DHS Spends $218M on Integrated Border Surveillance System (IFT) from Elbit America

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $218,325,337 ($218.3M)

Contractor: Elbitamerica, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2014-02-26

End Date: 2021-10-24

Contract Duration: 2,797 days

Daily Burn Rate: $78.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IFT IS A FULLY INTEGRATED, NON-DEVELOPMENTAL BORDER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM THAT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AUTOMATED PERSISTENT WIDE AREA SURVEILLANCE FOR THE DETECTION, TRACKING, IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF ILLEGAL BORDERS INCURSIONS THROUGH A SERIES OF FIXED SURVEILLANCE TOWERS AND COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER EQUIPMENT THAT DISPLAY INFORMATION ON A COMMON OPERATIONAL PICTURE (COP).

Place of Performance

Location: NOGALES, SANTA CRUZ County, ARIZONA, 85621

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $218.3 million to ELBITAMERICA, INC. for work described as: IFT IS A FULLY INTEGRATED, NON-DEVELOPMENTAL BORDER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM THAT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AUTOMATED PERSISTENT WIDE AREA SURVEILLANCE FOR THE DETECTION, TRACKING, IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF ILLEGAL BORDERS INCURSIONS THROUGH A SERIES OF FIXED SURVEILLANCE TOWE… Key points: 1. IFT aims for automated, persistent wide-area surveillance to detect and track border incursions. 2. The system utilizes fixed surveillance towers and a command center for a common operational picture. 3. Contract awarded to Elbit America, Inc. for $218.3 million. 4. System is non-developmental, suggesting a focus on integration rather than new technology creation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $218.3 million for a comprehensive border surveillance system appears significant. Benchmarking against similar large-scale surveillance system procurements would be necessary to definitively assess its pricing fairness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated for a critical national security function, aiming to enhance border security and interdiction capabilities.

Public Impact

Enhances border security through advanced surveillance technology. Provides real-time operational picture for improved decision-making. Supports detection, tracking, and identification of illegal border crossings. Aims to increase efficiency and effectiveness of border patrol operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for system integration challenges.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical system.
Effectiveness dependent on ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

Positive Signals

Utilizes a non-developmental approach for faster deployment.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Addresses a critical national security need.

Sector Analysis

The procurement falls within the IT and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on surveillance and command and control systems. Spending in this area is often substantial due to the complexity and critical nature of national security technologies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation goals for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Oversight would typically involve regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits to ensure contract compliance and effectiveness.

Related Government Programs

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

High contract value.
System complexity and integration risks.
Dependence on technology for critical security function.
Potential for obsolescence over time.
Need for ongoing, significant sustainment funding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $218.3 million to ELBITAMERICA, INC.. IFT IS A FULLY INTEGRATED, NON-DEVELOPMENTAL BORDER SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM THAT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AUTOMATED PERSISTENT WIDE AREA SURVEILLANCE FOR THE DETECTION, TRACKING, IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF ILLEGAL BORDERS INCURSIONS THROUGH A SERIES OF FIXED SURVEILLANCE TOWERS AND COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTER EQUIPMENT THAT DISPLAY INFORMATION ON A COMMON OPERATIONAL PICTURE (COP).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ELBITAMERICA, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $218.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-02-26. End: 2021-10-24.

What is the expected operational lifespan and sustainment cost of the IFT system?

The contract duration is 2797 days, suggesting a significant operational lifespan. However, specific sustainment costs beyond the initial procurement are not detailed. Ongoing maintenance, software updates, and potential hardware replacements will be crucial for long-term effectiveness and will represent a substantial, recurring cost to taxpayers.

How does the performance of the IFT system compare to its stated objectives in detecting and tracking incursions?

Performance metrics and post-deployment effectiveness data for the IFT system are not provided. While the system is designed for automated persistent wide-area surveillance, its actual success rate in detecting, tracking, identifying, and classifying illegal incursions needs independent evaluation. Real-world operational data is essential to validate its contribution to border security.

Are there any identified vulnerabilities or cybersecurity risks associated with the IFT's command and control center and surveillance network?

The data does not explicitly mention cybersecurity risks. However, any integrated surveillance system with a command and control center is inherently a target. Robust cybersecurity protocols, regular vulnerability assessments, and incident response plans are critical to protect the system from breaches and ensure the integrity of the operational picture.

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: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSBP1012R0024

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Elbit Systems Ltd

Address: 4700 MARINE CREEK PKWY, FORT WORTH, TX, 76179

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $238,990,812

Exercised Options: $218,325,337

Current Obligation: $218,325,337

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $5,446,657

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline