DoD Awards $102M for Short Range Air Defense System to General Dynamics

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $102,063,288 ($102.1M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Land Systems Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-07-31

End Date: 2026-01-31

Contract Duration: 915 days

Daily Burn Rate: $111.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MANEUVER - SHORT RANGE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: STERLING HEIGHTS, MACOMB County, MICHIGAN, 48310

State: Michigan Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $102.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS INC. for work described as: MANEUVER - SHORT RANGE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM Key points: 1. General Dynamics Land Systems Inc. secured a $102M contract for the MANEUVER - SHORT RANGE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM. 2. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential price discovery. 3. The award is for a firm fixed price contract, providing cost certainty for the government. 4. This spending falls within the Defense sector, specifically military vehicle manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $102M for a specialized defense system appears within a reasonable range for such complex equipment. However, without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to definitively assess if it represents the best possible value.

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 compared to a competitive environment. The rationale for sole-sourcing should be clearly documented.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to taxpayers paying more than necessary for this defense system.

Public Impact

Enhances U.S. Army's short-range air defense capabilities. Supports military readiness and national security objectives. Potential for job creation within the defense manufacturing sector. Impacts the supply chain for specialized military vehicle components.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of competition
  • Sole-source award

Positive Signals

  • Firm fixed price contract
  • Supports critical defense need

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Defense sector, specifically within the manufacturing of military vehicles and related components. Spending in this area is critical for national security but often involves high costs due to specialized technology and limited suppliers.

Small Business Impact

The prime contractor is General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which could be an area for future consideration.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army awarded this contract. Oversight should focus on ensuring the sole-source justification is robust and that the delivered system meets all technical specifications and performance requirements.

Related Government Programs

  • Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

  • Sole-source award limits competition
  • Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition
  • Dependency on a single contractor
  • Need for robust oversight on sole-source justification

Tags

military-armored-vehicle-tank-and-tank-c, department-of-defense, mi, delivery-order, 100m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $102.1 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS INC.. MANEUVER - SHORT RANGE AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS LAND SYSTEMS INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $102.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-31. End: 2026-01-31.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of viable alternatives. Agencies must conduct market research to confirm these conditions and perform a price analysis to ensure the price is fair and reasonable, often by comparing to historical data or independent cost estimates.

What are the key performance metrics for this short-range air defense system, and how will their achievement be verified?

Key performance metrics would likely include engagement range, accuracy, reaction time, mobility, and survivability. Verification would involve rigorous testing protocols, including live-fire exercises, simulated threat engagements, and operational assessments conducted by the Army to ensure the system meets or exceeds all specified requirements.

What is the projected lifecycle cost of this system, including sustainment, maintenance, and potential upgrades?

The lifecycle cost projection would encompass initial procurement, training, spare parts, maintenance, field support, and future upgrades. This analysis is crucial for long-term budget planning and ensuring the system remains effective and affordable throughout its operational life, often requiring separate contracts for sustainment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: ManufacturingOther Transportation Equipment ManufacturingMilitary Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MOTOR VEHICLES, CYCLES, TRAILERS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 38500 MOUND RD, STERLING HEIGHTS, MI, 48310

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: $102,063,288

Exercised Options: $102,063,288

Current Obligation: $102,063,288

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 15

Total Subaward Amount: $2,071,746

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q20D0039

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2023-07-31

Current End Date: 2026-01-31

Potential End Date: 2026-01-31 12:01:00

Last Modified: 2025-11-26

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