DAGR GPS Receiver Program Hits $120M

DAGR GPS

Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Cedar Rapids, IA received a $5.2 million firm fixed price contract modification. This contract modification exercises production options for the purchase of an additional 2,148 Defense Advanced Global Positioning Satellite Receivers (DAGRs) and accessories.

To date, the US and its allies have spent approximately $120 million for DAGR systems, and received nearly 48,000 systems excluding initial test deliveries (see all related contracts).

The DAGR provides a Precise Positioning System, using a hand-held, dual-frequency, lightweight receiver of less than one pound that incorporates the next generation, tamper-resistant Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) “SAASM” (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) security module. In the field, DAGR supplements the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) and is interoperable with PLGR integrated platforms (adapters permissible). It is anticipated to have a ten-year service life, and will eventually replace PLGR.

DAGR provides real-time position, velocity, navigation, and timing (PVNT) information in a standalone receiver. Ground personnel, indirect fire weapon systems like artillery and mortars, and armored vehicles can all use them. The DAGR can also be used as a secondary or supplemental aid to air missions in slower aircraft like helicopters; and as an aid to navigation in water-borne operations such as for combat swimmers, submarines, and watercraft. Fielding began with the 2nd Brigade of the USA’s 82nd Airborne Infantry Division on December 2004.

DAGR was designed to be an easy to use, highly reliable, device that requires minimal training. They are maintained by the developer, with field service designed to be limited to battery change out and self-test. The procurement program took advantage of the availability of a broad industry product line of hand-held GPS receivers, and the results of GPS program sponsored Program Research & Development Announcement (PRDA) contracts for advanced security devices. The program also had to maximize flexibility in ordering of products, to accommodate a broad customer base with diverse funding and ordering requirements.

The result is that DoD, Federal Civilian agencies (approximately 10) and Allied countries (approximately 31) can order and receive identical products at DoD quantity pricing, with value added functionality, performance, and a range of compatible accessories funded by the overall size of the program (see planned upgrade schedule). Thus far, DAGR customers have included the American government, as well as Australia, Canada, France and Germany.

This particular contract modification supports foreign military sales to Australia, as well as sales to American government clients. Work will be complete by June 2006. The Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA issued the contract (F04701-02-C-0011, P00028).