Data Acquisition and Retrieval System (DARTS)

This contract is a sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award to General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. (GDMS) for the continued development and support of the Data Acquisition and Retrieval System (DARTS). DARTS is a specialized technology platform designed to collect and analyze Submarine Non-Propulsion Electronic System (NPES) data to support test and evaluation reporting. The contract supports system performance, certification, calibration, and developmental testing tied to new submarine construction and acquisition programs, as well as in-service Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) system technology refresh efforts. This effort continues from a prior contract awarded to Progeny Systems Corporation, now acquired by GDMS, and is projected to require approximately 314,020 labor hours over a five-year period. Performance takes place primarily at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT) in Rhode Island, with activities extending to several Navy test sites and onboard U.S. submarines such as the VIRGINIA and COLUMBIA Class platforms. The contract imposes stringent security and operational requirements reflecting the sensitive nature of the work. Contractors and key personnel must maintain high-level security clearances including Top Secret, Restricted Data, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, and COMSEC access, ensuring compliance with applicable DoD, Navy, and industrial security regulations and training mandates. Cybersecurity workforce certifications and privileged access agreements are enforced, with monthly reporting obligations to the government. The contract mandates adherence to strict information handling, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) protection, and Operational Security (OPSEC) programs. Government Furnished Property, including specialized test equipment, is provided and managed in accordance with federal property regulations. Performance measurement is governed by a detailed Performance Requirements Summary Table and related contract data deliverables, ensuring rigorous technical and schedule compliance. While no formal FAR Section I clauses or evaluation factor weights are consolidated, key contract provisions reference relevant FAR/DFARS clauses on cybersecurity, property management, and information assurance. The solicitation explicitly states it is not open for competition and highlights a sole-source procurement in line with SBIR Phase III provisions under the Small Business Act.