Air Force Awards $8.28M for Wide-Area Infrared System at RAF Lakenheath, Sole-Sourced
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,278,708 ($8.3M)
Contractor: Anduril Industries, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-09-23
End Date: 2026-12-30
Contract Duration: 828 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE 48TH FIGHTER WING (48 FW) SEEKS AN EXPEDITIONARY-STYLE WIDE-AREA INFRARED SYSTEM FOR PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE (WISP) SYSTEM TO FORTIFY SECURITY MEASURES AT RAF LAKENHEATH AIRFIELD.
Place of Performance
Location: COSTA MESA, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92626
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $8.3 million to ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC. for work described as: THE 48TH FIGHTER WING (48 FW) SEEKS AN EXPEDITIONARY-STYLE WIDE-AREA INFRARED SYSTEM FOR PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE (WISP) SYSTEM TO FORTIFY SECURITY MEASURES AT RAF LAKENHEATH AIRFIELD. Key points: 1. The Department of the Air Force is acquiring a Wide-Area Infrared System for Persistent Surveillance (WISP) for RAF Lakenheath. 2. The contract is a sole-source award to Anduril Industries, Inc., valued at $8.28 million. 3. The system aims to enhance security measures through persistent surveillance capabilities. 4. This acquisition falls under the Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $8.28 million for a specialized surveillance system appears within a reasonable range for advanced defense technology. However, without specific performance metrics or comparable system costs, a precise valuation is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This method limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost than if multiple vendors had competed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this acquisition. The sole-source nature raises concerns about whether the best possible price was achieved for the government.
Public Impact
Enhanced security at a key Air Force installation in the UK. Potential for improved situational awareness and threat detection. Investment in advanced surveillance technology for military operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and potentially increases cost.
- Lack of detailed performance benchmarks makes value assessment difficult.
- Limited public information on the specific capabilities of the WISP system.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical security need for the 48th Fighter Wing.
- Utilizes advanced infrared technology for persistent surveillance.
- Supports modernization of defense infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This acquisition falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced surveillance and detection systems. Spending in this area is driven by evolving threats and the need for technological superiority, with benchmarks varying widely based on system complexity and scale.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded directly to Anduril Industries, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for overseeing this contract. The sole-source nature warrants close scrutiny to ensure the funds are used effectively and the system meets all specified requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized technology.
- Limited transparency on system capabilities and performance metrics.
- Reliance on a single supplier for critical security infrastructure.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, ca, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $8.3 million to ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC.. THE 48TH FIGHTER WING (48 FW) SEEKS AN EXPEDITIONARY-STYLE WIDE-AREA INFRARED SYSTEM FOR PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE (WISP) SYSTEM TO FORTIFY SECURITY MEASURES AT RAF LAKENHEATH AIRFIELD.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-23. End: 2026-12-30.
What specific technological advantages does the Anduril WISP system offer over existing or alternative surveillance solutions that justify a sole-source procurement?
The justification for a sole-source award typically hinges on unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that only a specific vendor can meet. For the WISP system, this could involve advanced AI-driven analysis, seamless integration with existing Air Force networks, or a proven track record in similar expeditionary environments. Without detailed documentation, it's difficult to ascertain the precise advantages that precluded competitive bidding.
How will the effectiveness and performance of the WISP system be measured and validated post-deployment, especially given the lack of pre-award competition?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance parameters (KPPs) outlined in the contract, such as detection range, accuracy, uptime, and response times. Post-deployment validation may involve operational testing, user feedback from the 48th Fighter Wing, and independent assessments to ensure the system meets the stated security enhancement objectives. Regular performance reviews will be crucial for accountability.
What is the long-term cost projection for this system, including maintenance, upgrades, and potential future sole-source follow-on contracts?
The initial $8.28 million covers the purchase and likely initial deployment. Long-term costs are not detailed but would typically include sustainment, software updates, potential hardware upgrades, and training. Given the sole-source nature of this award, there's a risk of continued sole-source procurements for future needs, potentially leading to higher lifecycle costs compared to a competitive environment.
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: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: FA558724R0011
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1400 ANDURIL, COSTA MESA, CA, 92626
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,864,449
Exercised Options: $8,278,708
Current Obligation: $8,278,708
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-23
Current End Date: 2026-12-30
Potential End Date: 2027-12-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-19
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