DoD Awards Anduril Industries $11.15M for C-UAS Engagement System, Boosting Counter-Drone Capabilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,148,962 ($11.1M)
Contractor: Anduril Industries, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-10-23
End Date: 2025-10-24
Contract Duration: 366 days
Daily Burn Rate: $30.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: FIRST ARTICLE TESTING (FAT) UNITS AND PM SUPPORT FOR C-UAS ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM (CES)
Place of Performance
Location: COSTA MESA, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92626
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.1 million to ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC. for work described as: FIRST ARTICLE TESTING (FAT) UNITS AND PM SUPPORT FOR C-UAS ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM (CES) Key points: 1. Significant investment in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technology. 2. Anduril Industries, a key player in defense tech, secures a substantial contract. 3. Focus on advanced C-UAS systems indicates evolving threats and modernization efforts. 4. The contract supports critical defense capabilities for the Department of the Navy.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.15M for FAT units and PM support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of C-UAS technology and the provider. Benchmarking against similar advanced defense systems would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing and access to the best available solutions for the Department of the Navy.
Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to enhance national security by addressing drone threats, representing a necessary expenditure for defense modernization.
Public Impact
Enhances national security by bolstering defenses against drone threats. Supports technological advancement in the critical C-UAS sector. Provides the Department of the Navy with advanced engagement systems. Potentially leads to improved battlefield awareness and operational effectiveness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in advanced technology development.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical components.
- Evolving threat landscape may require continuous upgrades.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a growing and significant national security threat.
- Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
- Invests in cutting-edge defense technology.
Sector Analysis
The defense sector, particularly in advanced technologies like C-UAS, sees significant government investment. Spending benchmarks for similar specialized systems are often high due to R&D intensity and critical operational requirements.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to Anduril Industries, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for prime contracts of this nature.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Navy, indicating established oversight mechanisms. The firm fixed price structure provides some cost control, but ongoing monitoring of performance and delivery is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Technological obsolescence risk
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Integration challenges with existing systems
- Dependence on specific contractor expertise
Tags
small-arms-ordnance-and-ordnance-accesso, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $11.1 million to ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC.. FIRST ARTICLE TESTING (FAT) UNITS AND PM SUPPORT FOR C-UAS ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM (CES)
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 Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-23. End: 2025-10-24.
What is the projected effectiveness of these FAT units in real-world C-UAS scenarios?
The effectiveness of the First Article Testing (FAT) units will be determined through rigorous testing and evaluation outlined in the contract. Success hinges on their ability to reliably detect, track, and neutralize various drone threats under diverse environmental conditions. Performance metrics will likely focus on engagement success rates, collateral damage minimization, and operational reliability.
What are the primary risks associated with the long-term sustainment and upgrade path for this C-UAS system?
Key risks include the potential for technological obsolescence as drone technology rapidly evolves, requiring continuous and costly upgrades. Dependence on Anduril Industries for proprietary components and support could lead to vendor lock-in and higher sustainment costs. Furthermore, ensuring interoperability with existing and future defense systems presents an ongoing integration challenge.
How does this investment align with broader DoD strategies for countering asymmetric threats?
This investment directly aligns with the DoD's strategic imperative to counter the proliferation and misuse of unmanned systems by adversaries. It supports the development and deployment of advanced defensive capabilities, crucial for protecting personnel and assets. The focus on C-UAS reflects a proactive approach to addressing asymmetric threats that have demonstrated significant battlefield impact.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: WEAPONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: M6785424R0056
Offers Received: 6
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, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,148,962
Exercised Options: $11,148,962
Current Obligation: $11,148,962
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: M6785425D0057
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-10-23
Current End Date: 2025-10-24
Potential End Date: 2025-10-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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