FAA awards $8.6M for 900 TACAN Antennas to DB Systems, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,646,206 ($8.6M)
Contractor: DB Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2025-07-24
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 433 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF DELIVERY ORDER NUMBER 1 IS TO PROCURE 900E TACTICAL AIR NAVIGATION (TACAN) ANTENNAS AND ASSOCIATED PARTS REQUIRED FOR TACAN INSTALLATIONS.
Place of Performance
Location: HURRICANE, WASHINGTON County, UTAH, 84737
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $8.6 million to DB SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF DELIVERY ORDER NUMBER 1 IS TO PROCURE 900E TACTICAL AIR NAVIGATION (TACAN) ANTENNAS AND ASSOCIATED PARTS REQUIRED FOR TACAN INSTALLATIONS. Key points: 1. Procurement of 900 TACAN antennas and parts for installation. 2. Contract awarded to DB Systems, Inc. 3. No competition was identified for this delivery order. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award is $8,646,206.17 for 900 units. This suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $9,607. This price needs to be benchmarked against similar TACAN antenna procurements to assess value.
Cost Per Unit: $9,607 (estimated)
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This delivery order was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition scenario. Without competition, the government may not have achieved the best possible price or terms.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competitive bidding, potentially leading to less efficient use of funds.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation and modernization of air navigation systems. Supports aviation safety and efficiency by providing essential navigation equipment. Impacts airlines, pilots, and air traffic control through reliable navigation infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment due to sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Essential equipment for aviation safety
- Firm Fixed Price contract limits cost overrun risk
Sector Analysis
This procurement falls under the 'Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this niche area is critical for maintaining and upgrading national airspace infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
Information on whether small businesses were involved in subcontracting or if DB Systems, Inc. is a small business is not provided. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for this procurement. Oversight should focus on the justification for the sole-source award and the reasonableness of the price.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency in award justification
- No clear indication of small business participation
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-transportation, ut, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $8.6 million to DB SYSTEMS, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF DELIVERY ORDER NUMBER 1 IS TO PROCURE 900E TACTICAL AIR NAVIGATION (TACAN) ANTENNAS AND ASSOCIATED PARTS REQUIRED FOR TACAN INSTALLATIONS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DB SYSTEMS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-07-24. End: 2026-09-30.
What was the justification for not competing this delivery order, and was a full and open competition waiver properly documented?
The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED'. A thorough review of the contract file is necessary to determine the specific justification (e.g., sole-source justification, urgent need) and confirm that appropriate procedures and documentation were followed for this non-competitive award. This is crucial for ensuring proper use of taxpayer funds and adherence to procurement regulations.
How does the per-unit cost of these TACAN antennas compare to industry benchmarks or previous government procurements of similar items?
Benchmarking the estimated per-unit cost of $9,607 against historical government contracts for TACAN antennas or comparable navigation equipment is essential. Without this comparison, it's difficult to ascertain if the price paid is reasonable and represents good value for the government. A significant deviation from benchmarks could indicate potential overpricing.
What is the long-term strategy for TACAN antenna procurement and maintenance, and does this sole-source award align with that strategy?
Understanding the FAA's long-term strategy for its navigation systems is important. If TACAN technology is being phased out or upgraded, a sole-source award for a large quantity might be questionable. Conversely, if it's a critical, long-term component, ensuring a competitive strategy for future needs, even if this specific order was sole-source, would be prudent.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC EQPT COMPNTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2501 S ANTENNA AVE, HURRICANE, UT, 84737
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,646,206
Exercised Options: $8,646,206
Current Obligation: $8,646,206
Actual Outlays: $2,314,499
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 693KA825D00001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-07-24
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-30
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