ICE Plans to Buy Boston Dynamics Robot Dogs Without Competition
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has revealed its intention to purchase a fleet of Boston Dynamics SPOT robots, as revealed by Joseph Cox for 404 Media. The procurement plan, found in the Department of Homeland Security’s Acquisition Planning Forecast System, outlines a $1m to $2m spend on the robots.
Purpose of Purchase
ICE seeks these robots for "inspection, situational awareness, and hazard assessment in environments that may pose risks to personnel." The agency believes this capability "helps improve officer safety" by enabling them to access "dangerous, confined, unstable, or difficult-to-access areas."
Procurement Details
- No Competition: ICE intends to purchase the robots without a formal bidding process, utilizing a simplified route for commercial off-the-shelf items (FAR Subpart 13.5).
- Location: The robots will be deployed at Fort Benning, Georgia, an Army installation.
- Timeline: The solicitation is scheduled to be issued on September 4th, with an expected award in the last quarter of the fiscal year. Project completion is anticipated by April 2027.
- Pricing: While specific numbers aren’t disclosed, historical pricing for Spot units suggests ICE may be purchasing a low tens of robots, along with accessories and support.
Accompanying Purchase
The same week, ICE also awarded a $16.7 million contract for 6,000 pairs of electric shock gloves to Compliant Technologies, without competition. These gloves deliver shocks to bare skin when activated by officers in high-tension situations. A group of senators had previously expressed concerns about the safety of such devices.