DoD's $11.89M Contract for Infrared Imager Research Awarded to Northrop Grumman
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,892,033 ($11.9M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-05-07
End Date: 2025-11-30
Contract Duration: 2,033 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH IAWN DARPA-BAA- HR001119S0078 FOCAL ARRAYS FOR CURVED INFRARED IMAGERS (FOCII) PROGRAM.
Place of Performance
Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92152
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.9 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: RESEARCH IAWN DARPA-BAA- HR001119S0078 FOCAL ARRAYS FOR CURVED INFRARED IMAGERS (FOCII) PROGRAM. Key points: 1. This contract focuses on advanced infrared imaging technology, a critical area for defense applications. 2. Northrop Grumman, a major defense contractor, is the sole awardee, indicating specialized capabilities. 3. The 'Research and Development' sector is inherently high-risk, with outcomes uncertain but potentially high reward. 4. The contract's duration extends over five years, suggesting a complex, long-term research effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $11.89 million for a five-year R&D program appears reasonable given the specialized nature of infrared imaging technology. Benchmarking against similar advanced research contracts is difficult due to proprietary information and unique technological requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific awardee is Northrop Grumman, implying they were the most qualified bidder for this specialized research.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being invested in cutting-edge research with the potential for significant national security benefits, though the direct return on investment is uncertain at this stage.
Public Impact
Advancement in infrared imaging could lead to improved surveillance and targeting capabilities for national defense. Investment in R&D supports technological innovation and maintains a competitive edge in defense technologies. The program's success could have implications for future military hardware development and procurement.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term R&D projects carry inherent uncertainty in achieving desired outcomes.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized research may limit future competitive options.
- Cost-plus contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Positive Signals
- Focus on a critical defense technology area.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Potential for significant technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences for infrared imaging. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense, with significant government investment typically allocated to specialized contractors.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, a large defense contractor. There is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular award, which is common for large, specialized R&D contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the research progresses as planned and stays within budget. The Department of the Navy, as the contracting agency, is responsible for monitoring performance and deliverables throughout the contract's duration.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term R&D project with uncertain outcomes.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Sole awardee may limit future competition.
- Potential for technology obsolescence during development.
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 $11.9 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. RESEARCH IAWN DARPA-BAA- HR001119S0078 FOCAL ARRAYS FOR CURVED INFRARED IMAGERS (FOCII) PROGRAM.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-05-07. End: 2025-11-30.
What is the projected technological advancement expected from this FOCII program, and how will it be measured?
The FOCII program aims to develop focal arrays for curved infrared imagers, potentially enhancing image quality, field of view, and performance in challenging conditions. Measurement of advancement will likely involve rigorous testing against defined performance metrics and prototypes, focusing on resolution, sensitivity, and operational effectiveness in simulated or real-world scenarios.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type for this R&D effort?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as costs are reimbursed. While the fee is fixed, the government bears the risk of cost overruns. Effective oversight is critical to mitigate this.
How does the development of curved infrared imagers contribute to the Department of Defense's overall mission effectiveness?
Curved infrared imagers can offer significant advantages in surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting by providing wider fields of view and potentially better image quality, especially at the edges. This enhanced capability can improve situational awareness for warfighters, enable earlier detection of threats, and increase the precision of weapon systems, thereby boosting overall mission effectiveness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: HR001119S0078
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 1580A W NURSERY RD, LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD, 21090
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: $11,892,033
Exercised Options: $11,892,033
Current Obligation: $11,892,033
Actual Outlays: $1,433,205
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $256,288
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-05-07
Current End Date: 2025-11-30
Potential End Date: 2025-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-12
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