DoD awards $26.3M for ISR services to Textron Systems, with 25.7M remaining obligation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,322,609 ($26.3M)

Contractor: Textron Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-07-09

End Date: 2025-04-29

Contract Duration: 1,025 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SABRE 4 ISR SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: COCKEYSVILLE, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21030

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.3 million to TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: SABRE 4 ISR SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value suggests a significant investment in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. 2. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 3. A 1025-day duration indicates a long-term need for these specialized services. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 5. The primary place of performance is Maryland, indicating a concentration of related defense activities in the region. 6. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value is $26.3 million, with $25.7 million currently obligated. Without specific benchmarks for similar ISR services contracts, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price structure is generally favorable for cost control. The contract's duration and scope will be key factors in determining its overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 2 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific award. While not a large number, it implies that multiple companies vied for the opportunity, which can contribute to price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The U.S. Special Operations Command benefits from enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. This contract supports critical national security missions by providing essential ISR services. The primary geographic impact is in Maryland, where the services are performed. The contract likely supports a specialized workforce in engineering and ISR operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the full extent of ISR needs is not clearly defined.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical ISR services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost overruns.
Full and open competition suggests a structured procurement process.
Long contract duration allows for sustained operational support.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector, particularly within intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), is a significant area of federal spending. This contract fits within the broader landscape of defense technology and services, where companies like Textron Systems play a crucial role. Comparable spending benchmarks for ISR services can vary widely based on technology, duration, and specific mission requirements.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of ISR services and the prime contractor, Textron Systems, it is unlikely that significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses will be mandated, though some may arise for specific components or support functions.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard Department of Defense oversight mechanisms. As a delivery order under a larger IDIQ, oversight may be managed at both the IDIQ and delivery order levels. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific operational details of ISR services are often classified.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Services
Special Operations Forces Support
Defense Engineering Services

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting mission critical ISR data.
Risk of contractor dependency for specialized ISR capabilities.
Ensuring continued technological relevance in a rapidly evolving ISR landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.3 million to TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION. SABRE 4 ISR SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TEXTRON SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

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 $26.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-09. End: 2025-04-29.

What is Textron Systems' track record with the Department of Defense and U.S. Special Operations Command for ISR services?

Textron Systems Corporation has a history of providing defense and aerospace solutions, including unmanned systems and ISR capabilities, to various government agencies. Their experience with the Department of Defense and specific commands like SOCOM suggests a familiarity with the operational requirements and contracting processes. Analyzing past performance reviews, contract modifications, and any past performance issues related to similar contracts would provide a more detailed understanding of their track record. However, publicly available data on specific past performance for this exact service line is limited.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar ISR services contracts awarded by the DoD?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $26.3 million ISR services contract against similar contracts is challenging without access to detailed cost breakdowns and specific service level agreements. Factors such as the type of ISR technology employed (e.g., manned vs. unmanned platforms, sensor types), the duration of service, geographic operational areas, and the level of data analysis required significantly influence pricing. Firm fixed-price contracts aim for predictability, but the 'value' is relative to the effectiveness and efficiency of the services delivered in meeting SOCOM's mission requirements.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the government?

Key risks for the government include potential underperformance by the contractor in delivering critical ISR data or services, leading to mission gaps. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the firm fixed-price contract doesn't adequately account for unforeseen operational complexities or scope changes, though this is mitigated by the contract type. Dependence on Textron Systems for these specialized services could also pose a risk if the company faces financial instability or significant operational disruptions. Ensuring continuous technological relevance in the rapidly evolving ISR field is another ongoing challenge.

How effective are ISR services in supporting U.S. Special Operations Command missions?

ISR services are fundamental to the success of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) missions, providing critical intelligence, situational awareness, and targeting information. Effective ISR enables SOCOM operators to make informed decisions, reduce risks to personnel, and achieve mission objectives in complex and often clandestine environments. The value of these services is directly tied to the quality, timeliness, and actionable nature of the intelligence gathered and disseminated, directly impacting operational effectiveness and force protection.

What has been the historical spending trend for ISR services by the Department of Defense?

Historical spending on ISR services by the Department of Defense has been substantial and generally increasing over the past two decades, driven by evolving geopolitical threats and the increasing reliance on advanced surveillance and reconnaissance technologies. This trend reflects a strategic prioritization of intelligence gathering and situational awareness across all military branches and special operations. Spending fluctuates based on specific operational needs, technological advancements, and budget allocations, but ISR remains a core capability area.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE SVCS. › TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: H9240819R0001

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Textron Inc

Address: 124 INDUSTRY LN, HUNT VALLEY, MD, 21030

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $26,408,950

Exercised Options: $26,408,950

Current Obligation: $26,322,609

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $46,200

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: H9240820D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline