Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $352,672,006 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This modification increases the ceiling and scope of the contract to include the procurement of Lot 12-14 Generation 3 helmet mounted displays in support of the F-35 Lightning II program.
The F-35 helmet, which is tailor-made for each pilot, has long been known to be an expensive piece of equipment, and was revealed some years ago to cost about $400,000. By early 2018, the price had increased to $600,000, according to a March 2018 report by the Project On Government Oversight. Now, barely 18 months later, its cost has increased again, this time to $737,800.
This figure is calculated by dividing the price of the above contract by the number of aircraft (478) in the F-35’s Lots 12 to 14.
Consequently, its cost has jumped by 23% in just one year – for a piece of equipment that, however sophisticated it may be, is still just a helmet.
Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2020. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
