DoD's $6.6M Anduril Hardware Buy for SOCOM: Search & Navigation Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,591,450 ($6.6M)
Contractor: Anduril Industries, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2026-08-06
End Date: 2027-08-06
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: SIP TO128 1ST QUARTER HARDWARE BUY
Place of Performance
Location: IRVINE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92612
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.6 million to ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC. for work described as: SIP TO128 1ST QUARTER HARDWARE BUY Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced search and navigation hardware. 2. Sole awardee Anduril Industries suggests potential concentration or specialized capability. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract aims to control costs. 4. Focus on U.S. Special Operations Command highlights critical national security needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $6.6M award for hardware appears reasonable given the specialized nature of search, detection, and navigation systems for special operations. Benchmarking is difficult without specific system details, but the firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. However, the specific awardee is Anduril Industries, Inc., suggesting they were the most competitive or offered the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, which should drive down prices and ensure value for money in acquiring critical defense hardware.
Public Impact
Enhances capabilities for U.S. Special Operations Command personnel. Supports advanced technology development in navigation and search systems. Potential for broader application of acquired technologies in other defense sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific system details makes independent cost validation challenging.
- Sole awardee raises questions about the breadth of competition achieved.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical hardware could pose supply chain risks.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
- Awarded to a company known for innovative defense technology.
- Supports critical mission requirements for SOCOM.
Sector Analysis
This purchase falls within the defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced instrumentation for search, detection, and navigation. Spending in this area is driven by technological advancements and evolving operational requirements for military and special operations forces.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contractor is Anduril Industries, Inc., the data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by the U.S. Special Operations Command, which has established oversight mechanisms for its procurements. The firm fixed price contract and full and open competition suggest adherence to standard procurement regulations.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Special Operations Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Limited visibility into specific technological capabilities.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical components.
- Need for ongoing market research to ensure continued competition.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, ca, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.6 million to ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC.. SIP TO128 1ST QUARTER HARDWARE BUY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-08-06. End: 2027-08-06.
What specific technological advancements does this hardware offer compared to previous systems, and how do they justify the cost?
The data does not specify the technological advancements. However, Anduril Industries is known for integrating AI and advanced sensor fusion. These capabilities likely offer enhanced situational awareness, improved target identification, and more precise navigation in complex environments, justifying the investment for critical special operations missions.
What is the risk associated with relying on a single vendor, Anduril Industries, for this critical hardware, especially given the competitive award process?
The primary risk is potential supply chain disruption or vendor lock-in. If Anduril faces production issues or significantly raises prices in the future, SOCOM may have limited alternatives. The full and open competition suggests this was the best option at the time, but ongoing monitoring of vendor performance and market alternatives is crucial.
How effectively will this hardware contribute to the overall mission success of U.S. Special Operations Command, and what metrics are in place to measure this?
The hardware is intended to enhance critical functions like search, detection, and navigation, directly impacting mission effectiveness in high-stakes environments. SOCOM likely has internal metrics related to operational readiness, mission accomplishment rates, and personnel safety that will indirectly reflect the hardware's contribution. Quantifying direct impact is challenging without specific mission data.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: HARDWARE AND ABRASIVES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2722 MICHELSON DR, IRVINE, CA, 92612
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,591,450
Exercised Options: $6,591,450
Current Obligation: $6,591,450
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: H9240222D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-08-06
Current End Date: 2027-08-06
Potential End Date: 2027-08-06 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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