DHS Awards $105M for Persistent Surveillance and Detection Extension to Elbit America
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $104,854,121 ($104.9M)
Contractor: Elbitamerica, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2026-03-03
End Date: 2028-09-30
Sector: Defense
Official Description: PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE AND DETECTION EXTENSION
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $104.9 million to ELBITAMERICA, INC. for work described as: PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE AND DETECTION EXTENSION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Elbit America for surveillance technology. 2. Focus on extending persistent surveillance and detection capabilities. 3. Potential risks include technology obsolescence and vendor lock-in. 4. Spending in the defense and security sector often involves long-term contracts.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $105M over its period of performance appears reasonable for a specialized surveillance system. Benchmarking against similar DHS contracts for advanced sensor technology would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is 'DEFINITIVE CONTRACT', but the competition method is not specified. If this was sole-source or limited competition, it could impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The impact on taxpayers depends heavily on the competition method used and the demonstrated effectiveness of the surveillance system in securing borders and preventing illicit activities.
Public Impact
Enhances border security through advanced surveillance. Potential for improved response times to threats. Raises privacy concerns regarding persistent monitoring.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition details
- Potential for mission creep
- Data privacy implications
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical security needs
- Extends existing capabilities
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the defense and security sector, specifically focusing on border surveillance technology. Spending in this area is driven by national security priorities and often involves significant investment in advanced systems.
Small Business Impact
No information is available regarding small business participation in this contract. Efforts to ensure small business involvement could foster innovation and economic opportunity.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the funds are used effectively and the surveillance technology meets its intended purpose without overreach. Regular performance reviews and audits are recommended.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of transparency in procurement process.
- Potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical technology.
- Ethical and privacy implications of persistent surveillance.
Tags
department-of-homeland-security, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $104.9 million to ELBITAMERICA, INC.. PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE AND DETECTION EXTENSION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ELBITAMERICA, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $104.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-03. End: 2028-09-30.
What is the specific technological advancement this extension provides over previous systems?
The provided data does not detail the specific technological advancements. Further analysis would require access to contract line item details or technical specifications to understand the new capabilities, such as improved sensor resolution, data processing, or autonomous operation features.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this surveillance extension?
Key performance indicators are not detailed in the provided data. Effective measurement of success would likely involve metrics related to detection rates, false alarm reduction, operational uptime, and the system's contribution to interdiction or apprehension statistics.
How does this contract align with the Department of Homeland Security's broader strategy for border security and technology integration?
This contract aligns with DHS's strategy by extending persistent surveillance capabilities, which are crucial for monitoring vast and complex border areas. It likely integrates with existing sensor networks and data analysis platforms to provide a more comprehensive operational picture.
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