Lockheed Martin awarded $26.5M Army training simulation task order, extending contract through September 2024

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,527,553 ($26.5M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-07-01

End Date: 2024-09-30

Contract Duration: 457 days

Daily Burn Rate: $58.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS MODIFICATION IS TO AWARD AND FUND TASK ORDER 0617 ON THE ARMY TRAINING AIDS, DEVICES, SIMULATORS, AND SIMULATIONS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM CONTRACT.

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32828

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.5 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS MODIFICATION IS TO AWARD AND FUND TASK ORDER 0617 ON THE ARMY TRAINING AIDS, DEVICES, SIMULATORS, AND SIMULATIONS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM CONTRACT. Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in advanced military training capabilities. 2. The award is part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for training systems. 3. Performance is concentrated in Florida, indicating a specific regional focus for training support. 4. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs and provide predictable spending. 5. This task order contributes to the Army's ongoing modernization of simulation and training technologies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $26.5 million task order for training simulation maintenance appears reasonable within the context of large-scale defense contracts. Benchmarking against similar task orders under the parent IDIQ contract would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government. The duration of the task order (approximately 15 months) also aligns with typical support cycles for complex simulation systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This task order was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. The specific number of bidders for this particular task order is not detailed, but the initial award of the parent IDIQ contract likely involved significant competition. A competitive process generally leads to better pricing and a wider range of technical solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation.

Public Impact

The U.S. Army benefits from enhanced training capabilities, improving soldier readiness and operational effectiveness. Services delivered include maintenance and support for training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations. The geographic impact is primarily in Florida, where the contractor's operations are located. Workforce implications include skilled technicians and engineers required for simulation maintenance and support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical issues arise beyond the scope of standard maintenance.
  • Dependence on a single large contractor for critical training simulation support.
  • Risk of technological obsolescence if simulations are not updated to reflect evolving warfare tactics.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting fair pricing and value.
  • Firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage budget predictability.
  • Long-standing relationship with Lockheed Martin on this program may indicate established expertise and efficiency.

Sector Analysis

The defense simulation and training market is a substantial segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry. This contract falls under engineering services, specifically supporting complex simulation systems. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for realistic, cost-effective training solutions that reduce reliance on live exercises. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large simulation maintenance contracts awarded by the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this task order. Lockheed Martin is a large prime contractor, and while they may utilize small businesses in their supply chain, there is no direct evidence of subcontracting goals or impacts on the small business ecosystem from this specific award. Further analysis of the parent IDIQ contract would be needed to assess overall small business utilization.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order is likely managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, although detailed performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

  • Army Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (ATDS&S) Program
  • Department of Defense Simulation and Training Contracts
  • Aerospace and Defense Engineering Services
  • Military Simulation Maintenance Contracts

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost growth if scope expands beyond initial estimates.
  • Risk of contractor performance issues impacting training availability.
  • Dependency on specific technology that may become obsolete.

Tags

defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, engineering-services, simulation-and-training, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, task-order, lockheed-martin, florida, large-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.5 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MODIFICATION IS TO AWARD AND FUND TASK ORDER 0617 ON THE ARMY TRAINING AIDS, DEVICES, SIMULATORS, AND SIMULATIONS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM CONTRACT.

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 $26.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-01. End: 2024-09-30.

What is Lockheed Martin's track record with the Army Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (ATDS&S) program?

Lockheed Martin Corporation has a significant and established history of supporting the Army's ATDS&S program. As a prime contractor on this large, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, the company has been responsible for providing a wide range of training solutions, including maintenance, upgrades, and support for various simulation systems. Their long-term involvement suggests a deep understanding of the Army's training requirements and a proven ability to deliver complex technical services. Historical performance data, often found in contract performance reports (CPARs), would offer more granular insights into their past successes and any challenges encountered on previous task orders under this program.

How does the $26.5 million value of this task order compare to other similar Army simulation maintenance contracts?

The $26.5 million value for this specific task order is substantial and aligns with the typical scale of major support contracts for advanced military simulation systems. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze the average value and duration of other task orders issued under the parent ATDS&S IDIQ contract, as well as benchmark against similar simulation maintenance contracts awarded to other large defense contractors by different branches of the military. Factors such as the complexity of the systems being maintained, the scope of services (e.g., hardware, software, logistics), and the contract duration significantly influence cost. Given the firm-fixed-price nature, this amount represents the total anticipated cost for the defined period and scope.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential technical challenges requiring unforeseen maintenance, the risk of technological obsolescence of the simulation systems over time, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract structure. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature shifts some financial risk to Lockheed Martin, incentivizing them to manage costs efficiently. The competitive award process aims to select a contractor with a proven ability to perform. Furthermore, the Army's program management office will provide ongoing oversight, monitoring performance against contract requirements and addressing any emerging issues promptly. Contract clauses may also address obsolescence through requirements for updates or technology refresh plans.

How effective is the Army's use of simulation and training aids in enhancing soldier readiness?

The Army's investment in simulation and training aids, like those supported by this contract, is generally considered highly effective in enhancing soldier readiness. These systems provide realistic, repeatable, and safe training environments that can replicate complex scenarios without the cost and logistical challenges of live exercises. They allow soldiers to practice decision-making, tactical maneuvers, and equipment operation in a controlled setting, leading to improved proficiency and reduced risk in real-world operations. The continuous modernization and maintenance of these systems, as facilitated by contracts like this one, are crucial for ensuring that training remains relevant to current and future operational demands.

What are the historical spending patterns for the Army Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (ATDS&S) program?

Historical spending on the Army's ATDS&S program, under which this task order was issued, has been substantial and consistent, reflecting the enduring importance of simulation-based training. The program typically involves significant annual outlays for the procurement, development, maintenance, and sustainment of a wide array of training systems. Spending fluctuates based on modernization cycles, new technology insertions, and the operational tempo of the Army. Over the years, the program has evolved from basic simulators to highly sophisticated virtual and constructive training environments. Analyzing past annual spending figures for the parent IDIQ contract would reveal trends and the overall investment trajectory in this critical capability area.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENTMAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W900KK17R0034

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 100 GLOBAL INNOVATION CIR, ORLANDO, FL, 32825

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: $26,602,446

Exercised Options: $26,602,446

Current Obligation: $26,527,553

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 35

Total Subaward Amount: $1,728,377

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W900KK18D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-07-01

Current End Date: 2024-09-30

Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-10-31

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