DoD awards $12.36M for Rotor Blade RDT&E to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,362,510 ($12.4M)

Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-06-26

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 734 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PRESIDIQ LABOR/ENGINEERING RDT&E - POWER MARGIN 2A - MAIN ROTOR BLADES

Place of Performance

Location: STRATFORD, FAIRFIELD County, CONNECTICUT, 06614

State: Connecticut Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.4 million to SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION for work described as: PRESIDIQ LABOR/ENGINEERING RDT&E - POWER MARGIN 2A - MAIN ROTOR BLADES Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical aircraft component research and development. 2. Sole source award to a major defense contractor raises questions about competition. 3. Cost-plus fixed-fee contract type may incentivize cost overruns. 4. Focus on RDT&E suggests potential for future technological advancements in aviation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts for similar RDT&E efforts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competitive bidding. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for this research and development effort.

Public Impact

Enhances national defense capabilities through advanced rotor blade technology. Supports high-tech manufacturing jobs within the aerospace sector. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian aviation and other industries.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost escalation risks.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Investment in critical RDT&E for defense.
Award to established, experienced contractor.
Potential for technological advancement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, specifically for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) of main rotor blades. Defense RDT&E spending can vary significantly based on technological priorities and geopolitical factors.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is a large corporation. This suggests limited direct opportunities for small businesses on this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The cost-plus fixed-fee structure necessitates robust monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.

Related Government Programs

Aircraft Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-plus contract type
Lack of small business participation
Potential for cost overruns
Limited transparency on specific RDT&E goals

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.4 million to SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION. PRESIDIQ LABOR/ENGINEERING RDT&E - POWER MARGIN 2A - MAIN ROTOR BLADES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT 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 $12.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-26. End: 2026-06-30.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this RDT&E effort, and how will they provide a significant advantage over existing rotor blade technology?

The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, RDT&E efforts for main rotor blades typically aim to improve aerodynamic efficiency, reduce noise, enhance durability, and lower weight. These advancements could lead to increased aircraft speed, range, payload capacity, and reduced maintenance requirements, ultimately providing a significant operational advantage for naval aviation platforms.

Given the sole-source nature of the award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the cost-plus fixed-fee pricing is fair and reasonable, and what is the projected cost ceiling?

While the data doesn't detail specific oversight mechanisms, the Department of the Navy would typically employ rigorous cost analysis, audits, and performance reviews to ensure fairness. The 'fixed fee' component implies a negotiated profit margin, but the 'cost plus' aspect means the government covers all allowable costs. A cost ceiling is usually established, but the CPFF structure inherently carries risk of cost growth if not tightly managed.

How will the effectiveness of the developed rotor blade technology be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this RDT&E contract?

Effectiveness is typically measured against predefined technical objectives and performance metrics outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) might include improvements in lift-to-drag ratio, fatigue life extension, vibration reduction, material strength under stress, and successful integration testing on a designated airframe. Formal testing and validation phases would confirm if these KPIs are met.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N0001921R0054

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp

Address: 6900 MAIN ST, STRATFORD, CT, 06614

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: $15,533,179

Exercised Options: $15,533,179

Current Obligation: $12,362,510

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $255,190

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0001922D0013

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline