DoD Awards $70.8M to Lockheed Martin for MK21 Arming & Fuzing Refurbishment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $70,857,220 ($70.9M)

Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-09-12

End Date: 2024-09-11

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MK21 ARMING AND FUZING (AFA) REFURBISHMENT&AFA SUB-COMPONENTS REPAIR/REFURB

Place of Performance

Location: KING OF PRUSSIA, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19406

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $70.9 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP for work described as: MK21 ARMING AND FUZING (AFA) REFURBISHMENT&AFA SUB-COMPONENTS REPAIR/REFURB Key points: 1. Significant contract value for critical defense components. 2. Sole-source award to Lockheed Martin raises competition concerns. 3. Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 4. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while common for complex defense work, can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar refurbishment 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 potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this substantial contract may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these essential defense services.

Public Impact

Ensures readiness of critical nuclear weapon components. Supports the U.S. nuclear triad's modernization efforts. Impacts national security by maintaining strategic deterrence capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense sector, specifically related to the maintenance and refurbishment of strategic weapon systems. Spending in this area is critical for national security but requires robust oversight due to high costs and specialized nature.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded directly to a large prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. However, the sole-source nature and CPFF structure necessitate vigilant oversight to ensure cost control and performance.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-defense, pa, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $70.9 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. MK21 ARMING AND FUZING (AFA) REFURBISHMENT&AFA SUB-COMPONENTS REPAIR/REFURB

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $70.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-12. End: 2024-09-11.

What is the projected cost savings or efficiency gain anticipated from this refurbishment program compared to alternative solutions?

Without detailed cost breakdowns and comparative analysis, it is difficult to ascertain the specific cost savings or efficiency gains. The justification for a sole-source award should ideally include a rationale demonstrating why this approach is more beneficial or cost-effective than a competitive procurement, even if the benefits are primarily in terms of speed or specialized capability.

What mechanisms are in place to control costs under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, given the potential for contractor inefficiencies?

The contract likely includes specific performance metrics, reporting requirements, and audit rights for the government to monitor costs and contractor performance. The Defense Contract Management Agency's role is crucial in ensuring that costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee is earned based on agreed-upon objectives.

How does the refurbishment of the MK21 arming and fuzing components contribute to the overall effectiveness and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent?

The MK21 arming and fuzing system is a critical component of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Refurbishment ensures the continued reliability, safety, and effectiveness of these systems, which are essential for maintaining the credibility and operational readiness of the U.S. nuclear triad and strategic deterrence.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 230 MALL BLVD, KING OF PRUSSIA, PA, 19406

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: $76,733,585

Exercised Options: $74,164,509

Current Obligation: $70,857,220

Actual Outlays: $3,227,365

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $122,518

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA821419D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2019-09-12

Current End Date: 2024-09-11

Potential End Date: 2024-09-11 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-09-03

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