DoD Awards $185.6M for F-35 Landing Gear Final Analyses to Lockheed Martin
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,561,887 ($18.6M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-06-24
End Date: 2030-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,106 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: F-35A/B/C LANDING GEAR FINAL ANALYSES
Place of Performance
Location: FORT WORTH, TARRANT County, TEXAS, 76108
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: F-35A/B/C LANDING GEAR FINAL ANALYSES Key points: 1. Significant contract value for critical aircraft component. 2. Sole-source award to incumbent prime contractor raises competition concerns. 3. Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize higher costs. 4. Long contract duration suggests ongoing program needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed tightly. The benchmark for similar analyses is difficult to establish without more detailed scope information, but the $185.6M value for final analyses is substantial.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Lockheed Martin. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government as there is no competitive pressure to reduce bids.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition on this large contract may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these critical landing gear analyses.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness of the F-35 fleet. Supports advanced aircraft manufacturing and sustainment. Potential for cost overruns due to contract type and sole-source nature.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Lack of competition
Positive Signals
- Critical component for advanced fighter jet
- Long-term program support
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, specifically supporting the F-35 program. Spending in this sector is often characterized by high R&D costs, long production cycles, and significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a large prime contractor. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is the awarding agency. Oversight will be crucial to manage the CPFF contract and ensure cost efficiencies, especially given the sole-source nature of the award.
Related Government Programs
- Aircraft Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type may inflate costs.
- Lack of transparency in specific analytical scope.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to cost changes.
Tags
aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. F-35A/B/C LANDING GEAR FINAL ANALYSES
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 $18.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-06-24. End: 2030-03-31.
What specific analyses are included in this $185.6M award, and how do they contribute to the F-35's long-term viability?
The contract covers 'F-35A/B/C LANDING GEAR FINAL ANALYSES.' These analyses likely pertain to structural integrity, performance under various conditions, maintenance schedules, and potential upgrades or modifications. Their contribution is vital for ensuring the safety, reliability, and operational readiness of the F-35 fleet throughout its extended service life, addressing any emerging issues and validating design specifications.
Given the sole-source nature and CPFF structure, what are the primary risks to cost control and taxpayer value?
The primary risks stem from the lack of competitive bidding, which removes market pressure to offer the lowest price. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while covering costs, can incentivize the contractor to incur higher expenses to achieve the fixed fee, potentially leading to cost overruns. Without strong oversight and detailed performance metrics, taxpayers are exposed to paying more than necessary for the analyses.
How will the Department of the Navy ensure effective oversight and accountability for this contract to maximize value?
Effective oversight will require rigorous monitoring of contractor performance against defined milestones and deliverables. The Navy must establish clear cost-tracking mechanisms, conduct regular audits, and actively manage the scope of work to prevent creep. Benchmarking against similar, albeit potentially less complex, analyses and maintaining open communication channels with the contractor are also key to ensuring accountability and maximizing taxpayer value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp
Address: 1 LOCKHEED BLVD, FORT WORTH, TX, 76108
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: $31,925,992
Exercised Options: $31,925,992
Current Obligation: $18,561,887
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0001924G0010
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-06-24
Current End Date: 2030-03-31
Potential End Date: 2030-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-18
More Contracts from Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Department of Defense)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Department of Defense)
- THE Purpose of This Modification IS to Award F-35A Lrip 15 Usaf Aircraft* Long Lead Funding — $30.1B (Department of Defense)
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Award Long Lead Funding for F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C Aircraft for U.S. Services, Non-Dod Partners, and FMS Customers — $24.5B (Department of Defense)
- Lrip 11 AAC — $12.3B (Department of Defense)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)