DoD awards $50.4M to Lockheed Martin for Trident II missile integration support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,451,393 ($50.5M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2017-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,917 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR COMMON MISSILE COMPARTMENT/TRIDENT II INTEGRATION PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: SUNNYVALE, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94089

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $50.5 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR COMMON MISSILE COMPARTMENT/TRIDENT II INTEGRATION PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, large defense contractor. 2. Focus on critical missile system integration and program management. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing program needs. 4. High value indicates significant program investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $50.4M over five years for specialized missile integration support appears reasonable given the complexity and criticality of the Trident II program. Benchmarking against similar high-tech, defense-related engineering services is challenging due to unique program requirements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive environment. The justification for sole-source likely relates to specialized knowledge or existing integration.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single contractor without competitive pressure, potentially increasing the overall cost of the program.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness and modernization of the Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile system. Supports national security by maintaining critical strategic deterrence capabilities. Funds advanced engineering and program management for a key defense asset.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition.
  • Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending.
  • Long contract duration may not reflect current market efficiencies.

Positive Signals

  • Supports a critical national security program.
  • Leverages established contractor expertise for complex integration.
  • Ensures continuity of essential missile system support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a highly specialized area of defense spending. Benchmarks are difficult due to the unique nature of strategic missile systems and the limited number of qualified contractors.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a major defense prime contractor. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, sole-source sole-source contracts of this nature.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely conducted by the Department of the Navy, responsible for the Trident II program. The cost-plus fixed fee structure necessitates close monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for money.

Related Government Programs

  • Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
  • Cost-plus contract type may lead to cost overruns.
  • Long contract duration could mask inefficiencies.
  • Lack of small business participation.
  • High value concentrated with a single large contractor.

Tags

guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $50.5 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR COMMON MISSILE COMPARTMENT/TRIDENT II INTEGRATION PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $50.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2017-12-31.

What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternatives explored?

The justification for a sole-source award typically centers on unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or the need for seamless integration with existing systems where only one contractor possesses the requisite knowledge and experience. For the Trident II program, this likely relates to Lockheed Martin's deep historical involvement and specialized expertise in its complex systems. Alternatives are usually assessed, but may be deemed impractical or detrimental to program continuity.

How does the cost-plus fixed fee structure impact cost control and contractor performance for this critical missile system?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. While it provides flexibility for evolving requirements, it can reduce the incentive for the contractor to control costs aggressively, as the fee remains constant regardless of actual expenses. Effective oversight is crucial to scrutinize costs and ensure performance targets are met within the overall budget.

What is the long-term strategic value and potential obsolescence risk associated with continued investment in the Trident II integration program?

The Trident II system remains a cornerstone of U.S. strategic deterrence, providing significant long-term strategic value. However, like any aging platform, there are risks of technological obsolescence and increasing sustainment costs. Continuous modernization efforts and potential future platform replacements are essential to mitigate these risks and maintain strategic relevance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingGuided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1111 LOCKHEED MARTIN WAY BLDG 157, SUNNYVALE, CA, 94089

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,379,723

Exercised Options: $50,721,780

Current Obligation: $50,451,393

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 6

Total Subaward Amount: $707,453

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2012-10-01

Current End Date: 2017-12-31

Potential End Date: 2023-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-05-11

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