DoD Awards Northrop Grumman $15.77M for CIRCM Field Support and Logistics Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,772,180 ($15.8M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-04-01

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COMMON INFRARED COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEM (CIRCM) FIELD SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE (FSR) SERVICES AND INTERIM CONTRACT LOGISTICS SUPPORT (ICLS) TASK ORDER FY 25.

Place of Performance

Location: ROLLING MEADOWS, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60008

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $15.8 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: COMMON INFRARED COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEM (CIRCM) FIELD SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE (FSR) SERVICES AND INTERIM CONTRACT LOGISTICS SUPPORT (ICLS) TASK ORDER FY 25. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Northrop Grumman for essential support of the Common Infrared Countermeasure System (CIRCM). 2. The contract focuses on field representative services and interim contract logistics support. 3. This is a sole-source award, raising questions about competition and potential price discovery. 4. The sector is dominated by large defense contractors, with limited opportunities for smaller players.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract type is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

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

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of critical aircraft defense systems. Supports U.S. Army aviation units with specialized technical expertise. Potential for increased costs due to sole-source nature of the award. Impacts the supply chain for specialized aerospace components and services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition.
  • Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending.
  • Lack of transparency in pricing.

Positive Signals

  • Essential support for critical defense system.
  • Ensures operational readiness of aviation assets.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on specialized electronic systems. Spending in this area is often characterized by long-term contracts and limited competition due to high technical barriers to entry.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is a large defense contractor, and the nature of this specialized support likely presents limited opportunities for small businesses to participate directly. Subcontracting opportunities may exist but are not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army is responsible for oversight. The sole-source nature of the award warrants close scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery.

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

  • Sole-source award.
  • Cost-plus contract type.
  • Lack of transparency in pricing.
  • Potential for cost overruns.
  • Limited small business participation.

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 $15.8 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. COMMON INFRARED COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEM (CIRCM) FIELD SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE (FSR) SERVICES AND INTERIM CONTRACT LOGISTICS SUPPORT (ICLS) TASK ORDER FY 25.

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 $15.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-01. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or proprietary technology held by the contractor. The Department of the Army should have documented this justification. To ensure fair and reasonable pricing, they would typically conduct a should-cost analysis or use historical pricing data, though transparency on these specific actions is often limited in public contract announcements.

How will the performance of Northrop Grumman be monitored to ensure effective delivery of CIRCM support services?

Performance monitoring will likely involve key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract, such as response times for field support, availability of technical expertise, and successful resolution of issues. The Army Contracting Command and program office will be responsible for tracking these metrics and conducting regular performance reviews with the contractor.

What is the long-term strategy for CIRCM field support, and will future requirements be competed?

The long-term strategy for CIRCM support is not detailed in this award notice. However, it is standard practice for the Department of Defense to eventually compete requirements once initial development and support phases are established, unless specific justifications for continued sole-source awards persist. Future solicitations should be monitored for competitive opportunities.

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: $15,772,180

Exercised Options: $15,772,180

Current Obligation: $15,772,180

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $452,045

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: 2025-04-01

Current End Date: 2026-03-31

Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-06

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