DoD Awards $34.6M to Lockheed Martin for MUOS Space Segment Sustainment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,644,125 ($34.6M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-12-01

End Date: 2024-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: LABOR - MUOS SPACE SEGMENT SUSTAINMENT

Place of Performance

Location: SUNNYVALE, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94089

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $34.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: LABOR - MUOS SPACE SEGMENT SUSTAINMENT Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a major defense contractor. 2. Focus on space segment sustainment indicates long-term program needs. 3. Potential for cost overruns in complex space systems. 4. Engineering services sector is critical for national security infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $34.6M for engineering services appears reasonable for sustaining a complex space segment. However, without specific task details or historical cost data for MUOS sustainment, a precise value assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against similar large-scale space system sustainment contracts would be beneficial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, likely due to the specialized nature of the MUOS space segment and the incumbent contractor's expertise. The lack of competition may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs than a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical national security program. While sole-source awards can be necessary, they warrant close oversight to ensure fair pricing and efficient use of resources.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), vital for secure communications. Supports advanced space technology and engineering expertise within the defense industrial base. Impacts military personnel relying on reliable satellite communication for global operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Potential for cost creep in long-term sustainment

Positive Signals

  • Supports critical national security communications
  • Award to established prime contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting space-based communication systems. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining national security infrastructure and technological superiority. Benchmarks for similar large-scale, sole-source sustainment contracts for complex defense systems are often high due to specialized requirements.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corp, a large prime contractor. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award notice, suggesting that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited or not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure cost reasonableness and performance. Audits and regular performance reviews are critical to maintaining accountability for taxpayer funds.

Related Government Programs

  • Engineering Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award limits price competition.
  • Potential for cost growth in long-term sustainment.
  • Complexity of space systems increases inherent risk.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure.

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $34.6 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. LABOR - MUOS SPACE SEGMENT SUSTAINMENT

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 Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-12-01. End: 2024-11-30.

What is the projected total lifecycle cost for MUOS space segment sustainment, and how does this award fit into that budget?

The projected total lifecycle cost for MUOS space segment sustainment is not publicly detailed in this award notice. This $34.6M delivery order represents a portion of the ongoing sustainment efforts. A comprehensive lifecycle cost estimate would encompass all future maintenance, upgrades, and operational support activities over the system's lifespan, requiring further analysis beyond this single contract.

What are the specific risks associated with the lack of competition for this sustainment contract?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Lockheed Martin may have less incentive to offer the most cost-effective solutions. Additionally, without competition, there's a reduced opportunity to introduce innovative approaches or technologies from other vendors, potentially limiting long-term system efficiency and modernization.

How effective is the MUOS system in meeting its intended communication objectives, and does this sustainment contract adequately support that effectiveness?

The MUOS system is designed to provide global, high-bandwidth, secure communications for mobile warfighters. Its effectiveness is crucial for tactical operations and command and control. This sustainment contract is intended to ensure the continued operational availability and reliability of the space segment, which is fundamental to the system's overall effectiveness. Successful execution of this contract directly supports the MUOS's mission.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N0003918R0013

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Sikorsky Support Services Inc

Address: 1111 LOCKHEED MARTIN WAY, 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: $34,644,125

Exercised Options: $34,644,125

Current Obligation: $34,644,125

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 35

Total Subaward Amount: $8,041,260

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0003920D0022

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2020-12-01

Current End Date: 2024-11-30

Potential End Date: 2024-11-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-04-05

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