DoD Awards $12.3M for Catamaran-Style Unmanned Surface Vessels to W S Darley & Co
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,300,774 ($12.3M)
Contractor: W S Darley & CO
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-22
End Date: 2026-08-03
Contract Duration: 315 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 29
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 4569601333!UNMANNED SURFACE VESSEL, CATAMARAN STYLE
Place of Performance
Location: ITASCA, DUPAGE County, ILLINOIS, 60143
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $12.3 million to W S DARLEY & CO for work described as: 4569601333!UNMANNED SURFACE VESSEL, CATAMARAN STYLE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized unmanned surface vessels. 2. W S Darley & Co is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for high cost per unit given specialized nature. 4. Defense Logistics Agency is the contracting entity.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $12.3 million for 29 units suggests a significant per-unit cost. Benchmarking against similar specialized maritime equipment is difficult without more detailed specifications, but the price appears to be within a reasonable range for advanced unmanned systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may have restricted the pool of potential bidders, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value for money.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense technology. The limited competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was achieved.
Public Impact
Enhances naval surveillance and operational capabilities. Supports the Department of Defense's modernization efforts. Potential for dual-use applications in research or environmental monitoring. Requires specialized maintenance and training, impacting long-term costs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 39 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher prices.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized equipment.
Positive Signals
- Acquisition of advanced unmanned maritime technology.
- Supports critical defense logistics and operations.
- Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically related to advanced maritime equipment. Spending benchmarks for unmanned surface vessels vary widely based on sophistication, payload, and autonomy, but this award appears to be for a significant, specialized system.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, W S Darley & Co, is not identified as a small business in the provided data. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, suggesting some level of prior review. However, the limited competition aspect warrants further scrutiny to ensure robust oversight and accountability in the procurement process.
Related Government Programs
- Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Logistics Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises price concerns.
- Lack of transparency on source exclusion.
- Potential for high lifecycle costs.
- Specialized technology may limit future adaptability.
Tags
service-establishment-equipment-and-supp, department-of-defense, il, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $12.3 million to W S DARLEY & CO. 4569601333!UNMANNED SURFACE VESSEL, CATAMARAN STYLE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is W S DARLEY & CO.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-22. End: 2026-08-03.
What specific capabilities do these catamaran-style unmanned surface vessels offer that justify the $12.3 million investment?
The provided data does not detail the specific capabilities of the unmanned surface vessels. However, catamaran designs often offer stability, speed, and payload capacity advantages. These could be crucial for advanced surveillance, mine countermeasures, or persistent patrol missions, justifying the investment for specialized defense applications.
How was the 'exclusion of sources' determined, and what was the rationale for limiting competition?
The rationale for excluding sources is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions occur when only a limited number of contractors possess the necessary technical expertise, proprietary technology, or security clearances required for a specific defense system. A thorough justification should exist within the agency's procurement file.
What is the long-term cost projection for operating and maintaining these unmanned surface vessels?
Long-term operational and maintenance costs are not specified. However, advanced unmanned systems often incur significant expenses related to software updates, sensor calibration, specialized training for operators and technicians, spare parts, and potential platform upgrades. These factors need to be considered beyond the initial acquisition cost.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
Product/Service Code: FIRE/RESCUE/SAFETY; ENVIRO PROTECT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 29
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 325 SPRING LAKE DR, ITASCA, IL, 60143
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,300,774
Exercised Options: $12,300,774
Current Obligation: $12,300,774
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SPE8EJ21D1025
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-22
Current End Date: 2026-08-03
Potential End Date: 2026-08-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-26
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