DoD's $1.12B Long Lead Material Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin Faces Scrutiny

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,119,221,474 ($1.1B)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-10-01

End Date: 2017-07-31

Contract Duration: 2,130 days

Daily Burn Rate: $525.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FY12 LONG LEAD MATERIAL

Place of Performance

Location: SUNNYVALE, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94088

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $1.12 billion to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: FY12 LONG LEAD MATERIAL Key points: 1. Significant contract value of over $1.1 billion for long lead material. 2. Sole-source award to Lockheed Martin raises questions about competition. 3. Potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 4. Spending falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value of $1.12 billion for long lead material is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar contracts for specialized components.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This method limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for a contract of this magnitude could lead to inflated prices, impacting taxpayer funds negatively.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the lack of competitive bidding. The long duration of the contract (over 5 years) means sustained potential for cost overruns. Dependence on a single supplier for critical components could pose supply chain risks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
  • Long contract duration

Positive Signals

  • Awarded to a major defense contractor with established capabilities

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a specialized area within defense spending. Benchmarks for similar long lead material procurements in this niche are often difficult to establish due to unique requirements and limited suppliers.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award, suggesting a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the government is receiving the best possible value and that costs are justified throughout the contract's life.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competition may lead to inflated prices.
  • Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
  • Long contract duration increases exposure to changing requirements and economic factors.
  • Sole-source award limits opportunities for small business participation.

Tags

guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, department-of-defense, ca, definitive-contract, billion-dollar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $1.12 billion to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. FY12 LONG LEAD MATERIAL

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 $1.12 billion.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-10-01. End: 2017-07-31.

What justification was provided for the sole-source award, and were alternative acquisition strategies considered?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED.' A thorough review of the justification for this sole-source decision is crucial. Agencies typically require detailed documentation explaining why full and open competition was not feasible, such as unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific government property requirements. Without this justification, it's impossible to assess the validity of bypassing competitive processes.

How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to prevent cost overruns and ensure contractor efficiency?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can incentivize contractors to increase costs to maximize their fee, which is a percentage of the total cost. Robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are essential to manage this contract effectively. Regular audits and reviews of incurred costs are necessary to ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate and that the contractor is operating efficiently.

What is the projected total cost of ownership, considering the contract's duration and potential for modifications?

The initial award is for $1.12 billion, with a duration extending to July 2017 from October 2011. However, 'long lead material' contracts often serve as precursors to larger production efforts. The total cost of ownership could significantly exceed the initial award if follow-on production contracts are awarded. Understanding the full program lifecycle and potential for contract modifications is vital for a complete cost assessment.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: GUIDED MISSLES

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: $1,145,525,622

Exercised Options: $1,145,403,804

Current Obligation: $1,119,221,474

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 54

Total Subaward Amount: $322,874,147

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2011-10-01

Current End Date: 2017-07-31

Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-09-27

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