DoD Awards Raytheon $38.9M for Navigation Systems, Sole-Source Contract Raises Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,902,047 ($38.9M)

Contractor: Raytheon Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-08

End Date: 2027-07-27

Contract Duration: 1,236 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: JAPAN ASEV EQUIPMENT AND USN DMS LAST CHANCE BUY

Place of Performance

Location: ANDOVER, ESSEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01810

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $38.9 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: JAPAN ASEV EQUIPMENT AND USN DMS LAST CHANCE BUY Key points: 1. Significant award value of $38.9 million for critical navigation equipment. 2. Sole-source award to Raytheon Company limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential risk associated with limited competition and lack of price discovery. 4. Spending falls within the broad 'Search, Detection, Navigation...' manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $38.9 million is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar systems from other manufacturers.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This method bypasses the competitive process, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced innovation as there is no market pressure.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for this equipment.

Public Impact

Naval operations rely on advanced navigation systems for safety and effectiveness. This award impacts a key defense contractor, Raytheon Technologies. Long-term contract duration (2024-2027) suggests ongoing need for these systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source procurement
  • Lack of competition
  • Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

  • Award to established defense contractor
  • Supports critical navigation systems

Sector Analysis

This award falls under the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is crucial for national defense and maritime safety, but often involves specialized, high-cost components.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The prime contractor, Raytheon, is a large corporation, and the sole-source nature of this award further limits potential for small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the Department of Defense obtained the best possible value. Further review of the justification for sole-source procurement is recommended.

Related Government Programs

  • Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Lack of competitive bidding
  • Potential for inflated pricing
  • Limited transparency on justification

Tags

search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, ma, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $38.9 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. JAPAN ASEV EQUIPMENT AND USN DMS LAST CHANCE BUY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON 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 $38.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-08. End: 2027-07-27.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or a lack of viable alternatives. Without this information, it's impossible to fully assess if this procurement method was truly necessary or if competitive options were overlooked. This lack of transparency hinders a complete value assessment.

How does the unit cost compare to similar navigation systems procured competitively?

Without access to pricing data from competitive procurements of similar navigation systems, a direct comparison is not possible. The sole-source nature of this contract prevents a clear benchmark against market rates. Further analysis would require identifying comparable systems and their contract values.

What is the potential impact on future defense spending if sole-source awards become common for this type of equipment?

If sole-source awards become prevalent for navigation systems, it could lead to escalating costs for the Department of Defense due to the absence of competitive pressure. This might also stifle innovation as contractors have less incentive to improve products or reduce prices. Ultimately, taxpayers could bear a higher financial burden.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingNavigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments ManufacturingSearch, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FIRE CONTROL EQPT.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N0002424R5342

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Rockwell Collins Australia PTY Limited

Address: 1001 BOSTON POST RD E, MARLBOROUGH, MA, 01752

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: $38,902,047

Exercised Options: $38,902,047

Current Obligation: $38,902,047

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 58

Total Subaward Amount: $11,771,108

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0002422G5311

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-03-08

Current End Date: 2027-07-27

Potential End Date: 2027-07-27 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-06-25

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