EFFORT TO ACHIEVE OPERATIONAL LAUNCH CAPABILITY FROM UNMANNED SURFACE VESSELS (USVS) AND AN UNMANNED UNDERWATER VESSEL (UUV). THE INTENDED CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS (CONOP) AND TACTICS, TECHNIQUES, A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-02-26. End: 2024-03-30.

What are the specific performance metrics and milestones for this R&D effort to ensure value for money?

The provided data lacks specific performance metrics or milestones. For an R&D contract of this magnitude, clear, measurable objectives are crucial to track progress and ensure the $331.4M investment yields the intended operational launch capabilities. Without these, assessing the value for money is challenging and relies heavily on the oversight capabilities of the Department of the Navy.

What are the primary technical risks associated with integrating autonomous strike capabilities onto both USVs and UUVs?

Key technical risks likely include ensuring reliable autonomous navigation and target acquisition in diverse maritime environments, secure communication links for command and control, payload integration (the Coyote missile), and the overall system's survivability. The success of the R&D effort hinges on mitigating these complex challenges inherent in developing cutting-edge unmanned systems.

How will the effectiveness of the Coyote Block 3 system be measured post-development to justify the R&D investment?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and evaluation phases, including simulated and live-fire exercises. Key indicators will be the system's ability to successfully launch, guide, and strike targets autonomously from both USVs and UUVs under realistic operational conditions. Ultimately, its effectiveness will be judged by its contribution to enhancing the Navy's warfighting capabilities.

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: N0001420SB001

Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: RTX Corp

Address: 1151 E HERMANS RD, TUCSON, AZ, 85756

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: $35,556,074

Exercised Options: $34,294,127

Current Obligation: $33,140,146

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 71

Total Subaward Amount: $43,671,438

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline