DoD Awards $103.7M Contract to Lockheed Martin for Gravity-Aided Navigation System
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,368,760 ($10.4M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-03-11
End Date: 2027-03-10
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS EFFORT WILL DEVELOP A GRAVITY-AIDED NAVIGATION SOLUTION FOR THE TRIDENT NAVIGATION SUBSYSTEM. THE EFFORTS DESCRIBED HEREIN INCLUDE THE APPROPRIATE SENSORS AND ALGORITHMS TO ACHIEVE TWO NEW CAPABILITIES: 1) GRAVITY SENSOR PASSIVE NAVIGATION, AND
Place of Performance
Location: NIAGARA FALLS, NIAGARA County, NEW YORK, 14304
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.4 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: THIS EFFORT WILL DEVELOP A GRAVITY-AIDED NAVIGATION SOLUTION FOR THE TRIDENT NAVIGATION SUBSYSTEM. THE EFFORTS DESCRIBED HEREIN INCLUDE THE APPROPRIATE SENSORS AND ALGORITHMS TO ACHIEVE TWO NEW CAPABILITIES: 1) GRAVITY SENSOR PASSIVE NAVIGATION, AND Key points: 1. This contract focuses on developing a gravity-aided navigation solution for the Trident system. 2. The primary contractor is Lockheed Martin Corporation, a major defense industry player. 3. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. The project aims to enhance navigation capabilities through passive gravity sensing and algorithms.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $103.7 million, but the final cost is subject to the actual costs incurred plus a fixed fee.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific details of the price discovery mechanism are not provided, making it difficult to assess if the best possible price was achieved.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced R&D in defense navigation systems. The ultimate value to taxpayers depends on the successful development and deployment of this technology.
Public Impact
Enhances strategic weapon system capabilities with advanced navigation. Potential for dual-use technology applications in civilian navigation sectors. Supports technological advancement in the defense industrial base. Contributes to national security through improved missile guidance. Invests in long-term research and development for future defense needs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
- Long development duration (1094 days) increases exposure to technological obsolescence or changing requirements.
- Specific performance metrics and success criteria are not detailed, making objective evaluation challenging.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating potential for competitive pricing.
- Focus on critical defense technology development.
- Contractor has significant experience in aerospace and defense systems.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes. Benchmarks for R&D contracts vary widely based on complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. As a large, complex R&D effort likely awarded to a major defense contractor, direct small business participation may be limited unless subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is the awarding agency. Oversight will likely involve regular progress reviews, financial audits, and technical milestone assessments to ensure the contractor meets the contract's objectives and manages costs effectively.
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 overrun potential due to CPFF contract type.
- Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence or changing requirements.
- Uncertainty inherent in R&D projects.
- Dependence on specific sensor technology performance.
- Potential for integration challenges with existing Trident systems.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ny, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.4 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. THIS EFFORT WILL DEVELOP A GRAVITY-AIDED NAVIGATION SOLUTION FOR THE TRIDENT NAVIGATION SUBSYSTEM. THE EFFORTS DESCRIBED HEREIN INCLUDE THE APPROPRIATE SENSORS AND ALGORITHMS TO ACHIEVE TWO NEW CAPABILITIES: 1) GRAVITY SENSOR PASSIVE NAVIGATION, AND
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN 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 $10.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-03-11. End: 2027-03-10.
What is the projected return on investment for this gravity-aided navigation technology, considering its R&D nature and long development timeline?
Quantifying the ROI for R&D is inherently challenging due to the speculative nature of innovation. The investment's return will be realized through enhanced Trident system effectiveness, potential cost savings in future operations, and possible spin-off technologies. A precise ROI figure is not calculable at this stage, but the strategic importance of advanced navigation for national security is the primary justification for the investment.
What are the key technical risks associated with developing a passive gravity navigation system, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include the accuracy and sensitivity of gravity sensors in dynamic environments, the complexity of developing robust algorithms to interpret gravitational data, and potential interference from other onboard systems. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous testing of sensor prototypes, advanced simulation modeling of algorithms, and phased development with clear technical milestones to address challenges incrementally.
How will the effectiveness of the developed gravity-aided navigation solution be measured and validated against the stated capabilities?
Effectiveness will be measured through a combination of laboratory testing, simulation, and potentially field trials of the navigation subsystem. Validation will involve comparing the system's navigation accuracy against established benchmarks and mission requirements, assessing its performance under various operational conditions, and verifying its ability to achieve the two new specified capabilities: gravity sensor passive navigation and enhanced accuracy.
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: N0001423SB001
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp
Address: 2221 NIAGARA FALLS BLVD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, 14304
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,839,182
Exercised Options: $14,839,182
Current Obligation: $10,368,760
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $82,670
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-03-11
Current End Date: 2027-03-10
Potential End Date: 2027-03-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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