DOT Awards $9.67M for UAS Detection & Mitigation Tech, Boosting Aviation Safety
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,673,252 ($9.7M)
Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2023-08-25
End Date: 2026-07-26
Contract Duration: 1,066 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: UAS DETECTION AND MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES/SYSTEMS AND REMOTE ID SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTIC CITY, ATLANTIC County, NEW JERSEY, 08405
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $9.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: UAS DETECTION AND MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES/SYSTEMS AND REMOTE ID SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical aviation security technology. 2. General Dynamics Information Technology secures a key contract. 3. Potential for enhanced airspace safety and regulatory compliance. 4. Focus on engineering services for advanced drone defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $9.67M for engineering services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of UAS detection and mitigation technologies. Benchmarking against similar complex engineering contracts would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method likely resulted in competitive pricing for the required engineering services.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for advanced technology to enhance national airspace security, a worthwhile investment for public safety.
Public Impact
Improved safety and security in national airspace. Support for FAA's efforts to integrate drones safely. Advancement of technology to counter unauthorized drone activity.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex technology development.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical systems.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a growing national security concern.
- Leverages established engineering expertise.
- Supports regulatory compliance for drone operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically addressing advanced technology for aviation security. Spending in this area is driven by evolving threats and regulatory requirements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of specific small business subcontracting goals in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking are crucial for ensuring successful delivery and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Technology obsolescence risk
- Integration complexity
- Potential for false positives/negatives
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, nj, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $9.7 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. UAS DETECTION AND MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES/SYSTEMS AND REMOTE ID SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-25. End: 2026-07-26.
What is the projected impact of these technologies on reducing drone-related incidents in controlled airspace?
The technologies are expected to significantly reduce drone-related incidents by providing real-time detection and effective mitigation strategies. This will enhance air traffic safety, protect critical infrastructure, and support the FAA's mandate for secure airspace operations, ultimately leading to fewer disruptions and improved public confidence.
What are the primary risks associated with the development and implementation of these UAS detection and mitigation systems?
Key risks include technological obsolescence due to rapid advancements in drone technology, potential for false positives or negatives in detection systems, integration challenges with existing air traffic control infrastructure, and the possibility of cost overruns during development and testing phases. Ensuring robust cybersecurity for these systems is also paramount.
How effectively will these systems address the evolving threat landscape posed by sophisticated UAS?
The effectiveness will depend on the adaptability and sophistication of the chosen technologies. Continuous research, development, and upgrades will be necessary to counter evolving threats from advanced UAS, including those with enhanced stealth capabilities or autonomous functions. The contract's focus on engineering services suggests a commitment to ongoing improvement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp
Address: 3150 FAIRVIEW PARK DR STE 100, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,673,252
Exercised Options: $9,673,252
Current Obligation: $9,673,252
Actual Outlays: $6,338,586
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 692M1522D00005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-25
Current End Date: 2026-07-26
Potential End Date: 2026-07-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-13
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