DoD Awards Lockheed Martin $30M for R&D Engineering Services Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,004,904 ($30.0M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-05-13

End Date: 2013-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,448 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: CONTRACT AWARD FOR BASE PERIOD ENGINEERING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92131

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: CONTRACT AWARD FOR BASE PERIOD ENGINEERING SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant award to a major defense contractor for R&D. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The R&D focus indicates investment in future capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while allowing flexibility for R&D, carries inherent risk of cost escalation. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to project variability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research and development, aiming for future technological advancements and national security benefits.

Public Impact

Investment in advanced engineering and research capabilities. Potential for technological breakthroughs impacting defense systems. Supports high-skilled jobs in the R&D sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • Long contract duration (approx. 4 years)
  • No small business participation noted

Positive Signals

  • Full and open competition
  • Award to a reputable contractor
  • Focus on critical R&D

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to cost overruns.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific allocation or participation for small businesses in this contract. Larger, prime contractors often handle significant R&D efforts, potentially limiting direct opportunities for smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

The Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) is responsible for oversight. The CPFF structure necessitates robust monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and adherence to project scope.

Related Government Programs

  • Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • Lack of small business participation
  • Long contract duration
  • Potential for scope creep in R&D projects
  • Limited insight into specific R&D deliverables

Tags

research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. CONTRACT AWARD FOR BASE PERIOD ENGINEERING SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-05-13. End: 2013-04-30.

What specific R&D objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will their successful completion be measured?

The contract aims to advance physical and engineering sciences relevant to defense applications. Success metrics would likely involve milestones related to prototype development, testing, and validation of new technologies or methodologies. Specific objectives are not detailed in the provided data but are crucial for assessing value.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure in this long-term R&D project?

The primary risk is cost escalation, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Without stringent oversight and clear scope definition, costs can exceed initial estimates. This structure can also disincentivize cost-saving innovations if the fixed fee remains constant regardless of efficiency.

How does the R&D investment align with current and future defense modernization priorities?

This R&D investment likely supports the DoD's strategic goals for technological advancement and maintaining a competitive edge. Aligning R&D with modernization priorities ensures that taxpayer funds contribute to capabilities that address evolving threats and operational requirements, rather than funding speculative research.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesScientific Research and Development ServicesResearch and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTC – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: N0002408R5219

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)

Address: 4770 EASTGATE MALL LOCATION A, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121

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: $59,538,834

Exercised Options: $30,027,000

Current Obligation: $30,004,904

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2009-05-13

Current End Date: 2013-04-30

Potential End Date: 2013-04-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2017-08-03

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