DoD Awards $18.8M for Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) to DRS Network & Imaging Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,813,005 ($18.8M)

Contractor: DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-07-29

End Date: 2025-12-01

Contract Duration: 1,951 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: JOINT EFFECTS TARGETING SYSTEM (JETS)

Place of Performance

Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32935

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.8 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: JOINT EFFECTS TARGETING SYSTEM (JETS) Key points: 1. The contract is for the Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS), a critical component for military operations. 2. DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability or existing relationship. 3. The contract spans over five years, suggesting a long-term need and potential for follow-on work. 4. The award is a Firm Fixed Price type, which generally provides cost certainty for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $18.8M over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for a specialized system like JETS. Benchmarking against similar complex targeting systems would provide a more definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method typically fosters competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through market forces.

Public Impact

Enhances battlefield situational awareness and targeting accuracy for military personnel. Supports joint operations by integrating targeting data across different branches of the military. Contributes to the modernization of military equipment and technology. Potential for improved mission success rates due to enhanced targeting capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in if JETS becomes a proprietary standard.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical system.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting market research was conducted.
Long-term contract indicates a sustained and validated need for the system.

Sector Analysis

The Department of Defense frequently procures advanced electronic systems for defense applications. Spending in this sector is driven by technological advancements and national security requirements. The NAICS code 334511 covers a broad range of navigation and guidance systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the award went to DRS Network & Imaging Systems LLC, a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business participation or subcontracting goals in the provided information.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army is the contracting agency, responsible for oversight. The contract duration and value suggest a need for robust program management and performance monitoring to ensure effective use of funds.

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

Sole awardee to a large business.
Long contract duration (over 5 years).
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Critical system dependency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.8 million to DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC. JOINT EFFECTS TARGETING SYSTEM (JETS)

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 $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-29. End: 2025-12-01.

What is the specific technological advantage JETS provides over previous targeting systems, and how does this translate to mission effectiveness?

The Joint Effects Targeting System (JETS) likely offers enhanced precision, faster target acquisition, and improved integration capabilities compared to older systems. This translates to mission effectiveness by reducing collateral damage, increasing the probability of successful engagement, and providing real-time battlefield intelligence to commanders, ultimately saving lives and resources.

What are the key risks associated with relying on a single vendor for the JETS system over its five-year lifecycle?

Key risks include potential price increases in future modifications or sustainment, limited leverage for negotiating favorable terms, and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions if the vendor faces operational issues. There's also a risk of technological stagnation if the vendor does not continuously innovate, potentially leaving the DoD with an outdated system.

How does the firm fixed price contract structure mitigate cost overruns for the Department of Defense on this $18.8M award?

A firm fixed price (FFP) contract shifts the majority of the cost risk to the contractor. The government agrees to pay a set price, and the contractor is responsible for completing the work within that budget. This structure provides the DoD with cost certainty and protects against unexpected cost increases, assuming the initial price was set appropriately based on realistic cost estimates.

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: W91CRB16R0017

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: $18,813,005

Exercised Options: $18,813,005

Current Obligation: $18,813,005

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 48

Total Subaward Amount: $15,331,749

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91CRB16D0028

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline