DOT Awards $200.5K for Lake Charles Airport Surveillance System Extensions to Thales USA

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $200,522 ($200.5K)

Contractor: Thales USA, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2029-03-05

Contract Duration: 1,060 days

Daily Burn Rate: $189/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FUNDING TO PROCURE LOC LEG EXTENSIONS FOR ILS-420 INSTALLATION AT LAKE CHARLES, LA (LCH)

Place of Performance

Location: LEAWOOD, JOHNSON County, KANSAS, 66211

State: Kansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $200,522 to THALES USA, INC. for work described as: FUNDING TO PROCURE LOC LEG EXTENSIONS FOR ILS-420 INSTALLATION AT LAKE CHARLES, LA (LCH) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Thales USA, Inc. for ILS-420 installation at Lake Charles, LA. 2. The contract is a delivery order with a firm fixed price. 3. No small business participation was noted in this award. 4. The sector is Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $200,522 is relatively low. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized airport equipment is difficult without more detailed specifications, but the price appears reasonable for a single delivery order.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple vendors had been allowed to bid on the contract.

Public Impact

Enhances aviation safety and efficiency at Lake Charles (LCH) airport. Supports critical infrastructure upgrades for air traffic control. Ensures continued operation and modernization of surveillance systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Supports critical aviation infrastructure
Clear delivery timeline

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing' sector, specifically related to aviation technology. Spending in this niche area is driven by infrastructure modernization and safety upgrades at airports nationwide.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Efforts to include small businesses in future procurements within this sector could be explored to promote economic diversity.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under an existing contract, suggesting some level of prior oversight. However, the sole-source nature warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and necessity.

Related Government Programs

Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
No small business participation
Potential for price non-competitiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $200,522 to THALES USA, INC.. FUNDING TO PROCURE LOC LEG EXTENSIONS FOR ILS-420 INSTALLATION AT LAKE CHARLES, LA (LCH)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THALES USA, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $200,522.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2029-03-05.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one vendor can fulfill the requirement. Without further details on the ILS-420 system and Thales USA's specific role, it's difficult to ascertain the precise reason. Further investigation into the contract file would be necessary to confirm the justification and assess its validity.

What is the potential risk associated with the lack of competition for this contract?

The primary risk of a sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Taxpayers may end up paying more than necessary. Additionally, it limits the government's ability to explore innovative solutions or potentially more cost-effective alternatives that other qualified vendors might offer.

How does this procurement contribute to the overall effectiveness of the ILS-420 system at Lake Charles?

This procurement directly contributes to the effectiveness of the ILS-420 system by providing necessary extensions for its installation. These extensions are crucial for the system's proper functioning and integration, ultimately enhancing air traffic control accuracy, safety, and operational efficiency at Lake Charles airport.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Other Measuring and Controlling Device 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

Parent Company: Thales

Address: 2733 CRYSTAL DR, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $200,522

Exercised Options: $200,522

Current Obligation: $200,522

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA824D00009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline