DHS ICE Awards $7.16M for Body Cameras to Axon Enterprise, Inc. Under Sole-Source Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,162,929 ($7.2M)

Contractor: Axon Enterprise, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-25

End Date: 2025-09-24

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BODY WORN CAMERAS FOR THE OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS (OFTP) FIELD USE

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BENNING, CHATTAHOOCHEE County, GEORGIA, 31905

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $7.2 million to AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. for work described as: BODY WORN CAMERAS FOR THE OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS (OFTP) FIELD USE Key points: 1. Sole-source award to Axon Enterprise, Inc. raises questions about competition. 2. Contract value of $7.16M for body cameras and related services. 3. Limited competition may impact price discovery and taxpayer value. 4. Spending falls within the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7.16M for body cameras appears to be within a reasonable range for enterprise-level deployments. However, without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating that only one vendor, Axon Enterprise, Inc., was considered. This lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions and potentially secure lower prices through a bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution available, as competitive pressures that typically drive down prices were absent.

Public Impact

Increased transparency and accountability for law enforcement operations through body-worn cameras. Potential for improved evidence collection and officer safety. Impact on the market for law enforcement technology and equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Lack of clear justification for sole-source procurement.
Potential for overpayment due to lack of competitive pricing.

Positive Signals

Procurement of essential equipment for field operations.
Award to a known provider of law enforcement technology.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls under the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector, specifically related to specialized communication and recording devices. Spending benchmarks for similar law enforcement technology contracts vary widely based on features and quantity.

Small Business Impact

The award was made to Axon Enterprise, Inc., a large corporation, with no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were considered or could have participated.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants closer oversight to ensure the justification for bypassing full and open competition is robust and that the pricing is fair and reasonable. Accountability for the decision-making process is crucial.

Related Government Programs

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition.
Lack of transparency regarding justification for sole-source procurement.
No clear indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $7.2 million to AXON ENTERPRISE, INC.. BODY WORN CAMERAS FOR THE OFFICE OF FIREARMS AND TACTICAL PROGRAMS (OFTP) FIELD USE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AXON ENTERPRISE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-25. End: 2025-09-24.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were any market research efforts conducted to identify potential alternative vendors?

The provided data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and is a 'sole-source' award. A thorough review of the contract file would be necessary to ascertain the specific justification, such as a unique capability or urgent need. Market research should ideally be conducted to confirm the absence of other capable vendors or to justify the sole-source decision.

How does the per-unit cost of these body cameras compare to similar contracts awarded competitively by other agencies?

Without a competitive bidding process for this specific contract, a direct per-unit cost comparison is challenging. Benchmarking against publicly available data from other agencies' competitive procurements for similar body camera systems would be necessary. This would help determine if the $7.16M award represents a fair market price or if potential savings were missed.

What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and proper utilization of these body cameras by the Office of Firearms and Tactical Programs (OFTP) field personnel?

The contract itself likely outlines specifications for camera functionality and potentially training requirements. However, broader effectiveness relies on agency-specific policies regarding deployment, data storage, privacy, and review protocols. Oversight should confirm that OFTP has established clear guidelines and training to maximize the benefits and mitigate risks associated with body-worn camera usage.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 17800, NORTH 85TH STREET, SCOTTSDALE, AZ, 85255

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,162,929

Exercised Options: $7,162,929

Current Obligation: $7,162,929

Actual Outlays: $6,992,719

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B03C23D00000006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline