DoD awards $18.5M for catamaran-style unmanned surface vessels, with W S Darley & Co. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,505,574 ($18.5M)

Contractor: W S Darley & CO

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-25

End Date: 2026-08-05

Contract Duration: 314 days

Daily Burn Rate: $58.9K/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: 4569641792!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 $18.5 million to W S DARLEY & CO for work described as: 4569641792!UNMANNED SURFACE VESSEL, CATAMARAN STYLE Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in advanced maritime technology. 2. Competition dynamics for this specialized equipment warrant further examination. 3. Potential risks include technological obsolescence and integration challenges. 4. Performance will be assessed against delivery timelines and technical specifications. 5. This acquisition positions the Defense Logistics Agency to enhance naval capabilities. 6. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The awarded amount of $18.5 million for unmanned surface vessels appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced maritime systems is challenging due to the unique specifications of catamaran-style vessels. However, the firm fixed-price contract type suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government, assuming the contractor can deliver within the agreed-upon terms. Further analysis would require detailed technical specifications and market research on comparable systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed here but could relate to technical capabilities, security clearances, or prior performance. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'limited' competition level suggests fewer than ideal participants, potentially impacting price negotiation.

Taxpayer Impact: A limited competition may result in higher prices for taxpayers compared to a fully open and robust bidding process, as it restricts the pool of potential suppliers.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense is the primary beneficiary, gaining advanced capabilities for maritime operations. The contract will deliver specialized unmanned surface vessels, likely for surveillance, reconnaissance, or logistical support. The geographic impact is likely global, supporting naval deployments wherever needed. Workforce implications may include specialized training for operators and maintenance personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise during development or production.
Risk of technological obsolescence if the vessel's capabilities are surpassed by emerging technologies.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized components or maintenance could create supply chain vulnerabilities.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
The use of unmanned systems can reduce risk to human personnel in hazardous environments.
The acquisition of advanced maritime technology enhances national security capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector is heavily invested in advanced technologies, including unmanned systems for various military applications. The market for unmanned surface vessels (USVs) is growing, driven by the need for persistent surveillance, mine countermeasures, and force protection. This contract fits within the broader trend of increasing defense spending on autonomous and remotely operated platforms. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without specific technical details, but significant investments are being made across the industry in similar capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary focus for this specific contract award. There is no indication of a small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they are not explicitly detailed in this summary. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless W S Darley & Co. actively engages small businesses for specialized components or services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of Defense, likely through the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Accountability measures will be tied to the contract's performance metrics, delivery schedules, and adherence to technical specifications. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed operational performance data is often classified. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Unmanned Maritime Systems
Naval Surface Warfare
Defense Logistics Agency Procurement
Advanced Maritime Technology
Department of Defense Acquisitions

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price.
Technological obsolescence risk.
Integration challenges with existing systems.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities of networked systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.5 million to W S DARLEY & CO. 4569641792!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 $18.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-25. End: 2026-08-05.

What is the specific technical capability and intended operational use of these catamaran-style unmanned surface vessels?

The provided data does not specify the exact technical capabilities or intended operational uses of the catamaran-style unmanned surface vessels. However, catamaran designs are known for their stability, speed, and payload capacity, making them suitable for a range of maritime applications. These could include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, or logistical support in various operational environments. The Department of Defense's acquisition of such platforms suggests a strategic interest in enhancing its unmanned maritime capabilities for persistent presence and operational flexibility.

How does the awarded price of $18.5 million compare to similar unmanned surface vessel procurements by the DoD or other agencies?

Direct price comparison for this specific contract is challenging without detailed technical specifications and the exact number of units procured. Unmanned surface vessels (USVs) vary significantly in size, complexity, and capability, leading to a wide price range. Basic patrol-type USVs might cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, while highly sophisticated, larger platforms equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems can run into tens of millions. The $18.5 million figure for catamaran-style USVs suggests a mid-to-high range investment, likely for vessels with substantial capabilities beyond simple remote operation, possibly including advanced autonomy, sensor suites, or specialized mission equipment.

What are the primary risks associated with the development and deployment of these new unmanned surface vessels?

Key risks associated with these unmanned surface vessels include technological maturity and reliability, as advanced autonomous systems can be prone to unexpected failures or performance issues. Cybersecurity is another significant risk, as these vessels are networked and could be vulnerable to hacking or electronic warfare. Operational risks involve integration into existing naval command and control structures, potential for collisions or accidents due to navigation system failures, and the challenges of maintaining and repairing complex systems at sea. Furthermore, the long-term sustainment costs and the potential for rapid technological obsolescence also represent considerable risks that need to be managed throughout the lifecycle of these assets.

What is the track record of W S Darley & Co. in delivering complex defense systems or unmanned platforms?

Information regarding W S Darley & Co.'s specific track record in delivering complex defense systems or unmanned platforms is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance on similar government contracts, including on-time delivery, adherence to specifications, and overall quality of work. Companies in the defense sector often have specialized expertise, and their history with complex projects, particularly in areas like maritime systems or unmanned technology, would be a critical factor in evaluating their capability to execute this contract successfully.

How does this contract align with the Department of Defense's broader strategy for modernizing its fleet and incorporating unmanned systems?

This contract aligns with the Department of Defense's overarching strategy to modernize its fleet by integrating advanced technologies, particularly unmanned systems. The DoD has publicly emphasized the importance of unmanned capabilities across all domains (air, land, sea, and undersea) to maintain a technological edge and enhance operational effectiveness. Unmanned surface vessels offer advantages such as persistent presence, reduced manning requirements, and the ability to operate in high-risk environments, thereby complementing traditional manned platforms. This procurement signifies a tangible step towards realizing that strategic vision, enabling the Navy to explore new operational concepts and expand its reach.

What is the historical spending trend for unmanned surface vessels within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending on unmanned surface vessels (USVs) within the Department of Defense has been on an upward trajectory, reflecting a growing strategic emphasis on autonomous maritime capabilities. While specific figures for USVs alone can be difficult to isolate from broader unmanned systems or naval procurement budgets, the trend indicates increasing investment over the past decade. Early investments focused on research and development, followed by prototype testing and limited fielding. More recent years have seen a rise in procurement contracts for operational USVs, driven by advancements in technology and a clearer understanding of their potential military applications, such as ISR, mine warfare, and force protection.

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: $18,505,574

Exercised Options: $18,505,574

Current Obligation: $18,505,574

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPE8EJ21D1025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline