BAE Systems Awarded $19.3M for DARPA's Insight Program to Enhance ISR Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,293,871 ($19.3M)
Contractor: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-06-06
End Date: 2013-08-02
Contract Duration: 788 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 37
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BAE WAS SELECTED TO LEAD DARPAS INSIGHT PROGRAM TECHNICAL AREA 2, ADAPTIVE MULTISOURCE EXPLOITATION SYSTEM. THE INSIGHT PROGRAM ADDRESSES A KEY SHORTFALL IN CURRENT INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) SYSTEMS: THE LACK OF A CAPABILITY FOR AUTOMATIC EXPLOITATION AND CROSS-CUEING OF MULTI-INTELLIGENCE (MULTI-INT) SOURCES. BAE WILL DEVELOP THE EXPLOITATION COMPONENT OF THE INSIGHT'S EXPLOITATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. THIS COMPONENT WILL RECEIVE DATA FROM THE INSIGHT TEST BED COMPONENTS, CORRELATE AND FUSE THE DATA THROUGH A SYNERGISTIC HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE, ESTIMATE POSITIONS AND IDENTITIES OF TARGETS, AND INFER TARGET ACTIVITIES IN RELATIONSHIP TO OPERATING FRIENDLY FORCES.
Place of Performance
Location: BURLINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01803
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.3 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC. for work described as: BAE WAS SELECTED TO LEAD DARPAS INSIGHT PROGRAM TECHNICAL AREA 2, ADAPTIVE MULTISOURCE EXPLOITATION SYSTEM. THE INSIGHT PROGRAM ADDRESSES A KEY SHORTFALL IN CURRENT INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) SYSTEMS: THE LACK OF A CAPABILITY FOR AUTOMATIC EXPLOITATION A… Key points: 1. BAE Systems will develop the exploitation component for DARPA's Insight Program, aiming to automate multi-intelligence source exploitation. 2. The program addresses a critical gap in current ISR systems by enabling automatic exploitation and cross-cueing of diverse intelligence data. 3. This contract, valued at $19.3 million, falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process for this advanced technology development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $19.3 million for a complex R&D program like DARPA's Insight is within a reasonable range for developing advanced exploitation systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This process generally leads to better price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a critical defense research program aimed at improving national security capabilities, with competition likely ensuring efficient use of these funds.
Public Impact
Enhances national security by improving intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Develops advanced technology for automatic analysis and fusion of multi-intelligence data. Supports innovation in artificial intelligence and machine learning for defense applications. Could lead to more effective targeting and situational awareness for military operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D projects.
- Technical challenges in fusing diverse intelligence sources.
- Program effectiveness dependent on integration with existing ISR infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a clear and stated capability gap in ISR.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Involves a reputable defense contractor with relevant expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. as the awardee, a large business. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation in this particular contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of Defense's Defense Contract Management Agency, which provides oversight for contract performance and compliance. The definitive contract type suggests clear terms and conditions.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
- Dependency on other Insight program components.
- Integration challenges with existing systems.
- Effectiveness relies on human-machine interface usability.
- Long-term sustainment costs not detailed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.3 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC.. BAE WAS SELECTED TO LEAD DARPAS INSIGHT PROGRAM TECHNICAL AREA 2, ADAPTIVE MULTISOURCE EXPLOITATION SYSTEM. THE INSIGHT PROGRAM ADDRESSES A KEY SHORTFALL IN CURRENT INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISR) SYSTEMS: THE LACK OF A CAPABILITY FOR AUTOMATIC EXPLOITATION AND CROSS-CUEING OF MULTI-INTELLIGENCE (MULTI-INT) SOURCES. BAE WILL DEVELOP THE EXPLOITATION COMPONENT OF THE INSIGHT'S EXPLOITATION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. THIS COMPONENT WILL RECEIVE DATA FROM THE INSIGHT TEST BED COMP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-06-06. End: 2013-08-02.
What is the projected timeline for the full operational capability of the Insight Program's exploitation component?
The contract's estimated start date was June 6, 2011, with an estimated end date of August 2, 2013, spanning 788 days. While this indicates the initial development period, the full operational capability timeline would depend on subsequent testing, integration, and potential follow-on phases beyond this specific contract.
How will the success of the adaptive multisource exploitation system be measured against its stated goals?
Success will likely be measured by the system's ability to automatically correlate and fuse multi-intelligence data, accurately estimate target positions and identities, and infer target activities in relation to friendly forces. Performance metrics would be defined in the contract, focusing on accuracy, speed, and the effectiveness of the human-machine interface in supporting decision-making.
What are the potential risks associated with integrating this new exploitation system with existing ISR platforms?
Risks include technical incompatibility between the new system and legacy ISR platforms, challenges in data standardization and format conversion, and the need for extensive training for personnel operating integrated systems. Ensuring seamless data flow and interoperability is critical to realizing the program's full benefits and avoiding operational disruptions.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 37
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6 NEW ENGLAND EXECUTIVE PARK, BURLINGTON, MA, 01803
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,293,871
Exercised Options: $19,293,871
Current Obligation: $19,293,871
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $1,593,418
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-06-06
Current End Date: 2013-08-02
Potential End Date: 2013-08-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-29
More Contracts from BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
- Limited Interim Missile Warning System (limws) A-Kits and B-Kits — $493.3M (Department of Defense)
- ALR 56C — $453.3M (Department of Defense)
- ALE-70 Production — $379.6M (Department of Defense)
- Digital Electronic Warfare System (dews) — $364.5M (Department of Defense)
- Global Positioning System Military Users Equipment Miniature Serial Interface Receiver Card Program With Next Generation Application Specific Integrated Circuit Increment 2 — $360.0M (Department of Defense)
View all BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)