DoD awards $32.15M for KC-135 Ruddevator/Boom Manufacturing to Boeing, a sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,153,250 ($32.2M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-15

End Date: 2027-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,355 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MANUFACTURE OF RUDDEVATOR, BOOM FOR THE KC-135 AIRCRAFT.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.2 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: MANUFACTURE OF RUDDEVATOR, BOOM FOR THE KC-135 AIRCRAFT. Key points: 1. Significant contract for critical aircraft components. 2. Sole-source award to incumbent, raising competition concerns. 3. Long-term contract duration may impact price flexibility. 4. Focus on sustainment of aging aircraft fleet.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $32.15M for a multi-year delivery order appears reasonable for specialized aircraft parts. However, without competitive bidding, it's difficult to definitively assess value against market alternatives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The Boeing Company. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed without the benefit of competitive pricing, potentially increasing the overall cost of maintaining the KC-135 fleet.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of the KC-135 Stratotanker fleet. Supports critical maintenance and repair capabilities for aging aircraft. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competition.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award
  • Long contract duration
  • Lack of competition

Positive Signals

  • Ensures availability of critical parts
  • Supports existing platform

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts. Spending in this area is driven by military readiness requirements and the sustainment of aging aircraft fleets.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is The Boeing Company, a large aerospace manufacturer. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract, either as prime contractors or significant subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency, is responsible for this award. Oversight should focus on ensuring fair pricing and performance throughout the contract's duration, especially given the sole-source nature.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Logistics Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award limits price competition.
  • Long contract duration may not reflect current market conditions.
  • Potential for cost creep without competitive oversight.
  • Reliance on a single supplier for critical components.

Tags

other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.2 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. MANUFACTURE OF RUDDEVATOR, BOOM FOR THE KC-135 AIRCRAFT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BOEING COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-15. End: 2027-11-30.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves factors like unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or the need for compatibility with existing systems. For this contract, the need to maintain the KC-135 fleet likely drove the decision. However, a thorough review should confirm that no viable competitive alternatives were overlooked and that the sole-source justification is robust and documented.

How does the pricing structure compare to historical data or industry benchmarks for similar aircraft components?

Without competitive bids, direct comparison is challenging. Analysis should involve reviewing historical pricing for similar components, Boeing's pricing on other sole-source contracts for comparable parts, and industry benchmarks for aircraft manufacturing and sustainment. Any significant deviations from these benchmarks should be investigated to ensure fair pricing.

What are the potential risks associated with the long contract duration and the sole-source nature of this award?

The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to a lack of competitive pressure, reduced incentive for Boeing to innovate or improve efficiency, and the possibility of the government being locked into unfavorable terms. Additionally, long-term reliance on a single supplier can create supply chain vulnerabilities if that supplier faces production issues or financial instability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingOther Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: SPRTA122R0136

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6200 JS MCDONNELL BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63134

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: $32,153,250

Exercised Options: $32,153,250

Current Obligation: $32,153,250

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $21,657,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE4A119G0013

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-03-15

Current End Date: 2027-11-30

Potential End Date: 2027-11-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-03-15

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