DoD Awards $42.4M for 3rd Gen FLIR LRIP Dewar Cooler Bench Program to DRS Network & Imaging Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,446,723 ($42.4M)
Contractor: DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-08-23
End Date: 2028-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,987 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: THE THIRD GENERATION FORWARD LOOKING INFRARED (3GEN FLIR) LRIP LOW RATE INITIAL PRODUCTION (LRIP) DEWAR COOLER BENCH (DCB) PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32935
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $42.4 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: THE THIRD GENERATION FORWARD LOOKING INFRARED (3GEN FLIR) LRIP LOW RATE INITIAL PRODUCTION (LRIP) DEWAR COOLER BENCH (DCB) PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract is for the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of Dewar Cooler Bench (DCB) systems. 2. DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract has a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type. 4. The NAICS code 334511 indicates manufacturing of Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical Systems and Instruments.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $42.4M for LRIP seems reasonable for specialized defense components. Benchmarking against similar advanced sensor production contracts would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally expected to yield fair pricing, though specific bid details are not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced military hardware, supporting national defense capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances the capabilities of military platforms with advanced infrared sensing technology. Supports the production of critical components for defense systems. Contributes to the technological advancement in the defense sector. Ensures the availability of next-generation sensor technology for the Department of the Army.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in LRIP phases if production challenges arise.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical component manufacturing.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
- Long-term contract duration allows for stable production planning.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on advanced sensor systems. Spending benchmarks for similar LRIP contracts for specialized electronic components are typically in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC, is a large business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting participation in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Army. Oversight would involve monitoring production milestones, quality control, and adherence to the FFP terms to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost growth if LRIP uncovers unforeseen production challenges.
- Sole awardee may limit future competitive pricing.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical technology.
- Long contract duration could be subject to changing technological requirements.
Tags
search-detection-navigation-guidance-aer, department-of-defense, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $42.4 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC. THE THIRD GENERATION FORWARD LOOKING INFRARED (3GEN FLIR) LRIP LOW RATE INITIAL PRODUCTION (LRIP) DEWAR COOLER BENCH (DCB) PROGRAM
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 $42.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-08-23. End: 2028-01-31.
What is the projected unit cost for the Dewar Cooler Bench (DCB) and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar technologies?
The provided data does not include specific unit cost breakdowns or quantities, making a direct per-unit cost comparison impossible. To assess value, further analysis would be needed on the total contract value divided by the number of units to be produced, and then compared against benchmarks for advanced infrared cooling systems used in military applications.
What are the specific risks associated with the LRIP phase for this 3rd Gen FLIR system, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Risks during LRIP often include manufacturing complexities, supply chain disruptions for specialized components, and potential design refinements impacting cost and schedule. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous testing, close supplier management, and contingency planning by the contractor and the DoD. Specifics for this program are not detailed in the provided data.
How will the successful production and integration of these 3rd Gen FLIR DCB systems impact the operational effectiveness of the platforms they are intended for?
The 3rd Gen FLIR DCB systems are expected to significantly enhance the performance of military platforms by providing superior target detection, identification, and tracking capabilities in various conditions. Improved infrared sensing leads to better situational awareness for warfighters, potentially increasing mission success rates and reducing collateral damage.
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: FIRE CONTROL EQPT.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W909MY22R0001
Offers Received: 3
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: $77,296,235
Exercised Options: $42,446,723
Current Obligation: $42,446,723
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $185,911
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-08-23
Current End Date: 2028-01-31
Potential End Date: 2028-01-31 12:01:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-25
More Contracts from DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC
- Federal Contract — $379.5M (Department of Defense)
- Federal Contract — $330.7M (Department of Defense)
- NRE; Igf::ot::igf R&D Contract for Daircm — $232.0M (Department of Defense)
- Missile Spares Procurement — $161.6M (Department of Defense)
- Mfocs Order — $142.0M (Department of Defense)
View all DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)