U.S. Air Force Continues the Contract for the Operation of MIT Lincoln Laboratory
On 31 March 2020, the U.S. Air Force unilaterally exercised the five-year option on the MIT contract for the operation of MIT Lincoln Laboratory, a Department of Defense Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) located in Lexington, Massachusetts. The option exercise extends the period under which the U.S. Government may place orders for research projects through 31 March 2025.
Established in 1951, MIT Lincoln Laboratory applies advanced technology solutions to national security needs. Its core research areas include Space Control; Air, Missile, and Maritime Defense; Communications Systems; Cyber Security and Information Sciences; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Systems and Technology; Advanced Technology; Tactical Systems; Homeland Protection; Air Traffic Control, and Engineering. FFRDCs occupy an important and unique position in the U.S. government’s acquisition of technology. With a long term special relationship, strict conflict of interest avoidance, no profit motive, and unparalleled access to classified and proprietary information, FFRDCs provide unbiased and deep expertise to the U.S. government
The contract action was formally taken by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, located at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Exercising the contract option is the culmination of more than a years’ worth of effort. Among the critical milestones in this effort was the contractually mandated modification and revalidation of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Sponsoring Agreement articulating the FFRDC’s purpose and mission. (FAR 35.017-1(a)). Additionally, a team designated by the Department of Defense worked closely with MIT Lincoln Laboratory to conduct a Comprehensive Review of the FFRDC, assessing its efficacy and effectiveness in support of the Department of Defense. (FAR 35.017-4).
The contract Option awards an additional $10,540,117,466 to the previously awarded base contract for the operation of the Lincoln Laboratory FFRDC. The term of the five-year Option ends on 31 March 2025. This option brings the total cumulative value of the MIT Lincoln Laboratory contract to $20,140,117,466 over ten years.