The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has received a $12.21 billion contract to operate a federally funded research and development center at the Lincoln Laboratory.
Contract Scope
The Department of Defense said Tuesday the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract supports research, development and rapid prototyping of advanced technology crucial for Department of Defense and national security needs.
Contract work will occur primarily at the Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. The project is expected to run through March 31, 2030.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center in Hanscom AFB will allocate an initial $400,000 from fiscal year 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds.
What Is a Federally Funded R&D Center?
A federally funded research and development center, or FFRDC, is an independent, not-for-profit entity that is sponsored by government agencies and serves as a strategic partner tasked with conducting R&D activities on various fields, including defense, energy, aviation, space, health and human services, and tax administration. It conducts scientific research, analysis, systems development and systems acquisition aimed at developing innovations addressing challenges faced by the government.
The DOD-sponsored MIT Lincoln Laboratory fulfills its FFRDC role by offering independent insights on vital issues, ensuring long-term proficiency, employing highly skilled talent, fostering strategic partnerships with sponsors and developing technologies. The Lincoln lab also provides extensive planning and concept development in specialized research areas.
