DoD Awards $16.9M for Electro-Optical Tracking System to W S Darley & Co
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,972,817 ($17.0M)
Contractor: W S Darley & CO
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-12-30
End Date: 2027-05-07
Contract Duration: 493 days
Daily Burn Rate: $34.4K/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: 4570380610!TRACKING SYSTEM, ELECTRO-OPTICAL
Place of Performance
Location: ITASCA, DUPAGE County, ILLINOIS, 60143
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.0 million to W S DARLEY & CO for work described as: 4570380610!TRACKING SYSTEM, ELECTRO-OPTICAL Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a critical tracking system, indicating a need for advanced defense capabilities. 2. Competition method suggests potential for better pricing, but source exclusion warrants scrutiny. 3. Long-term contract (493 days) implies sustained operational requirement. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award of $16.9M for a specialized tracking system appears reasonable given the nature of electro-optical equipment. Benchmarking against similar complex defense systems would provide a more precise valuation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This method, while allowing for competition, limits the pool of potential bidders, which could impact price discovery and overall value.
Taxpayer Impact: The government sought competitive bids but excluded certain sources, aiming for a balance between broad competition and specific capability requirements. The final price reflects the outcome of this limited competition.
Public Impact
Enhances Department of Defense's surveillance and tracking capabilities. Supports military operations with advanced electro-optical technology. Ensures readiness and operational effectiveness through specialized equipment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Potential for higher costs compared to full and open competition.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract for cost control.
- Long-term delivery order indicates sustained need.
- Awarded to a known entity in the defense sector.
Sector Analysis
The defense sector frequently procures complex electro-optical systems. Spending benchmarks for such specialized equipment vary widely based on technological sophistication and quantity, but this award falls within typical ranges for advanced military hardware.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or if they lacked the specific capabilities required for this specialized tracking system.
Oversight & Accountability
The Defense Logistics Agency is responsible for this procurement. Oversight will focus on ensuring the contractor meets delivery schedules and performance specifications, especially given the limited competition aspect.
Related Government Programs
- Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Logistics Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical tracking technology.
- Potential for scope creep or change orders impacting final cost.
- Ensuring long-term sustainment and maintenance support.
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 $17.0 million to W S DARLEY & CO. 4570380610!TRACKING SYSTEM, ELECTRO-OPTICAL
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 $17.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-12-30. End: 2027-05-07.
What specific capabilities were lost by excluding certain sources from the competition?
Excluding sources may have limited the government's access to potentially innovative technologies or more cost-effective solutions. Understanding the rationale behind the exclusion is crucial to assess if the chosen vendor offers the best overall value and if alternative solutions were adequately considered.
What is the projected cost savings or increase due to the limited competition method?
Quantifying the exact impact of limited competition is challenging without a baseline of full and open competition. However, excluding sources generally reduces competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher prices than might be achieved in a broader bidding process. The government likely assessed this trade-off against specific technical requirements.
How will the performance of this tracking system be measured against its intended operational effectiveness?
Performance will likely be measured through rigorous testing and evaluation protocols defined in the contract. Key metrics could include accuracy, range, reliability under various environmental conditions, and integration capabilities with existing military networks. User feedback from operational units will also be critical.
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: $16,972,817
Exercised Options: $16,972,817
Current Obligation: $16,972,817
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SPE8EJ21D1025
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-12-30
Current End Date: 2027-05-07
Potential End Date: 2027-05-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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