DHS Orders OpenWorks Vision Pace Counter-UAS System Through Amentum Contract

OpenWorks Engineering has received a purchase order to supply its Vision Pace counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), supporting the DHS Science and Technology Directorate. The purchase was placed through Amentum’s Department of Defense Information Analysis Center Multiple Award Contract (DoD IAC MAC). The reporting describes an order under an existing vehicle—not a new, open solicitation—so the acquisition is most relevant to contractors assessing task-order access, authorized agency use, and demand signals for deployable counter-drone systems. The order’s dollar value, system quantity, delivery schedule, and intended deployment locations have not been disclosed.

The underlying DoD IAC MAC is an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract awarded to Amentum by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron. It supports a broad range of mission-critical research and development capabilities, including research, development, testing, and evaluation work. Although defense-led, the vehicle can be used by authorized federal agencies, including DHS, to obtain services and capabilities. This purchase illustrates how a contract established for defense-related needs can also serve other government missions when the agency and requirement are eligible under its terms. Companies should verify vehicle scope, ordering procedures, and agency authorization before treating it as an accessible route to market.

Vision Pace is designed to detect, track, identify, and locate aerial threats from stationary installations or mobile platforms. OpenWorks says the system, introduced in 2025, combines imaging technology with a direct-drive, low-friction positioner to stabilize tracking of highly dynamic targets. Its configurable architecture can use built-in twin-AI modules or third-party classifiers and trackers. Reported features include integrated radar and sensor fusion, a laser range finder for geospatial target reporting, and a Rapid Deployment Kit with an integral battery pack, storage space, and purpose-designed lifting points. Together, these characteristics position the system for varied operational settings, though the available reporting does not establish how DHS will configure or deploy the order.

For contractors, the procurement is a market signal rather than evidence of a broad competition or a confirmed follow-on requirement. Reporting cites protection of major events, sensitive locations, and critical infrastructure as potential applications, but does not identify a specific mission site or deployment. OpenWorks Chief Commercial Officer James Cross said, “The precision and accuracy afforded by Vision Pace will contribute significantly to ensuring security for U.S. citizens and international visitors.” A separate report also quoted Cross describing high-profile U.S. sporting and cultural events as settings where security requirements may be consequential. These comments provide context for the vendor’s positioning, not confirmation of DHS deployment plans. Interested suppliers can monitor DHS and Science and Technology Directorate activity, Amentum’s contract-related announcements, and future requirements involving detection, tracking, identification, or geospatial reporting.

• Award type: Purchase order to OpenWorks Engineering for its Vision Pace C-UAS system in support of DHS and the DHS Science and Technology Directorate.
• Contracting route: Placed under Amentum’s DoD IAC MAC, an existing IDIQ contract; the reported action is not a new open solicitation.
• Underlying award: Amentum received the DoD IAC MAC from the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron for mission-critical research and development capabilities.
• Cross-agency relevance: The defense-led vehicle can support requirements from authorized federal agencies, including DHS, subject to its terms and ordering rules.
• System functions: Vision Pace is designed to detect, track, identify, and target or locate aerial threats from stationary or mobile platforms.
• Technical features: Reported capabilities include stabilized imaging, a direct-drive low-friction positioner, twin-AI or third-party classification and tracking options, radar integration, sensor fusion, and laser rangefinding for geospatial target reporting.
• Mobility: The Rapid Deployment Kit includes an integral battery, storage space, and lifting points; the system is described as configurable, lightweight, and compact.
• Commercial details unavailable: The order’s value, quantity, delivery timeline, and deployment locations were not disclosed.
• Practical takeaway: Contractors should distinguish this vehicle-based order from an open competition and monitor for authorized agency requirements or follow-on opportunities; potential event and sensitive-site applications remain unconfirmed.