DoD Grants Hidden Level $100M for Counter-Drone Technology Deployment

In a significant move to bolster its counter-drone capabilities, the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded Hidden Level, a technology company specializing in radar and sensing solutions, a $100 million Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract. This agreement is set to scale and unleash passive radar and radio frequency (RF) sensing technologies specifically designed for counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) missions. As drone threats to national security continue to proliferate, this kind of technology becomes increasingly essential for effective defense operations.

The OTA mechanism allows for expedited procurement processes, enabling defense agencies to bypass traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) pathways. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering initiated this procurement through the Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, and in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). Such streamlined channels are critical for encouraging innovative technology firms, particularly those in the burgeoning fields of sensor development, to work directly with military customers. This contract exemplifies how the DoD is leveraging OTAs to directly engage with emerging technology providers, fostering a more agile and responsive procurement environment.

This contract follows Hidden Level's impressive past performance in critical evaluations such as Technology Readiness Experimentation 25.2 and Falcon Peak 25.2, where the company showcased its advanced capabilities in passive sensing technology. Hidden Level also earned recognition as a top performer in the DIU’s Low-Cost Sensing Challenge, evidencing its technology's readiness for deployment. CEO Jeff Cole remarked, “This award is an important step to delivering our critically needed technology to see without being seen.” This statement underscores the revolutionary nature of passive radar technology, which can detect RF energy from UAS without emitting counter signals, ensuring stealthy surveillance operations.

Furthermore, the OTA allows the DoD to engage with Hidden Level for end-to-end support, encompassing prototyping, integration, and large-scale deployment of their systems. Their array of products, including the BREAKER, SURGE, BYOTx, and Airspace Monitoring Service, are designed to operate on an open architecture that facilitates compatibility with existing military command-and-control infrastructures. This is crucial for ensuring seamless integration into ongoing military operations.

As the contract progresses, the manufacturing of both hardware and software will occur in Syracuse, New York, benefitting from a domestically sourced supply chain. This aligns with broader procurement strategies aimed at enhancing national security through local partnerships while ensuring the resilience of military technological assets.

In summary, the $100 million OTA awarded to Hidden Level not only marks a pivotal investment in counter-UAS technology but also signifies a larger strategic direction for the DoD towards swift, innovative procurement methods. This award invites participation from contractors specializing in cutting-edge sensing technologies and reflects growing opportunities for companies engaged in defense R&D, particularly in the realm of advanced sensing capabilities.

• The contract is valued at $100 million under the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) framework.
• Managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
• Collaboration involves the Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).
• Hidden Level’s product suite includes BREAKER, SURGE, BYOTx, and Airspace Monitoring Service.
• Technology developed under this contract can detect UAS without emitting signals, enhancing stealth.
• Contract manufacturing to occur in Syracuse, New York, supporting U.S. supply chains.
• Enables direct military engagement with tech firms through accelerated prototyping and integration.
• Strong emphasis on maintaining a competitive edge in the defense sector against growing drone threats.
• Reflects an increasing willingness by the DoD to innovate its procurement strategies to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Opens the door for additional contracts in the emerging field of counter-drone technologies.