DHS Coast Guard Awards $2.2M for Robotics Expertise, Focusing on Drone Countermeasures

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,195,460 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Arete Consulting LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-22

End Date: 2026-09-21

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE SERVICES TO ESTABLISH NEW ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS DOMAIN FOR "DRONE" AND COUNTER-UNMANNED AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20593

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.2 million to ARETE CONSULTING LLC for work described as: SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE SERVICES TO ESTABLISH NEW ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS DOMAIN FOR "DRONE" AND COUNTER-UNMANNED AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Spending targets a critical emerging technology area: robotics and autonomous systems, specifically for drone defense. 2. The contract value of $2.2M is modest, suggesting a focused scope for specialized expertise. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a deliberate but broad search. 4. The sector is highly relevant to national security and border protection, aligning with DHS priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $2.2M award for specialized subject matter expertise appears reasonable given the niche and critical nature of robotics and autonomous systems, particularly in counter-UAS applications. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific service details, but the price seems aligned with high-level consulting in advanced technology.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract utilized 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' suggesting a broad initial search that was later narrowed. This method aims for competitive pricing while ensuring specialized capabilities are considered. The final price reflects the outcome of this process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards enhancing national security capabilities in a rapidly evolving technological domain, aiming to improve defense against unmanned aerial systems.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. Coast Guard's capabilities in countering drone threats. Invests in critical technology development for national security. Supports expertise in robotics and autonomous systems, a growing field. Aims to improve border security and maritime domain awareness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in a rapidly evolving technology area.
Dependence on specialized expertise could create future single-source risks.
Effectiveness relies heavily on the quality and applicability of the expertise provided.

Positive Signals

Addresses a high-priority national security need.
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
Focuses on advanced technology for defense applications.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT and R&D sectors, specifically focusing on advanced robotics and autonomous systems. Spending in this area is increasing across government as agencies seek to leverage new technologies for defense, surveillance, and operational efficiency. Benchmarks are difficult without specific service definitions, but expertise in this niche commands premium rates.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to ARETE CONSULTING LLC. There is no explicit indication of small business participation or set-asides in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger award, suggesting existing oversight mechanisms. The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Coast Guard are responsible for ensuring the effective use of funds and delivery of required expertise. Accountability will depend on performance metrics and reporting.

Related Government Programs

Ship Building and Repairing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Emerging technology area with evolving threats.
Reliance on specialized external expertise.
Potential for knowledge transfer gaps.
National security implications.
Rapid technological advancements require continuous adaptation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.2 million to ARETE CONSULTING LLC. SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE SERVICES TO ESTABLISH NEW ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS DOMAIN FOR "DRONE" AND COUNTER-UNMANNED AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARETE CONSULTING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-22. End: 2026-09-21.

How will the expertise gained be integrated into existing Coast Guard operations and future technology roadmaps to ensure long-term value?

The integration plan is crucial. Effective knowledge transfer, documentation of findings, and direct application to ongoing or planned projects are key. The Coast Guard should establish clear metrics for how the acquired expertise translates into improved operational capabilities, policy updates, or technology adoption, ensuring the investment yields sustained benefits beyond the contract period.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on external consultants for establishing a new domain like robotics and autonomous systems?

Key risks include knowledge retention within the agency, potential over-reliance on consultants leading to a lack of internal capacity, and the possibility that the consultants' recommendations may not align with the agency's long-term strategic goals or existing infrastructure. Ensuring robust knowledge transfer mechanisms and clear deliverables is vital to mitigate these risks and build sustainable internal expertise.

How will the effectiveness of the 'drone' and counter-unmanned autonomous systems domain expertise be measured post-contract?

Effectiveness measurement should focus on tangible outcomes. This could include the successful development and implementation of counter-UAS strategies, improved threat detection capabilities, the establishment of robust testing protocols for new technologies, and the quantifiable reduction in risks posed by unauthorized drones. Performance metrics should be defined upfront and tracked throughout and after the contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Ship and Boat Building › Ship Building and Repairing

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 150 RIVERSIDE PKWY STE 206, FREDERICKSBURG, VA, 22406

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,432,226

Exercised Options: $2,195,460

Current Obligation: $2,195,460

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRCA25DA145

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline