Navy Awards Boeing $107.8M for F/A-18E/F PPP SLM Aircraft

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $107,818,327 ($107.8M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-15

End Date: 2028-03-30

Contract Duration: 836 days

Daily Burn Rate: $129.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: F/A-18E/F PPP SLM AIRCRAFT

Place of Performance

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

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $107.8 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: F/A-18E/F PPP SLM AIRCRAFT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to The Boeing Company for critical naval aircraft. 2. Significant investment in advanced aircraft manufacturing capabilities. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure. 4. Sector focus on advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $107.8 million for F/A-18E/F PPP SLM Aircraft appears reasonable given the complexity and specialized nature of military aircraft production. Benchmarking against similar advanced aircraft procurements would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, likely due to the specialized nature of the aircraft and the existing relationship with the sole manufacturer. This lack of competition may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a sole-source procurement, highlighting the need for robust oversight to ensure fair pricing and value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures continued readiness and modernization of the Navy's fighter jet fleet. Supports high-tech manufacturing jobs within the aerospace sector. Contributes to national defense capabilities and technological advancement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source procurement limits competitive pricing.
  • Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
  • Long contract duration increases exposure to market fluctuations.

Positive Signals

  • Addresses critical defense needs for advanced aircraft.
  • Supports a key defense contractor and its supply chain.
  • Long-term delivery schedule allows for phased funding and production.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Aerospace and Defense sector, specifically Aircraft Manufacturing. Spending in this sector is driven by national security requirements and technological innovation. Benchmarks for similar advanced aircraft procurements are typically in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is The Boeing Company, the contract's execution likely involves numerous small and medium-sized businesses in the aerospace supply chain. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. Given the sole-source nature and cost-plus contract type, rigorous monitoring of performance, costs, and adherence to incentive targets is crucial to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure
  • Long contract duration
  • Potential for scope creep
  • Dependency on a single supplier

Tags

aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, mo, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $107.8 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. F/A-18E/F PPP 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 $107.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-15. End: 2028-03-30.

What specific improvements or upgrades does the 'PPP SLM' designation entail for the F/A-18E/F, and how do these justify the sole-source award?

The 'PPP SLM' likely refers to specific upgrades or modifications to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, potentially involving enhanced avionics, weapons systems, or structural improvements. A sole-source award might be justified if these upgrades are proprietary to Boeing, require unique expertise, or are critical for maintaining fleet commonality and operational readiness, thus outweighing the benefits of a competitive bidding process.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract type for this aircraft procurement?

A CPIF contract incentivizes both the contractor and the government to control costs. However, it carries risks. If the target cost is set too high or the incentive structure is not well-defined, costs could escalate beyond initial projections. The government might end up paying more than anticipated if the contractor achieves performance targets but at a higher-than-expected cost.

How does the extended contract performance period (2028) impact the overall value and risk for the Department of the Navy?

The extended performance period allows for a sustained production rate and integration of potential future upgrades, which can be beneficial for long-term fleet planning and maintaining industrial capacity. However, it also increases exposure to economic fluctuations, technological obsolescence, and potential changes in strategic requirements, necessitating continuous monitoring and flexibility in contract management.

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 JAMES S 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: $107,818,327

Exercised Options: $107,818,327

Current Obligation: $107,818,327

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0001926D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-12-15

Current End Date: 2028-03-30

Potential End Date: 2028-03-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-16

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