DoD Awards Northrop Grumman $11.5M for Infrared Countermeasure System Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,504,276 ($11.5M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-27

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 644 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COMMON INFRARED COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEM FISCAL YEAR 2024 FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AND INTERIM CONTRACTOR LOGISTICS (FSR/ICLS) SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ROLLING MEADOWS, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60008

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.5 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: COMMON INFRARED COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEM FISCAL YEAR 2024 FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AND INTERIM CONTRACTOR LOGISTICS (FSR/ICLS) SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, established provider for specialized system support. 2. Focus on field service and logistics for critical defense technology. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure. 4. Sector is dominated by large, established defense contractors.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $11.5M award for FSR/ICLS support is a significant investment. Benchmarking is difficult without specific performance metrics, but the CPIF contract type suggests a focus on achieving cost efficiencies while maintaining performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Northrop Grumman. This limits price discovery and may not yield the most competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this sole-source award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these essential support services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of critical infrared countermeasure systems. Supports advanced military aircraft and personnel safety. Maintains technological advantage in defense capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition.
  • Cost Plus Incentive Fee can lead to higher costs if not managed.
  • Long contract duration (644 days) increases exposure to price fluctuations.

Positive Signals

  • Supports critical defense technology.
  • Awarded to an experienced contractor.
  • Ensures operational readiness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically supporting advanced navigation and guidance systems. Spending in this area is typically high due to the complexity and critical nature of the technology.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, a large prime contractor. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective performance. The Department of the Army is responsible for monitoring contractor performance and expenditures.

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

  • Lack of competition
  • Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure
  • Potential for contractor complacency
  • Vendor lock-in

Tags

search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, il, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.5 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. COMMON INFRARED COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEM FISCAL YEAR 2024 FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AND INTERIM CONTRACTOR LOGISTICS (FSR/ICLS) SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS 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 $11.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-27. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the projected cost savings or efficiency gain expected from the incentive fee structure in this CPIF contract?

The specific cost savings or efficiency gains tied to the incentive fee are not detailed in the provided data. CPIF contracts aim to incentivize the contractor to control costs below a target, with shared savings if achieved. However, the effectiveness relies heavily on the baseline cost estimates and the specific incentive clauses negotiated by the Department of the Army.

What are the risks associated with relying on a sole-source provider for critical defense system support over an extended period?

Sole-source awards carry risks of inflated pricing due to lack of competition, potential for complacency from the contractor, and vendor lock-in. For critical defense systems, this can impact long-term affordability and technological advancement if the sole provider does not innovate or maintain competitive pricing.

How does the performance of this FSR/ICLS support impact the overall effectiveness and readiness of the supported military platforms?

Effective Field Service Representative and Interim Contractor Logistics Support are crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of complex defense systems like infrared countermeasures. Poor support can lead to system downtime, reduced mission capability, and increased risk to personnel and assets. Conversely, excellent support ensures high availability and optimal performance.

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 COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation

Address: 600 HICKS RD, ROLLING MEADOWS, IL, 60008

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: $11,504,276

Exercised Options: $11,504,276

Current Obligation: $11,504,276

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $1,405,253

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W58RGZ21D0028

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2024-03-27

Current End Date: 2025-12-31

Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-09-11

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