DHS Awards $216.5M for Remote Video Surveillance System Upgrade to General Dynamics
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $216,530,542 ($216.5M)
Contractor: General Dynamics ONE Source LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2013-07-26
End Date: 2026-09-29
Contract Duration: 4,813 days
Daily Burn Rate: $45.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: REMOTE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM UPGRADE
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $216.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS ONE SOURCE LLC for work described as: REMOTE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM UPGRADE Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical infrastructure for border security. 2. General Dynamics One Source LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for cost overruns or performance issues given the long duration. 4. The IT sector is heavily reliant on such surveillance systems.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $216.5M over approximately 4 years suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale surveillance system upgrades is difficult without more granular data, but the price appears significant.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the long duration and specific nature of the upgrade may have limited the number of truly competitive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding a critical security upgrade, with the expectation of efficient and effective deployment of resources.
Public Impact
Enhances border security capabilities through advanced surveillance. Supports law enforcement and national security objectives. Potential for job creation in related technology and installation sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
- Sole awardee may limit ongoing competitive pressure on pricing.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Addresses a critical national security need.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT and security sector, specifically related to surveillance and infrastructure. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale, multi-year surveillance system upgrades are highly variable based on scope and technology.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Large, complex contracts like this often involve prime contractors who may then subcontract portions to smaller businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor meets performance milestones and stays within budget, especially given the long contract term. The agency's program management will be key to accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration (over 13 years)
- Potential for scope creep
- Dependence on a single contractor
- Lack of small business participation noted
Tags
electrical-contractors-and-other-wiring-, department-of-homeland-security, va, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $216.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS ONE SOURCE LLC. REMOTE VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM UPGRADE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS ONE SOURCE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $216.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-07-26. End: 2026-09-29.
What specific technological advancements does this upgrade entail, and how do they justify the significant investment?
The upgrade likely involves transitioning from older analog or limited digital systems to more advanced, high-definition, and potentially AI-enabled video surveillance. This could include features like improved night vision, wider coverage areas, better data analytics for threat detection, and integration with other security systems. The justification rests on enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of border monitoring, potentially reducing manual effort and improving response times to security incidents.
Given the long contract duration, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of technological obsolescence or contractor underperformance?
The contract likely includes phased delivery schedules, performance metrics, and potential incentives or penalties tied to milestones. Regular reviews and potential contract modifications to incorporate necessary technological updates could be stipulated. The firm fixed-price nature provides some cost control, but ongoing oversight is essential to ensure the contractor maintains performance and adapts to evolving technological requirements throughout the contract's life.
How will the effectiveness of this remote video surveillance system upgrade be measured to ensure taxpayer value?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as improved detection rates of unauthorized crossings, reduced response times by border patrol agents, enhanced situational awareness in critical areas, and the system's uptime and reliability. Post-implementation reviews and operational data analysis will be crucial to assess whether the upgrade meets its intended security objectives and provides a tangible return on the significant taxpayer investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Wico Limited
Address: 3211 JERMANTOWN ROAD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $216,530,542
Exercised Options: $216,530,542
Current Obligation: $216,530,542
Actual Outlays: $36,243,696
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 184
Total Subaward Amount: $44,899,368
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-07-26
Current End Date: 2026-09-29
Potential End Date: 2026-09-29 17:24:46
Last Modified: 2026-03-05
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