Navy Awards $29.6M for Vanilla UAS, Training to Platform Systems, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,607,487 ($29.6M)
Contractor: Platform Systems, Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-08-25
End Date: 2026-09-15
Contract Duration: 386 days
Daily Burn Rate: $76.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: VANILLA UAS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING
Place of Performance
Location: HOLLYWOOD, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20636
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $29.6 million to PLATFORM SYSTEMS, INCORPORATED for work described as: VANILLA UAS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING Key points: 1. Significant award for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and training. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Focus on aircraft manufacturing sector, a key area for defense modernization. 4. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing need for these capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $29.6 million for UAS and training is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar procurements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this significant contract could lead to suboptimal pricing, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The Department of the Navy is investing in advanced unmanned aircraft capabilities. This award could impact the market for UAS technology and training services. The duration of the contract suggests a sustained need for these assets.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Sole-source justification unclear
Positive Signals
- Acquisition of critical UAS capabilities
- Support for defense modernization efforts
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Aircraft Manufacturing sector, specifically for unmanned aerial systems. Spending in this area is critical for modern defense capabilities, but competitive pricing is essential to ensure efficiency.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this sole-source award, suggesting limited opportunity for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is needed to ensure the justification for the sole-source award is robust and that the government is receiving fair value for the funds expended.
Related Government Programs
- Aircraft Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks transparency
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited opportunity for competitive innovation
- Insufficient justification for non-competition
- Questionable taxpayer value
Tags
aircraft-manufacturing, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $29.6 million to PLATFORM SYSTEMS, INCORPORATED. VANILLA UAS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PLATFORM SYSTEMS, INCORPORATED.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-25. End: 2026-09-15.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure the best possible price?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one source can fulfill the requirement. The government should have conducted market research and potentially negotiated pricing to mitigate the lack of competition, ensuring the price is fair and reasonable based on available data and benchmarks.
How does the unit cost of these 'Vanilla UAS' compare to similar systems procured competitively by other agencies or allies?
Without competitive data, a direct comparison is challenging. However, benchmarks for similar UAS platforms procured through competitive means can be used to assess reasonableness. If this contract's pricing significantly exceeds such benchmarks, it warrants further investigation into cost efficiency and potential overspending.
What is the long-term strategic value and operational effectiveness of these specific UAS, and how does this sole-source award impact the Navy's overall readiness?
The strategic value lies in enhancing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and potentially strike capabilities. The sole-source nature of this award, while potentially meeting an immediate need, could limit future innovation and cost-effectiveness if it discourages broader market engagement or sets a precedent for non-competitive awards.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Sabre Systems, Inc.
Address: 43960 AIRPORT VIEW DR, HOLLYWOOD, MD, 20636
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,903,917
Exercised Options: $29,607,487
Current Obligation: $29,607,487
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0016425GJR96
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-25
Current End Date: 2026-09-15
Potential End Date: 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-06
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