Raytheon Awarded $36.5M for Counter-UAS Radar Development by Defense Microelectronics Activity

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,519,189 ($36.5M)

Contractor: Raytheon Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-06-28

End Date: 2019-03-31

Contract Duration: 641 days

Daily Burn Rate: $57.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF CET 17-757, COUNTER UNMANNED AIR SYSTEM (C-UAS) RADAR FOR ADVANCED FIRE CONTROL TRACKING (CRAFT) THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK IS TO ANALYZE, DESIGN, PROTOTYPE AND TEST A MOBILE C-UAS RADAR THAT CAN PROVIDE A LOW, SLOW, SMALL UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE TARGET SURVEILLANCE AND FIRE CONTROL C-UAS CAPABILITY.

Place of Performance

Location: MCKINNEY, COLLIN County, TEXAS, 75071

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $36.5 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF CET 17-757, COUNTER UNMANNED AIR SYSTEM (C-UAS) RADAR FOR ADVANCED FIRE CONTROL TRACKING (CRAFT) THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK IS TO ANALYZE, DESIGN, PROTOTYPE AND TEST A MOBILE C-UAS RADAR THAT CAN PROVIDE A LOW, SLOW, SMALL UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE TARGET SURVEILLANCE AND F… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on developing a mobile Counter-Unmanned Air System (C-UAS) radar for advanced fire control tracking. 2. Raytheon Company is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability or existing relationship. 3. The project aims to enhance surveillance and fire control against low, slow, and small unmanned aerial vehicles. 4. This initiative falls under the Defense Microelectronics Activity, suggesting a focus on advanced technological solutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $36.5 million for a prototype and testing phase appears reasonable given the complexity of developing advanced radar systems for C-UAS. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for specialized defense technology would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method is generally expected to yield competitive pricing and innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to enhance national security by addressing the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems, potentially saving costs associated with drone incursions or attacks.

Public Impact

Enhances national security by developing technology to counter drone threats. Supports innovation in defense electronics and radar systems. Could lead to improved battlefield awareness and protection for military personnel. Addresses a rapidly evolving threat landscape in modern warfare.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns in R&D phases.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical technology.
Uncertainty in prototype performance and integration.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical and growing defense need.
Utilizes full and open competition to drive innovation.
Focuses on advanced technological solutions for defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on advanced defense technology. Spending in this area is driven by the need for cutting-edge solutions to evolving threats, with significant government investment in R&D for specialized systems like C-UAS.

Small Business Impact

While the prime contractor is Raytheon Company, it's important to assess if small businesses are being subcontracted for specific components or services. This contract does not explicitly indicate small business participation, which could be an area for improvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The Defense Microelectronics Activity is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts, including milestone reviews and performance monitoring, should be in place to ensure accountability and effective use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Microelectronics Activity Programs

Risk Flags

Technology development risk
Integration challenges with existing systems
Potential for scope creep in R&D
Long-term sustainment and upgrade costs
Effectiveness against novel drone threats

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $36.5 million to RAYTHEON COMPANY. IGF::OT::IGF CET 17-757, COUNTER UNMANNED AIR SYSTEM (C-UAS) RADAR FOR ADVANCED FIRE CONTROL TRACKING (CRAFT) THE PURPOSE OF THIS TASK IS TO ANALYZE, DESIGN, PROTOTYPE AND TEST A MOBILE C-UAS RADAR THAT CAN PROVIDE A LOW, SLOW, SMALL UNMANNED AIR VEHICLE TARGET SURVEILLANCE AND FIRE CONTROL C-UAS CAPABILITY.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAYTHEON COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Microelectronics Activity).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $36.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-06-28. End: 2019-03-31.

What is the projected timeline for the successful integration and deployment of this C-UAS radar system beyond the initial prototype phase?

The current contract covers analysis, design, prototyping, and testing, with an end date of March 31, 2019. Further phases for full-scale production, integration into existing platforms, and widespread deployment would require subsequent contracts and funding. The timeline for these subsequent phases is not detailed in this award but would depend on the success of the prototype and evolving military requirements.

How will the performance of this C-UAS radar be benchmarked against existing or competing technologies to ensure optimal value for taxpayer investment?

Performance benchmarking will likely involve rigorous testing against a variety of drone targets under diverse environmental conditions. Comparisons will be made against established C-UAS radar systems and potentially other sensor technologies. The success criteria will be defined in the contract's statement of work, focusing on detection range, accuracy, tracking capabilities, and resistance to countermeasures, ensuring the system meets or exceeds current standards.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be used to measure the effectiveness of the C-UAS radar prototype during the testing phase?

Key performance indicators will likely include metrics such as target detection probability, false alarm rate, tracking accuracy (e.g., position and velocity error), minimum detectable target size and speed, system response time, and operational range. Environmental factors like weather conditions and electronic countermeasures will also be considered to assess robustness and reliability in realistic scenarios.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT › MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HQ072715R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2000 E EL SEGUNDO BLVD, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245

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: $36,519,189

Exercised Options: $36,519,189

Current Obligation: $36,519,189

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ072716D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline