Navy Awards Boeing $37M for F/A-18E/F Aircraft, Extending Production Through 2027

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,026,825 ($37.0M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-24

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 583 days

Daily Burn Rate: $63.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: F/A-18E/F OP25 LOT5 SLM AIRCRAFT

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63134

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $37.0 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: F/A-18E/F OP25 LOT5 SLM AIRCRAFT Key points: 1. Significant contract value for advanced fighter aircraft production. 2. Sole-source award to Boeing raises questions about competition. 3. Potential risks associated with single-supplier reliance and cost-plus contracts. 4. Spending aligns with the defense sector's ongoing aircraft modernization efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $37M for 0 aircraft (likely a placeholder or partial value) is difficult to assess without a clear unit count or comparison to similar lots. Cost-plus contracts can lead to higher final costs than fixed-price agreements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This is a sole-source award, indicating a lack of competitive bidding. This method limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competed contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed without exploring potentially lower-cost alternatives through competition.

Public Impact

Ensures continued production of critical naval air assets. Supports jobs and economic activity within the defense manufacturing sector. Potential for cost overruns due to the contract type.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Cost-plus contract type
  • Lack of clear unit count for value assessment

Positive Signals

  • Continued production of essential defense equipment
  • Supports established defense contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically aircraft manufacturing. Spending benchmarks for similar sole-source, cost-plus contracts for advanced fighter jets can vary widely based on specific configurations and production phases.

Small Business Impact

This contract is awarded to a large prime contractor, The Boeing Company. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award notice.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The cost-plus incentive fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost control and contractor performance align with incentives.

Related Government Programs

  • Aircraft Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition.
  • Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns.
  • Lack of clear unit count for value assessment.
  • Long contract duration (through April 2027).

Tags

aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, mo, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $37.0 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. F/A-18E/F OP25 LOT5 SLM AIRCRAFT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BOEING 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 $37.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-24. End: 2027-04-30.

What is the total expected cost and number of aircraft for this contract lot, and how does it compare to previous lots?

The provided data lists a contract value of $37,026,825.16 but indicates 0 aircraft. This suggests the value may represent an initial funding increment or a partial estimate. A comprehensive analysis requires the total contract value and the specific number of aircraft to be procured under this lot for accurate cost per unit and trend analysis against historical data.

What are the specific cost drivers and performance metrics incentivized in this Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract?

The CPIF contract type aims to incentivize both the contractor and the government to control costs while achieving performance targets. Specific cost drivers would include materials, labor, and overhead. The incentive structure likely focuses on meeting delivery schedules, performance specifications, and potentially reducing costs below a target price, with shared savings or penalties.

What justification was provided for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?

Sole-source awards typically require a justification, such as unique capabilities or lack of alternatives. The government's role is to ensure fair and reasonable pricing through various methods, including historical price analysis, should-cost analysis, and potentially independent cost estimates, despite the absence of direct competition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingAircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6200 JS MCDONNELL BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63134

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: $37,026,825

Exercised Options: $37,026,825

Current Obligation: $37,026,825

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $1,149,620

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0001918D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-09-24

Current End Date: 2027-04-30

Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-09-24

More Contracts from THE Boeing Company

View all THE Boeing Company federal contracts →

Other Department of Defense Contracts

View all Department of Defense contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending