DoD awards $14.8M for CSD-11 and MSC-11 systems to DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,807,505 ($14.8M)

Contractor: DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2027-11-30

Contract Duration: 791 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS TO PROCURE CHIEF OF SECTION DISPLAY 11 (CSD-11) AND MISSION COMPUTER 11 (MSC-11) UNDER ORDERING PERIOD 2.

Place of Performance

Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32935

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.8 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS TO PROCURE CHIEF OF SECTION DISPLAY 11 (CSD-11) AND MISSION COMPUTER 11 (MSC-11) UNDER ORDERING PERIOD 2. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on procuring critical display and mission computer systems for the Army. 2. The award is a delivery order under an existing contract, suggesting a continuation of established needs. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 4. The duration of the order extends over two years, indicating ongoing operational requirements. 5. The procurement falls under the 'Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing' NAICS code, which may require further clarification on its direct relevance to display and computer systems. 6. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, promoting a broad range of potential suppliers.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $14.8 million for CSD-11 and MSC-11 systems appears reasonable given the two-year performance period. Without specific details on the number of units or the complexity of the systems, a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the contractor has assumed the risk for cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government. Benchmarking against similar procurements for specialized electronic systems would provide a more definitive assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the solicitation was made available to all responsible sources. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method of competition is designed to foster a robust marketplace and encourage competitive pricing. The open competition suggests that the Army sought the best value from a wide range of potential suppliers, which should theoretically lead to more favorable pricing and innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the government receives the best possible value for its investment. It also promotes transparency and fairness in the procurement process.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army, which will receive updated display and mission computer systems. These systems are crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities and situational awareness of soldiers. The contract supports the modernization of military equipment, ensuring readiness and effectiveness. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of Defense's operational theaters, though manufacturing may occur elsewhere. The contract supports jobs within the defense manufacturing and technology sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The NAICS code 'Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing' seems incongruous with the procurement of display and mission computer systems, raising questions about the classification or the specific nature of the systems being procured.
Lack of detailed technical specifications or unit quantities makes it difficult to fully assess the value proposition and potential for cost efficiencies.
The long performance period (over two years) could introduce risks related to technological obsolescence if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition is a positive signal for competitive pricing and access to a broad supplier base.
The firm fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor, which is beneficial for budget predictability.
The award is a delivery order under an existing contract, implying a streamlined process and potentially leveraging pre-negotiated terms and conditions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense electronics and systems manufacturing sector. The market for military display and computing systems is specialized, often dominated by a few key contractors capable of meeting stringent military specifications for durability, performance, and security. Spending in this area is driven by the continuous need for technological upgrades to maintain a combat advantage. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other procurements of similar specialized electronic warfare or command and control systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation is not a primary focus for this specific delivery order, as the 'sb' (small business set-aside) field is false. While the prime contractor, DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC, may be a large business, there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting goals for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist and if they are being utilized to engage the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified goods within agreed-upon terms. Transparency is facilitated by the contract's award under full and open competition, with public contract data available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Army Command and Control Systems
Military Display Technology Procurement
Defense Mission Computer Systems
Tactical Computing Systems
Electronic Warfare Systems

Risk Flags

NAICS code mismatch
Lack of detailed technical specifications
Potential for technological obsolescence over contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.8 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC. THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS TO PROCURE CHIEF OF SECTION DISPLAY 11 (CSD-11) AND MISSION COMPUTER 11 (MSC-11) UNDER ORDERING PERIOD 2.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2027-11-30.

What is the specific function and technical capability of the CSD-11 and MSC-11 systems being procured?

The provided data indicates the procurement of Chief of Section Display 11 (CSD-11) and Mission Computer 11 (MSC-11) systems. While the exact technical specifications are not detailed, these systems are generally understood to be critical components of military platforms. The CSD-11 likely refers to a display unit providing situational awareness and operational data to a section chief or commander, while the MSC-11 would be the central processing unit responsible for managing mission-related data, navigation, communication, and potentially weapon systems control. These systems are designed to operate in harsh battlefield environments, requiring ruggedization, high reliability, and secure data handling capabilities. Their integration is crucial for effective command and control on the modern battlefield.

How does the $14.8 million award compare to historical spending on similar display and mission computer systems by the Department of the Army?

Direct historical spending comparisons for 'CSD-11' and 'MSC-11' are not readily available from the provided data. However, the $14.8 million award for a two-year period suggests a significant investment in these specialized systems. The Department of the Army procures a wide array of computing and display hardware for various platforms, ranging from individual soldier systems to large vehicle and aircraft integration. The cost per unit for such specialized, ruggedized, and secure military-grade equipment can be substantially higher than commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equivalents due to stringent testing, certification, and performance requirements. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to identify specific past contracts for similar systems, analyze the quantities procured, and adjust for inflation and technological advancements over time.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate the success of this contract and the performance of DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for a firm fixed-price delivery order of this nature, success is typically measured by the contractor's ability to deliver the specified CSD-11 and MSC-11 systems on time, within budget (as the price is fixed), and meeting all technical performance specifications and quality standards outlined in the contract. Key metrics would likely include on-time delivery rates, defect rates (e.g., Mean Time Between Failures - MTBF), adherence to technical performance parameters (e.g., processing speed, display resolution, power consumption), and compliance with security requirements. The government would monitor these through inspections, testing, and acceptance procedures.

What is the strategic importance of the CSD-11 and MSC-11 systems to the Army's current modernization efforts or operational readiness?

The CSD-11 and MSC-11 systems are strategically important as they represent critical components for enhancing situational awareness and command and control capabilities within Army units. Modernization efforts increasingly rely on integrated digital systems that provide real-time data, improved communication, and enhanced processing power for decision-making. The CSD-11 likely serves as a primary interface for commanders or key personnel to access and interpret this data, while the MSC-11 acts as the 'brain' processing information from various sensors and subsystems to support mission execution. Upgrading these systems ensures that Army personnel have access to the latest technology, improving operational effectiveness, survivability, and the ability to conduct complex missions in contested environments.

Are there any known issues or past performance concerns related to DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC concerning similar defense electronics procurements?

The provided data does not contain information on the past performance or specific issues related to DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC for similar procurements. A comprehensive assessment of contractor track record would require accessing government performance databases (such as the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), reviewing past contract awards and modifications, and examining any documented disputes or corrective actions. Without this external data, it is not possible to definitively state whether there are known concerns. However, the award of a delivery order under full and open competition suggests that the contractor met the basic responsibility criteria at the time of award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing › Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: FIRE CONTROL EQPT.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Leonardo SPA

Address: 100 N BABCOCK ST, MELBOURNE, FL, 32935

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,807,505

Exercised Options: $14,807,505

Current Obligation: $14,807,505

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $1,093,697

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15QKN24D0035

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline