DoD Awards $13.1M for Undersea Sensor Systems, Highlighting Specialized Naval Technology Needs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,128,228 ($13.1M)
Contractor: Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2004-12-20
End Date: 2008-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,165 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: 200504!A01338!1700!N00164!CRANE DIVISION NAVAL SURFACE !N0016405C6770 !A!N! !N! ! !20041220!20061220!046185794!046185794!046185794!N!UNDERSEA SENSOR SYSTEMS INC !4578 EAST PARK 30 DRIVE !COLUMBIA CITY !IN!46725!14716!183!18!COLUMBIA CITY !WHITLEY !INDIANA !+000003443936!N!N!000000000000!5845!UNDERWATER SOUND EQUIPMENT !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !334511!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !A!N!J!2!002!N!3A!A!N!A! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !Z!Z!A!A!000!A!C!Y! ! ! ! !1719!N00019!0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA CITY, WHITLEY County, INDIANA, 46725
State: Indiana Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.1 million to UNDERSEA SENSOR SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: 200504!A01338!1700!N00164!CRANE DIVISION NAVAL SURFACE !N0016405C6770 !A!N! !N! ! !20041220!20061220!046185794!046185794!046185794!N!UNDERSEA SENSOR SYSTEMS INC !4578 EAST PARK 30 DRIVE !COLUMBIA CITY !IN!46725!14716!183!18!COLUMBIA CITY !WHIT… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc. for specialized naval equipment. 2. Focus on underwater sound equipment suggests critical defense applications. 3. Potential for high-value, niche technology development within the defense sector. 4. Competition method indicates a specific need met by a limited number of suppliers.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $13.1M for a duration of approximately 3.2 years appears reasonable for specialized defense systems. Benchmarking against similar niche defense contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a specific technical requirement that may have limited the pool of eligible bidders. This method can impact price discovery if the exclusion is not well-justified.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical defense capabilities, with the effectiveness of the spending dependent on the necessity and performance of the acquired systems.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Navy's undersea surveillance and operational capabilities. Supports advanced technological development in a critical defense sector. Potential for job creation and economic activity in Indiana. Ensures readiness for naval operations requiring sophisticated sensor technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical components.
- Potential for technological obsolescence in a rapidly evolving field.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a specific and critical defense requirement.
- Supports a U.S.-based company for specialized manufacturing.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically focusing on electronics and communication equipment for naval applications. Spending in this area is driven by national security needs and technological advancements in surveillance and defense systems.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a prime contractor, Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc., which is not indicated as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy, as the contracting agency, is responsible for oversight. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) and duration suggest a defined scope, but ongoing monitoring of performance and delivery is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about potential price inflation.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical defense technology.
- Risk of technological obsolescence if not regularly updated.
- Need for robust oversight to ensure performance and delivery standards are met.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, in, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.1 million to UNDERSEA SENSOR SYSTEMS, INC.. 200504!A01338!1700!N00164!CRANE DIVISION NAVAL SURFACE !N0016405C6770 !A!N! !N! ! !20041220!20061220!046185794!046185794!046185794!N!UNDERSEA SENSOR SYSTEMS INC !4578 EAST PARK 30 DRIVE !COLUMBIA CITY !IN!46725!14716!183!18!COLUMBIA CITY !WHITLEY !INDIANA !+000003443936!N!N!000000000000!5845!UNDERWATER SOUND EQUIPMENT !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION EQUIP !000 !* !334511!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !202
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNDERSEA SENSOR SYSTEMS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-12-20. End: 2008-02-28.
What specific undersea threats or operational requirements necessitate this type of specialized sensor system, and how does it compare to existing capabilities?
The contract specifies 'Underwater Sound Equipment,' likely for sonar and acoustic detection systems crucial for submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, and general maritime surveillance. These systems are vital for maintaining situational awareness in complex undersea environments and countering evolving threats from adversaries. Their effectiveness is measured against mission success rates and the ability to detect and classify underwater objects accurately.
What is the justification for excluding other potential sources, and how was the pricing determined to be fair and reasonable under these conditions?
The justification for excluding other sources likely stems from unique technical specifications, proprietary technology, or specific performance requirements that only Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc. could meet. Pricing was determined under a Firm Fixed Price contract, implying that the contractor proposed a price for a defined scope of work. The government's contracting officers would have assessed this price for reasonableness based on historical data, cost estimates, or other market research available.
What is the long-term strategic value of investing in this specific type of undersea sensor technology, considering potential advancements and alternative solutions?
Investing in advanced undersea sensor technology is strategically vital for maintaining a technological edge in naval warfare and intelligence gathering. While alternative solutions may emerge, current systems like those provided by Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc. are critical for immediate operational needs. The long-term value depends on the system's adaptability, upgradeability, and its contribution to overall naval dominance in the undersea domain.
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: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Undersea Sensor Systems Inc (UEI: 349084822)
Address: 4578 EAST PARK 30 DRIVE, COLUMBIA CITY, IN, 03
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-12-20
Current End Date: 2008-02-28
Potential End Date: 2008-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-03-13
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