Coast Guard awards $2.2M contract for UAS program management and logistics support to Arete Consulting LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,227,275 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Arete Consulting LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, TECHNICAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, CYBERSECURITY, AND LIFE-CYCLE LOGISTICS SUPPORT TO THE USCG UNMANNED AVIATION SYSTEMS (UAS) PROGRAM OFFICE WITHIN THE ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE (RAS PEO)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20032

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: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, TECHNICAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, CYBERSECURITY, AND LIFE-CYCLE LOGISTICS SUPPORT TO THE USCG UNMANNED AVIATION SYSTEMS (UAS) PROGRAM OFFICE WITHIN THE ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE (RAS PEO) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical program management, technical, and cybersecurity support for the USCG's Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS). 2. The award to Arete Consulting LLC represents a significant investment in enhancing the Coast Guard's autonomous capabilities. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 4. The contract duration of one year with a firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs and define scope. 5. Cybersecurity and life-cycle logistics are key components, highlighting the complexity of modern aviation systems. 6. This contract supports the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program Executive Office (RAS PEO), indicating a strategic focus on advanced technologies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.23 million for a one-year period appears reasonable for specialized program management, technical, and cybersecurity support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for UAS program support is challenging due to the niche nature of the services. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope, which can aid in cost control. The absence of extensive performance history for this specific contract makes a definitive value assessment difficult, but the pricing seems aligned with the complexity of supporting advanced aviation systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were likely considered. The specific details of the bidding process, including the number of bidders, are not provided. However, the 'full and open' designation generally implies a competitive environment that allows for a broader range of potential contractors to participate, which can lead to better price discovery and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing services at a fair market price and encourages efficiency among potential providers.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard's Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) Program Office, which will receive essential support. Services delivered include program management, technical expertise, cybersecurity, and life-cycle logistics for UAS. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the supporting agency is located. Workforce implications include the potential for specialized technical and program management roles to be filled by Arete Consulting LLC's personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public information on Arete Consulting LLC's specific track record in supporting large-scale UAS programs.
The one-year duration may limit the ability to fully assess long-term program effectiveness and contractor performance.
Cybersecurity support is critical; any lapse could have significant operational consequences for the Coast Guard.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and potential for value.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps in budget predictability and cost control.
Focus on critical areas like cybersecurity and program management for advanced UAS.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on unmanned systems and associated support services. The market for UAS technology and support is rapidly expanding, driven by increasing demand across military, civilian, and commercial applications. The U.S. Coast Guard's investment in UAS aligns with a national trend towards leveraging autonomous platforms for surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistical operations. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to pinpoint precisely due to the specialized nature of program management and technical support for UAS, but overall government spending on defense and aerospace technologies is substantial.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract includes a small business set-aside. The award was made under full and open competition. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-aside provisions is unlikely. However, Arete Consulting LLC may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting plans and their impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard's Program Executive Office for Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS PEO) and the specific UAS Program Office. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm-fixed-price contract structure, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases, though detailed performance metrics are often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USCG Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) Program
Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program Executive Office (RAS PEO)
Department of Homeland Security - Technology Investments
Federal Aviation Administration - Drone Regulations and Integration

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep despite firm-fixed-price.
Reliance on contractor's specialized cybersecurity expertise.
Limited public performance data for contractor on similar UAS programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.2 million to ARETE CONSULTING LLC. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, TECHNICAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, CYBERSECURITY, AND LIFE-CYCLE LOGISTICS SUPPORT TO THE USCG UNMANNED AVIATION SYSTEMS (UAS) PROGRAM OFFICE WITHIN THE ROBOTICS AND AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE (RAS PEO)

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: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is Arete Consulting LLC's specific experience with Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) program management and cybersecurity?

Publicly available information on Arete Consulting LLC indicates a focus on providing program management, engineering, and technical support services across various government agencies. While their capabilities are described broadly to include areas relevant to UAS, specific details regarding their direct experience managing large-scale UAS programs or providing specialized cybersecurity for such systems are not extensively detailed in public contract award notices. Further investigation into their past performance reports or direct inquiries to the agency may yield more specific insights into their expertise in this niche area. Their general experience in program management and technical support suggests a foundation for undertaking this contract, but the depth of their UAS-specific expertise remains a key area for assessment.

How does the $2.23 million contract value compare to similar UAS program support contracts awarded by the government?

Benchmarking this $2.23 million contract against similar Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) program support contracts is challenging due to the specialized and evolving nature of the UAS sector. Contracts for UAS program management, technical support, and cybersecurity can vary significantly based on the scope, duration, complexity of the systems involved, and the specific agency's requirements. While $2.23 million for a one-year contract is a substantial amount, it may be considered competitive or even cost-effective depending on the criticality and breadth of services required by the U.S. Coast Guard's UAS Program Office. Without access to a broader dataset of comparable contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult, but the firm-fixed-price structure suggests an effort to define and control costs within a competitive framework.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential performance shortfalls in specialized technical or cybersecurity areas, challenges in integrating support with evolving UAS technologies, and the possibility of cost overruns if the scope is not precisely managed, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous oversight by the U.S. Coast Guard's Program Office, clear performance metrics defined in the contract, and Arete Consulting LLC's own internal quality assurance processes. The company's stated focus on program management and technical expertise suggests an awareness of these risks. The full and open competition also mitigates risk by ensuring a capable contractor is selected from a pool of potential providers.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the U.S. Coast Guard's Unmanned Aviation Systems capabilities?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the U.S. Coast Guard's Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) capabilities by providing essential program management, technical, and cybersecurity support. By ensuring robust oversight and expert guidance, the contract aims to streamline the development, deployment, and maintenance of UAS platforms. This support is crucial for the effective integration of autonomous systems into Coast Guard operations, potentially improving surveillance, search and rescue, and interdiction missions. The focus on life-cycle logistics also ensures that the UAS program is sustainable and well-maintained over time, contributing to the overall operational readiness and technological advancement of the Coast Guard.

How has federal spending on UAS program support evolved, and where does this contract fit in?

Federal spending on Unmanned Aviation Systems (UAS) and related support services has seen a consistent upward trend over the past decade, driven by increasing recognition of their utility across various government agencies, including defense, homeland security, and civilian applications. This $2.23 million contract for the U.S. Coast Guard fits within this broader trend, representing a specific investment in the program management and technical backbone required to effectively operate and advance UAS capabilities. While this single contract is a modest portion of overall federal UAS spending, it is indicative of the specialized support required to manage complex, technology-intensive programs. It reflects a strategic allocation of resources towards ensuring the successful implementation and sustainment of the Coast Guard's autonomous aviation initiatives.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT 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: $4,498,294

Exercised Options: $2,227,275

Current Obligation: $2,227,275

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