Army & USMC Procure 9,924 FWS-I Systems for $85.1M from DRS Network & Imaging Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $85,134,720 ($85.1M)
Contractor: DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-05-07
End Date: 2025-02-28
Contract Duration: 3,950 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE FOLLOWING DELIVERY ORDER IS FOR 9,924 FWS-I SYSTEMS FOR BOTH THE ARMY AND USMC.
Place of Performance
Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75243
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $85.1 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: THE FOLLOWING DELIVERY ORDER IS FOR 9,924 FWS-I SYSTEMS FOR BOTH THE ARMY AND USMC. Key points: 1. Significant procurement of advanced optical systems for critical military branches. 2. Competition method indicates a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Risk of obsolescence or integration issues with complex systems. 4. Spending falls within the Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $85.1M for 9,924 systems suggests a per-unit cost of approximately $8,595. This pricing appears reasonable given the complexity and specialized nature of FWS-I systems, likely competitive within the defense optics market.
Cost Per Unit: $8,595
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary defense equipment.
Public Impact
Enhances soldier situational awareness and targeting capabilities for Army and USMC. Supports ongoing modernization efforts for infantry combat systems. Potential for follow-on contracts for maintenance, upgrades, and additional systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for technology obsolescence over the contract duration.
- Integration challenges with existing military platforms.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Clear definition of required systems (FWS-I).
- Long-term contract duration allows for phased delivery and integration.
Sector Analysis
Spending in the Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing sector, particularly for defense applications, is substantial. This procurement aligns with broader defense spending trends on advanced electro-optical systems for enhanced battlefield performance.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC, a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this specific delivery order, warranting further investigation into subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army, under the Department of Defense, awarded this delivery order. Standard DoD oversight mechanisms for contract performance and financial management are expected to be in place.
Related Government Programs
- Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technology obsolescence.
- Integration complexity with existing platforms.
- Dependence on a single large business prime contractor.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
optical-instrument-and-lens-manufacturin, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $85.1 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC. THE FOLLOWING DELIVERY ORDER IS FOR 9,924 FWS-I SYSTEMS FOR BOTH THE ARMY AND USMC.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $85.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-05-07. End: 2025-02-28.
What is the specific technological capability of the FWS-I system and how does it compare to current market alternatives?
The FWS-I (Forward Looking Infrared - Integrated) system provides advanced thermal imaging capabilities, crucial for night operations and target acquisition. Its specific technological advancements likely include enhanced resolution, longer detection ranges, and improved environmental performance compared to older systems. Benchmarking against current market alternatives would require detailed technical specifications and independent testing data to assess its competitive edge and value proposition.
What are the key performance metrics and sustainment plans for these FWS-I systems to ensure long-term effectiveness?
Key performance metrics would likely include target detection range, image clarity under various conditions, system reliability (MTBF), and power consumption. Sustainment plans should detail maintenance schedules, spare parts availability, and upgrade pathways to address potential obsolescence. Effective oversight of these aspects is crucial to ensure the systems remain operational and relevant throughout their lifecycle, maximizing the return on the $85.1M investment.
How will the integration of these 9,924 systems impact existing logistical chains and training infrastructure for the Army and USMC?
Integrating a large quantity of new systems requires robust logistical planning for distribution, maintenance, and repair across numerous units. Training infrastructure must be scaled to accommodate the user base, potentially involving new training modules or expanded facilities. The impact on logistical chains and training needs careful management to avoid disruptions and ensure soldiers are proficient in using the FWS-I systems effectively.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: W91CRB13R0028
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leonardo SPA
Address: 100 N BABCOCK ST, MELBOURNE, FL, 32935
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: $85,134,720
Exercised Options: $85,134,720
Current Obligation: $85,134,720
Actual Outlays: $21,324,894
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $3,389,733
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W91CRB14D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-05-07
Current End Date: 2025-02-28
Potential End Date: 2025-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-08-15
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