DoD Awards $4.58B PAC-3 Missile Production Contract to Lockheed Martin, Lacking Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,583,057,419 ($4.6B)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-12-21

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 3,022 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5M/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: W31P4Q-19-C-0011 PAC-3 PRODUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FY19/20 US/FMS REQUIREMENTS, WHICH INCLUDES: MSE&CRI MISSILES, LMKS AND OTHER GROUND SUPPORT FOR PATRIOT/PAC-3 WEAPON.

Place of Performance

Location: GRAND PRAIRIE, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75051

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $4.58 billion to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: W31P4Q-19-C-0011 PAC-3 PRODUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FY19/20 US/FMS REQUIREMENTS, WHICH INCLUDES: MSE&CRI MISSILES, LMKS AND OTHER GROUND SUPPORT FOR PATRIOT/PAC-3 WEAPON. Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical missile defense technology. 2. Sole-source award to Lockheed Martin raises concerns about price discovery. 3. Long-term contract duration (2027) suggests sustained need. 4. No small business participation noted in this large prime contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $4.58 billion for PAC-3 missile production is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to potential alternatives or previous contract pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Lockheed Martin. This lack of competition limits price negotiation leverage and may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition in a multi-billion dollar contract potentially results in taxpayers paying a premium for these essential missile defense systems.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. and allied missile defense capabilities. Supports advanced technology development and manufacturing within the defense sector. Potential for long-term sustainment and upgrade requirements. Impacts geopolitical stability through enhanced defense posture.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Sole-source award
  • High contract value
  • No small business participation

Positive Signals

  • Critical defense capability
  • Long-term production
  • Advanced technology

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this specialized defense manufacturing area is often characterized by high R&D costs, long production cycles, and significant reliance on a few prime contractors.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to include provisions for small business participation. Given the prime contractor is Lockheed Martin and the nature of advanced missile production, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited or not explicitly tracked at this level.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this large contract warrants close oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure cost reasonableness and performance. Regular reviews of Lockheed Martin's pricing and production efficiency are crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competitive bidding
  • Potential for cost overruns
  • Limited transparency in pricing
  • Long-term dependency on a single supplier
  • No small business subcontracting plan evident

Tags

other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-p, department-of-defense, tx, definitive-contract, billion-dollar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $4.58 billion to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. W31P4Q-19-C-0011 PAC-3 PRODUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE FY19/20 US/FMS REQUIREMENTS, WHICH INCLUDES: MSE&CRI MISSILES, LMKS AND OTHER GROUND SUPPORT FOR PATRIOT/PAC-3 WEAPON.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.58 billion.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-21. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the historical pricing trend for PAC-3 missiles under previous contracts, and how does the current pricing compare?

Historical pricing data for PAC-3 missiles would be essential to benchmark the current $4.58 billion contract. Without access to previous contract values, unit costs, and any negotiated adjustments, it's impossible to determine if this award represents an increase or decrease in cost efficiency over time. A comparative analysis is needed to assess value for money.

What are the specific justifications provided by the Department of Defense for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically centers on unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or the lack of viable alternative sources. For the PAC-3, this might relate to specific technological advancements or integration requirements with the Patriot system. Understanding these justifications is key to assessing the necessity of foregoing competition.

How will the performance and cost-effectiveness of the PAC-3 MSE&CRI missiles be monitored throughout the contract's duration?

Effective oversight mechanisms must be in place to monitor performance and cost-effectiveness. This includes tracking production milestones, quality control metrics, and adherence to cost targets. Regular reporting requirements and potential performance incentives or penalties for Lockheed Martin are crucial for ensuring the government receives the best value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingAerospace Product and Parts ManufacturingOther Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: GUIDED MISSLES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: W31P4Q17R0031

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp

Address: 1701 W MARSHALL DR, GRAND PRAIRIE, TX, 75051

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: $4,583,057,419

Exercised Options: $4,583,057,419

Current Obligation: $4,583,057,419

Actual Outlays: $3,095,076

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4246

Total Subaward Amount: $6,936,640,530

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-12-21

Current End Date: 2027-03-31

Potential End Date: 2027-03-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-08

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