DOI Awards $13.9M for Radiation-Tolerant Gallium Nitride Electronics to Lockheed Martin
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,870,630 ($13.9M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2023-08-17
End Date: 2027-04-16
Contract Duration: 1,338 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPACE POWER CONVERSION ELECTRONICS (SPCE) USING GALLIUM NITRIDE FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS & ULTRA-HIGH-DENSITY POINT OF LOAD CONVERTORS FOR SMALLER-SIZES AND RADIATION-TOLERANCE (GHOST)
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32819
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $13.9 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: SPACE POWER CONVERSION ELECTRONICS (SPCE) USING GALLIUM NITRIDE FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS & ULTRA-HIGH-DENSITY POINT OF LOAD CONVERTORS FOR SMALLER-SIZES AND RADIATION-TOLERANCE (GHOST) Key points: 1. Focus on advanced nanotechnology (GaN FETs) for space applications. 2. Lockheed Martin, a major defense contractor, is the awardee. 3. Potential for significant size reduction and enhanced radiation tolerance in space systems. 4. Research and Development in Nanotechnology sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $13.9M for R&D in specialized electronics appears reasonable given the advanced nature of the technology and the prime contractor's expertise. Benchmarking against similar high-tech R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair pricing and innovative solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced technological development with potential long-term benefits for national security and space exploration capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances US capabilities in space-based technology and radiation-hardened electronics. Supports innovation in nanotechnology with potential spin-off applications. Contributes to the development of more resilient and compact satellite systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Reliance on a single large contractor may limit broader industry innovation.
Positive Signals
- Focus on cutting-edge GaN technology.
- Potential for significant improvements in space electronics.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in Nanotechnology sector, specifically focusing on advanced materials for extreme environments. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority in defense and space exploration.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Lockheed Martin Corporation, a large prime contractor. There is no indication that small businesses were directly involved as subcontractors in this specific award, though they may be part of the broader supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior's oversight will be crucial to ensure the successful development of the GHOST technology and the effective use of taxpayer funds, particularly given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Nanotechnology
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long development timeline (approx. 3.5 years).
- High-technology R&D carries inherent risks of technical challenges.
- Sole prime contractor may limit broader technology diffusion.
Tags
research-and-development-in-nanotechnolo, department-of-the-interior, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $13.9 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. SPACE POWER CONVERSION ELECTRONICS (SPCE) USING GALLIUM NITRIDE FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS & ULTRA-HIGH-DENSITY POINT OF LOAD CONVERTORS FOR SMALLER-SIZES AND RADIATION-TOLERANCE (GHOST)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-17. End: 2027-04-16.
What are the specific performance metrics for radiation tolerance and size reduction expected from this project?
The project aims to leverage Gallium Nitride Field-Effect Transistors and ultra-high-density converters to achieve significant improvements in radiation tolerance and size reduction for space power electronics. Specific quantitative targets for these metrics would typically be detailed in the contract's statement of work, outlining the expected performance levels that Lockheed Martin must meet for successful project completion and acceptance.
How will the effectiveness of the developed technology be measured post-development?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and validation protocols, including simulated space environment testing (radiation, thermal cycling, vacuum) and performance benchmarking against existing technologies. Successful integration into prototype or operational space systems and demonstration of the specified improvements in size and radiation tolerance would be key indicators of effectiveness.
What is the potential long-term cost savings or operational benefit for the government from this investment?
The investment in smaller, more radiation-tolerant electronics could lead to long-term cost savings through reduced satellite launch mass, increased mission lifespan due to enhanced durability, and lower maintenance requirements in harsh space environments. These advancements can ultimately reduce the total cost of ownership for space assets and improve mission success rates.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Nanotechnology
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: HR001122S0059
Offers Received: 7
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp
Address: 5600 W SAND LAKE RD, ORLANDO, FL, 32819
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: $26,111,180
Exercised Options: $17,310,955
Current Obligation: $13,870,630
Actual Outlays: $6,635,797
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $2,817,200
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-17
Current End Date: 2027-04-16
Potential End Date: 2027-10-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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