DoD awards $145M contract for 6 AN/TPQ-53 radars to Lockheed Martin for Romania

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $144,943,712 ($144.9M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-08-12

End Date: 2026-08-10

Contract Duration: 1,824 days

Daily Burn Rate: $79.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS LETTER CONTRACT W56KGY-21-C-0010 TO PROCURE 6 AN/TPQ-53 RADARS FOR THE GOV. OF ROMANIA.

Place of Performance

Location: LIVERPOOL, ONONDAGA County, NEW YORK, 13088

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $144.9 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS LETTER CONTRACT W56KGY-21-C-0010 TO PROCURE 6 AN/TPQ-53 RADARS FOR THE GOV. OF ROMANIA. Key points: 1. This contract is for the procurement of advanced radar systems for a foreign government. 2. The sole awardee is Lockheed Martin Corporation, a major defense contractor. 3. The contract value is substantial, indicating a significant investment in defense capabilities. 4. The sector is defense manufacturing, specifically radar systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $144,943,712.42 for 6 radars appears reasonable given the advanced nature of the AN/TPQ-53 system. Benchmarking against similar advanced radar procurements would provide a more precise assessment, but the price per unit is likely competitive for this specialized equipment.

Cost Per Unit: $24,157,285.40

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited source procurement. This could be due to specific requirements, existing sole-source relationships, or unique capabilities of the awarded contractor. Without competition, the government may not have achieved the best possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to procure advanced defense equipment for an allied nation, potentially enhancing regional security and strengthening international partnerships.

Public Impact

Enhances Romania's defense capabilities with advanced radar technology. Strengthens international alliances through military equipment provision. Supports the defense industrial base through a significant contract award. Potential implications for regional security and geopolitical stability.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
  • Foreign military sales can be complex to manage.
  • Dependence on a single contractor for critical technology.

Positive Signals

  • Provides advanced defense capabilities to an ally.
  • Supports a key defense contractor and its supply chain.
  • Fulfills a specific foreign military sales requirement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically the manufacturing of advanced radar and surveillance systems. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs, technological advancements, and geopolitical considerations. Benchmarks for similar high-tech defense procurements are typically in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a large prime contractor. There is no specific information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this particular award. Large defense contracts often involve extensive supply chains where small businesses can play a role, but this is not explicitly detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Army, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight would focus on ensuring timely delivery, adherence to specifications, and proper financial management. The foreign military sales aspect may involve additional layers of inter-agency and international coordination.

Related Government Programs

  • Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition
  • Sole-source award
  • Foreign military sale
  • High contract value
  • Long contract duration

Tags

search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, ny, definitive-contract, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $144.9 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. THE PURPOSE OF THIS LETTER CONTRACT W56KGY-21-C-0010 TO PROCURE 6 AN/TPQ-53 RADARS FOR THE GOV. OF ROMANIA.

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 $144.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-08-12. End: 2026-08-10.

What specific technical capabilities does the AN/TPQ-53 radar offer that justify a limited competition award?

The AN/TPQ-53 is a counter-battery radar system designed to detect and track incoming artillery, rocket, and mortar fire, providing early warning and targeting data. Its advanced capabilities likely include rapid deployment, high accuracy, and integration with command and control systems, which may be unique or difficult to replicate, thus justifying a limited competition approach based on specific technical requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with procuring advanced military hardware for a foreign government through a sole-source contract?

Risks include potential overpayment due to lack of competitive pricing, delays in delivery if the sole source faces production issues, and geopolitical implications if the technology transfer is sensitive. Ensuring proper oversight of funds and adherence to delivery schedules is crucial. Additionally, reliance on a single supplier for critical defense technology can create long-term dependencies.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of Romania's defense posture and its interoperability with NATO forces?

By providing advanced counter-battery radar, this contract significantly enhances Romania's ability to detect and respond to indirect fire threats, improving soldier survivability and operational effectiveness. The AN/TPQ-53's potential interoperability with NATO systems ensures seamless communication and coordinated defense efforts, strengthening the collective security of the alliance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingNavigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments ManufacturingSearch, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 497 ELECTRONICS PKWY BLDG 5, LIVERPOOL, NY, 13088

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: $144,943,712

Exercised Options: $144,943,712

Current Obligation: $144,943,712

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 163

Total Subaward Amount: $34,937,728

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-08-12

Current End Date: 2026-08-10

Potential End Date: 2026-08-10 12:08:00

Last Modified: 2025-10-29

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