DoD awards $26.8M for MK21 Multi Probe Antennas to Textron Systems Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,848,495 ($26.8M)
Contractor: Textron Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-07-11
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 4,403 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: MK21 MULTI PROBE ANTENNAS
Place of Performance
Location: WILMINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01887
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $26.8 million to TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: MK21 MULTI PROBE ANTENNAS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Textron Systems Corporation for MK21 Multi Probe Antennas. 2. The contract has a total value of $26,848,495.48. 3. This is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 4. The contract duration is 4403 days, ending in July 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $26.8M for specialized antennas appears significant. Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for similar advanced antenna systems, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the long duration and specialized nature suggest a potentially fair, though not necessarily low, price.
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 potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive bidding process. The justification for sole-source procurement is not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these specialized antennas, as Textron Systems Corporation was the sole provider considered.
Public Impact
Specialized defense equipment procurement impacts national security capabilities. Long-term contracts can provide stability for contractors but may lock in prices. Sole-source awards raise concerns about efficient use of taxpayer funds.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market prices.
- Lack of specific product details makes independent cost analysis challenging.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price provides cost certainty for the government.
- Long-term award ensures supply chain stability for critical components.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing sector, a niche area of defense manufacturing. Spending in this sector is often characterized by high R&D costs, specialized materials, and limited competition due to proprietary technology or specific mission requirements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Textron Systems Corporation, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award, suggesting limited direct impact on the small business sector for this procurement.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this contract warrants close oversight to ensure the price remains fair and reasonable throughout its duration. Accountability for the justification of non-competition and performance monitoring is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pressure.
- Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market value.
- Limited transparency on cost justification for sole-source procurement.
Tags
guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufac, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $26.8 million to TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION. MK21 MULTI PROBE ANTENNAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-07-11. End: 2026-07-31.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure the price is fair and reasonable?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves factors like unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one source can fulfill the requirement. To ensure price reasonableness, the agency likely relied on historical pricing, independent government cost estimates, or comparison to similar, albeit not identical, sole-source procurements. However, without explicit documentation, the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain.
How does the per-unit cost of these MK21 Multi Probe Antennas compare to similar advanced antenna systems, considering the firm fixed price and long duration?
Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for comparable advanced antenna systems, a direct comparison is challenging. The firm fixed price offers cost certainty, but the long duration (over 11 years) means the price might not reflect potential market shifts or technological advancements. The absence of competition further complicates assessing whether the price is truly competitive or reflects a premium.
What is the expected impact of these antennas on the Air Force's guided missile and space vehicle capabilities, and how is performance being measured?
These MK21 Multi Probe Antennas are likely critical components for the guidance, tracking, or communication systems of specific missiles or space vehicles. Their successful integration and performance are essential for mission success. The Air Force would typically measure performance through adherence to technical specifications, reliability metrics, and successful operational deployment, likely detailed in the contract's statement of work and performance standards.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: NUCLEAR ORDNANCE
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Textron Inc
Address: 201 LOWELL ST, WILMINGTON, MA, 01887
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: $66,062,063
Exercised Options: $26,848,495
Current Obligation: $26,848,495
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $40,610
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-07-11
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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