Eren Ozmen, the chairwoman and co-owner of Sierra Nevada Corp. (SNC), is on a high as her company secures a $13 billion contract to build the next nuclear-ready Doomsday planes for the U.S. Air Force. The deal is a game-changer for SNC, a middle-tier aerospace-defense company based in Nevada. The project, known as the Survivable Airborne Operations Center, presents a host of technical and management challenges for SNC, but Ozmen is confident that her company’s innovative approach and willingness to take risks will help them succeed.
The Ozmens, who own 87% of SNC, are no strangers to risky ventures. They purchased the company in 1994 after working there as employees and have since transformed it into the country’s biggest female-owned defense contractor. Their success is attributed to their ability to take smart risks and innovate in a highly competitive industry. With the Doomsday contract, SNC aims to elevate its profile and potentially break into the aerospace major league. However, the project comes with the risk of potential cost overruns and setbacks that could significantly impact the company’s growth plans.
SNC’s victory in securing the Doomsday contract was unexpected, as many industry experts believed it would go to Boeing, the incumbent contractor. However, Boeing’s reluctance to bid aggressively and its financial troubles with other defense contracts made them less competitive. SNC’s disruptive innovation and willingness to work on tough terms set them apart and ultimately won them the contract. The project will require collaboration with experienced subcontractors such as Lockheed and General Electric, as well as careful navigation of intellectual property rights owned by Boeing.
SNC has already made progress on the Doomsday project, including constructing hangars and flying the first of the purchased 747-8 planes to their new facilities. The company hopes that the successful execution of this contract will pave the way for future opportunities, such as competing for the Navy’s version of the Doomsday plane. SNC has set ambitious revenue goals and aims to triple its size by 2030, with the ultimate goal of becoming a major player in the aerospace-defense industry.
The Doomsday project is a significant milestone for the Ozmens and SNC, showcasing their ability to tackle complex government projects and compete with industry giants. By demonstrating their capabilities with this project, SNC hopes to attract more high-profile contracts and solidify its position as a key player in the defense sector. While the project presents challenges and uncertainties, the Ozmens are confident in their team’s abilities and their track record of successful execution.
Overall, SNC’s success with the Doomsday project highlights the company’s innovative approach, willingness to take risks, and commitment to delivering high-quality results. With the support of experienced subcontractors and guidance from the Air Force, SNC is well-positioned to complete the project on time and on budget. The Ozmens’ journey from humble beginnings to securing a multi-billion dollar government contract exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and determination in the aerospace-defense industry.
