DoD Awards $45.4M for Apache Radar Interferometers, Sole-Sourced to Lockheed Martin

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,420,025 ($45.4M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-08-27

End Date: 2022-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,130 days

Daily Burn Rate: $40.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PROCUREMENT OF MODERNIZED RADAR FREQUENCY INTERFEROMETERS FOR USG AND UNITED KINGDOM REQUIREMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE APACHE PROGRAM OFFICE.

Place of Performance

Location: OWEGO, TIOGA County, NEW YORK, 13827

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $45.4 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: PROCUREMENT OF MODERNIZED RADAR FREQUENCY INTERFEROMETERS FOR USG AND UNITED KINGDOM REQUIREMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE APACHE PROGRAM OFFICE. Key points: 1. Significant award for specialized Apache program components. 2. Sole-source award to incumbent prime contractor raises competition concerns. 3. Potential for cost overruns given fixed-price incentive contract type. 4. High-value contract for critical defense technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award price of $45.4M for modernized radar frequency interferometers appears reasonable given the specialized nature and sole-source award. However, without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Lockheed Martin Corporation. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this procurement means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding.

Public Impact

Enhances Apache helicopter combat effectiveness with advanced radar capabilities. Supports critical defense needs for both US and UK forces. Potential impact on future competition for similar defense systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 40 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition.
  • Fixed-price incentive contract carries cost overrun risk.
  • Lack of clear justification for sole-source award.

Positive Signals

  • Supports critical defense program.
  • Procurement addresses modernization needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts. Spending in this area is often characterized by high R&D costs and long procurement cycles, with significant government oversight.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a large prime contractor. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific procurement, either as prime or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army awarded this contract. Oversight would typically involve contract performance monitoring and financial reviews to ensure delivery and adherence to contract terms, especially given the fixed-price incentive structure.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
  • Potential for cost growth due to contract type.
  • Limited transparency on vendor selection.
  • High dollar value requires close monitoring.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $45.4 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. PROCUREMENT OF MODERNIZED RADAR FREQUENCY INTERFEROMETERS FOR USG AND UNITED KINGDOM REQUIREMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE APACHE PROGRAM OFFICE.

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 $45.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-08-27. End: 2022-09-30.

What is the justification for the sole-source award of this critical radar technology?

The justification for a sole-source award typically centers on unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or the need for compatibility with existing systems where only one vendor can meet the requirement. A thorough review would be needed to confirm if these conditions were met and if alternatives were adequately explored.

What is the potential cost overrun risk associated with the fixed-price incentive contract?

Fixed-price incentive contracts share cost risks between the government and contractor. If costs exceed targets, the contractor's share increases, but the government's liability is capped. However, if the target cost is set too high or performance is poor, the government could still end up paying more than initially anticipated.

How does this procurement impact the overall modernization of the Apache fleet?

This procurement directly contributes to the modernization of the Apache fleet by providing advanced radar frequency interferometers. These components are crucial for enhancing situational awareness, target acquisition, and electronic warfare capabilities, thereby improving the platform's effectiveness in contemporary combat environments.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp

Address: 1801 STATE RT 17 C, OWEGO, NY, 13827

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: $45,420,025

Exercised Options: $45,420,025

Current Obligation: $45,420,025

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 89

Total Subaward Amount: $49,465,027

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W52P1J18D0061

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2019-08-27

Current End Date: 2022-09-30

Potential End Date: 2022-09-30 12:09:00

Last Modified: 2022-02-24

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