DoD's $13.5M Northrop Grumman Contract Boosts B-2 Reliability via Microelectronics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,484,081 ($13.5M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-16
End Date: 2027-05-31
Contract Duration: 622 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT PROGRAM (ATSP) CONTRACT ACQUIRED PROGRESSIVE MICROELECTRONIC CAPABILITY SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE RELIABILITY OF THE MICROELECTRONICS-BASED B-2 FLIGHT CONTROL COMPUTER (FCC).
Place of Performance
Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73135
State: Oklahoma Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.5 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT PROGRAM (ATSP) CONTRACT ACQUIRED PROGRESSIVE MICROELECTRONIC CAPABILITY SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE RELIABILITY OF THE MICROELECTRONICS-BASED B-2 FLIGHT CONTROL COMPUTER (FCC). Key points: 1. Contract aims to enhance B-2 flight control computer reliability through advanced microelectronics. 2. Northrop Grumman, a major defense contractor, holds the award. 3. Spending is concentrated in the Defense sector, specifically microelectronics support. 4. The contract's value is significant for specialized engineering services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is common for complex R&D. Benchmarking against similar specialized engineering services is difficult without more granular data, but the value appears reasonable for the stated objective.
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 generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to enhance the reliability of critical defense systems, which can be seen as a necessary investment in national security.
Public Impact
Enhances the operational readiness and safety of the B-2 bomber fleet. Supports the advancement of critical microelectronics technology for defense applications. Invests in maintaining the longevity and effectiveness of aging military platforms.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical technology.
- Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
- Long-term sustainment costs for advanced microelectronics are unknown.
Positive Signals
- Directly addresses a critical need for improved system reliability.
- Leverages established contractor expertise in aerospace and defense.
- Competition ensures a baseline level of value for taxpayer dollars.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on specialized engineering services for microelectronics. Spending in this niche area is driven by the need to maintain and upgrade aging, complex defense systems.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for prime contracts of this nature.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense's Defense Microelectronics Activity oversees this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for defense contracts should apply, focusing on performance, cost, and schedule adherence.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Microelectronics Activity Programs
Risk Flags
- Technology obsolescence risk
- Integration complexity with legacy systems
- High cost of specialized microelectronics
- Potential for schedule delays
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, ok, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.5 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT PROGRAM (ATSP) CONTRACT ACQUIRED PROGRESSIVE MICROELECTRONIC CAPABILITY SOLUTIONS TO IMPROVE RELIABILITY OF THE MICROELECTRONICS-BASED B-2 FLIGHT CONTROL COMPUTER (FCC).
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 (Defense Microelectronics Activity).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-16. End: 2027-05-31.
What is the specific technical improvement expected in the B-2 FCC reliability from these microelectronic solutions?
The contract aims to improve the reliability of the B-2 flight control computer (FCC) by acquiring progressive microelectronic capability solutions. While the exact nature of these solutions isn't detailed, they likely involve upgrades or replacements of existing microelectronic components within the FCC to enhance their performance, reduce failure rates, and extend their operational lifespan, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the B-2 bomber.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on advanced microelectronics for aging aircraft systems?
Risks include the rapid obsolescence of advanced microelectronics, making future upgrades or repairs difficult and expensive. There's also a risk of integration challenges with legacy systems, potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities introduced by new components, and the high cost of specialized manufacturing and testing required for defense-grade microelectronics, potentially leading to budget overruns.
How will the effectiveness of the microelectronic upgrades be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and validation protocols, including component-level testing, system integration testing, and flight testing. Key performance indicators will probably focus on reduced failure rates, improved Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), and enhanced operational performance of the B-2 FCC. Independent verification and validation by the DoD will ensure the solutions meet the contract's reliability objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation
Address: 1580A W NURSERY RD, LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MD, 21090
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: $13,484,081
Exercised Options: $13,484,081
Current Obligation: $13,484,081
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $7,568,859
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ072716D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-16
Current End Date: 2027-05-31
Potential End Date: 2027-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-16
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