DoD's $25.6M Dismounted Reconnaissance Sets contract awarded to Teledyne FLIR Defense, Inc. for Army configurations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,657,506 ($25.7M)

Contractor: Teledyne Flir Defense, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-03-29

End Date: 2018-12-13

Contract Duration: 259 days

Daily Burn Rate: $99.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: DISMOUNTED RECONNAISANCE-SETS KITS OUTFITS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (22) TWENTY -TWO ARMY CONFIGURATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: ELKRIDGE, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21075

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $25.7 million to TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE, INC. for work described as: DISMOUNTED RECONNAISANCE-SETS KITS OUTFITS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (22) TWENTY -TWO ARMY CONFIGURATIONS Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison to similar contracts and market rates. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are monitored through performance context and contractor track record. 4. Performance context is evaluated against delivery timelines and configuration requirements. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the defense manufacturing and systems integration market. 6. The contract supports the Army's need for advanced reconnaissance equipment.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $25.6 million for 22 Army configurations appears reasonable given the specialized nature of dismounted reconnaissance sets. Benchmarking against similar defense contracts for sensor and navigation systems suggests that the pricing is within an expected range. The firm fixed-price contract type also provides cost certainty for the government, contributing to good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but a full and open process generally suggests a healthy level of competition, which is favorable for price discovery and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive bidding, leading to potentially lower prices and better overall value for the government's investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Army personnel requiring advanced dismounted reconnaissance capabilities. The contract delivers kits, outfits, and full-rate production for 22 specific Army configurations. Geographic impact is primarily within Army operational theaters, with manufacturing likely in the U.S. Workforce implications include skilled labor in defense manufacturing, engineering, and logistics.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if configuration requirements evolve significantly.
Dependence on a single contractor for specific configurations could pose supply chain risks.
Ensuring timely delivery of complex integrated systems can be challenging.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Award to an established defense contractor with relevant expertise.
Contract supports critical military reconnaissance capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the defense electronics and systems manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on sensor, navigation, and guidance systems. The market for such specialized military equipment is driven by government procurement, with significant investment in advanced technologies to maintain a technological edge. Comparable spending benchmarks would include other contracts for advanced soldier systems, surveillance equipment, and tactical communication devices.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific contract is not detailed in the provided data. However, large defense contracts often include provisions for small business participation, either through direct set-asides or subcontracting goals to foster a broader industrial base.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Department of Defense contract would typically involve the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) for contract administration and performance monitoring. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Defense provides an additional layer of oversight to ensure accountability and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

Army Soldier Systems Program
Advanced Reconnaissance Technology Development
Defense Sensor and Navigation Systems Procurement
Tactical Equipment Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence
Supply chain vulnerability for specialized components
Performance degradation in harsh environments
Integration challenges with existing soldier systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $25.7 million to TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE, INC.. DISMOUNTED RECONNAISANCE-SETS KITS OUTFITS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (22) TWENTY -TWO ARMY CONFIGURATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-03-29. End: 2018-12-13.

What is Teledyne FLIR Defense, Inc.'s track record with similar Department of Defense contracts?

Teledyne FLIR Defense, Inc. has a significant history of supplying advanced sensor and imaging systems to the Department of Defense and other government agencies. Their portfolio includes thermal imaging cameras, unmanned systems, and integrated sensor solutions for various military applications. Past performance on contracts for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting systems would be a key indicator of their capability to deliver on this dismounted reconnaissance sets contract. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any documented issues on prior awards would provide further insight into their reliability and quality of delivery.

How does the $25.6 million contract value compare to similar dismounted reconnaissance systems procured by the Army or other branches?

Benchmarking the $25.6 million contract value requires comparing it to similar procurements of dismounted reconnaissance sets, which can include a range of equipment from individual soldier-worn sensors to more complex integrated kits. Factors such as the number of configurations (22 in this case), the specific technologies included (e.g., advanced optics, navigation, communication), and the quantity of units procured significantly influence cost. Without specific details on the configurations and quantities, a precise comparison is difficult. However, given the specialized nature of military-grade reconnaissance equipment, this value appears within a plausible range for a full-rate production award supporting multiple configurations for a branch of service.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract include potential technical obsolescence of the reconnaissance sets over their lifecycle, supply chain disruptions for critical components, and performance issues that could impact operational effectiveness. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust testing and validation processes, clear performance metrics defined in the contract, and contingency planning for component sourcing. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also shifts some financial risk to the contractor. Furthermore, the full and open competition process may have selected a contractor with a strong history of mitigating such risks.

How effective are dismounted reconnaissance sets in enhancing the Army's operational capabilities?

Dismounted reconnaissance sets are crucial for enhancing the Army's operational capabilities by providing soldiers with real-time situational awareness, target identification, and intelligence gathering in complex environments. These systems can significantly improve decision-making speed and accuracy, reduce risk to personnel by enabling stand-off observation, and support a wide range of missions from route reconnaissance to special operations. The effectiveness is directly tied to the quality, reliability, and integration of the components within the set, as well as the training provided to the end-users. This contract's focus on 22 specific Army configurations suggests an effort to tailor these capabilities to diverse operational needs.

What has been the historical spending trend for dismounted reconnaissance systems within the Department of the Army?

Historical spending on dismounted reconnaissance systems within the Department of the Army has likely shown a consistent upward trend, driven by the need to equip soldiers with advanced technology for modern warfare. This includes investments in electro-optical/infrared sensors, laser rangefinders, GPS navigation, and integrated communication devices. Spending patterns are influenced by evolving threats, technological advancements, and strategic priorities, such as enhancing soldier lethality and survivability. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards for similar systems would reveal specific spending levels and fluctuations over time, indicating the sustained importance of these capabilities.

What is the significance of the 'Full Rate Production' designation for this contract?

The 'Full Rate Production' (FRP) designation signifies that the dismounted reconnaissance sets have successfully completed earlier phases of development, testing, and low-rate initial production. This means the system has been validated as meeting its performance requirements and is ready for large-scale manufacturing. Awarding an FRP contract indicates a commitment to fielding the system widely across the Army configurations specified. It also implies that the design is stable, and the contractor has established manufacturing processes capable of producing the required quantities efficiently and cost-effectively, marking a transition from development to sustainment of operational capability.

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: WEAPONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Teledyne Flir, LLC (UEI: 091296244)

Address: 7055 TROY HILL DR STE 300, ELKRIDGE, MD, 21075

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,657,506

Exercised Options: $25,657,506

Current Obligation: $25,657,506

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W911SR15D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline