DoD awards $15.5M for B2 Antenna Coupler to Rockwell Collins, Inc., with no competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,510,975 ($15.5M)

Contractor: Rockwell Collins, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-10

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 993 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: B2 ANTENNA COUPLER

Place of Performance

Location: CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN County, IOWA, 52498

State: Iowa Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.5 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC. for work described as: B2 ANTENNA COUPLER Key points: 1. The contract's value of $15.5 million for a specialized aircraft component suggests a significant investment in maintaining critical defense capabilities. 2. The absence of competition raises questions about potential overpricing and the availability of alternative solutions. 3. The contract duration of nearly three years indicates a long-term need for this specific part. 4. The 'Other Aircraft Parts' manufacturing classification places this contract within a niche but essential segment of the defense industrial base. 5. The firm fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor, which can be beneficial if managed effectively.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this specific B2 Antenna Coupler is challenging without detailed technical specifications and market data for comparable components. However, the $15.5 million award for a single component, especially without competitive bidding, warrants scrutiny. The firm fixed-price nature suggests the government has locked in a price, but the lack of competition means there was no market pressure to ensure the most economical price was achieved. Further analysis would require understanding the criticality of the component and the availability of alternative suppliers or repair options.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Rockwell Collins, Inc., was solicited. This typically occurs when a product or service is unique, proprietary, or when there's an urgent need that precludes a competitive process. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore different pricing structures or potentially find more cost-effective solutions from other qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure, as the government did not benefit from price discovery through multiple bids.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force units operating the B2 bomber, ensuring the continued operational readiness of these strategic aircraft. The service delivered is the supply of a critical component essential for the B2's communication and electronic warfare systems. The geographic impact is national, supporting a key asset in the U.S. strategic defense posture. Workforce implications include supporting specialized manufacturing jobs within Rockwell Collins and its supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source award limits opportunities for other businesses to compete for this contract.
Dependence on a single supplier for a critical component can create supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to an established defense contractor like Rockwell Collins suggests a degree of reliability in delivery.
Contract supports the sustainment of a critical, high-value defense asset.

Sector Analysis

The defense aerospace manufacturing sector is characterized by high barriers to entry, stringent quality requirements, and long product lifecycles. Contracts for specialized components like the B2 Antenna Coupler are often awarded to incumbent or sole-source providers due to the unique nature of the platforms and the extensive qualification processes. The market for such components is relatively small and highly concentrated among a few key suppliers. Spending in this area is driven by the need to maintain aging fleets and ensure technological superiority.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to a large prime contractor like Rockwell Collins typically means that any small business involvement would be at the subcontractor level, determined by the prime. Without specific subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award is likely minimal.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Defense's contract management agencies, such as the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which ensures compliance with contract terms and quality standards. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases like FPDS. Accountability is maintained through performance monitoring and the firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs. Inspector General (IG) offices within the DoD can investigate any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

B2 Bomber Sustainment Programs
Aircraft Electronic Warfare Systems
Defense Communication Systems
Specialized Aircraft Component Manufacturing

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for cost overruns
Supply chain dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $15.5 million to ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC.. B2 ANTENNA COUPLER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-10. End: 2027-05-31.

What is Rockwell Collins, Inc.'s track record with the B2 program or similar complex defense systems?

Rockwell Collins, Inc. (now part of Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company) has a long-standing history of providing advanced avionics, communication, and electronic warfare systems for various military aircraft, including the B2 bomber. Their involvement in the B2 program likely spans decades, contributing to critical systems that ensure the aircraft's operational effectiveness. Their extensive experience with complex defense platforms suggests a strong technical capability and understanding of the stringent requirements associated with such programs. This includes a proven ability to meet demanding performance specifications, reliability standards, and security protocols inherent in advanced military aviation.

How does the $15.5 million price compare to similar antenna coupler contracts for other advanced aircraft?

Direct comparison of the $15.5 million price for this B2 Antenna Coupler to similar contracts for other advanced aircraft is difficult without specific technical details and market intelligence. Antenna couplers are specialized components, and their cost is highly dependent on factors such as frequency range, power handling capabilities, environmental hardening, integration complexity, and the specific aircraft platform's requirements. Given the B2's advanced and unique systems, its components often command higher prices due to specialized design, low production volumes, and stringent performance demands. The lack of competitive bidding for this specific contract further complicates a direct value-for-money assessment against market benchmarks.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for a critical defense component?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for a critical defense component like the B2 Antenna Coupler include potential overpricing due to the absence of competitive bidding, reduced incentive for innovation from the sole supplier, and increased supply chain vulnerability. Without competition, the government may not achieve the best possible price. Furthermore, reliance on a single source can lead to extended lead times if demand surges or if the supplier faces production issues. There's also a risk that the technology could become obsolete faster if the sole supplier lacks the competitive drive to invest in upgrades or alternatives. Ensuring robust oversight and performance management becomes crucial in mitigating these risks.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the operational readiness of the B2 bomber fleet?

This contract is expected to have a positive impact on the operational readiness of the B2 bomber fleet by ensuring the availability of a critical component. The B2 Antenna Coupler is essential for the aircraft's communication and potentially other electronic systems. By awarding this contract, the Department of Defense is securing the necessary parts to maintain, repair, and sustain the B2 aircraft, thereby preventing potential mission degradations or grounding of aircraft due to component failure or unavailability. The nearly three-year duration suggests a commitment to ongoing support, contributing to the long-term sustainment of this strategic asset.

How has spending on B2 bomber sustainment components evolved over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending on B2 bomber sustainment components over the past five years would require access to detailed procurement data specific to the B2 program. Generally, spending on sustainment for aging, high-value platforms like the B2 tends to remain consistent or increase as the aircraft age and require more maintenance and replacement parts. Factors influencing this include the availability of original parts, the cost of manufacturing replacements, and the overall operational tempo of the fleet. Without specific data, it's difficult to provide precise figures, but it's reasonable to assume that consistent investment is required to maintain the readiness of such a critical and complex weapon system.

What are the specific technical functions of the B2 Antenna Coupler and why is it critical?

The B2 Antenna Coupler is a critical component within the B2 bomber's avionics and electronic warfare systems. Its primary function is to efficiently match the impedance of the antenna to the impedance of the transmitter or receiver, ensuring maximum power transfer and minimizing signal reflections. This is vital for the effective operation of communication systems, radar, electronic countermeasures, and other radio frequency-dependent functions. For a stealth aircraft like the B2, the precise functioning of these systems, including the antenna coupling, is paramount for maintaining its low observability and mission effectiveness. Failure or degradation of the coupler could impair critical operational capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: SPRTA123R0062

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: RTX Corp

Address: 400 COLLINS RD NE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, 52498

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: $15,510,975

Exercised Options: $15,510,975

Current Obligation: $15,510,975

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $268,956

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline