Small Business, Large Impact
Fortem Technologies has been selected as a prime contractor for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. This five-year vehicle carries a ceiling of $1.011 billion, positioning the Utah-based firm as a critical player in domestic airspace security.
Notably, Fortem is the only small business selected for Track 1, which covers hardware, software, and ancillary services. This places them alongside industry giants like Lockheed Martin and Microsoft, both of whom are on Fortem’s subcontracting team for this effort.
Autonomous Interdiction
The contract allows various DHS components: including Customs and Border Protection, the Secret Service, and the Coast Guard: to directly procure Fortem’s suite of autonomous security tools. The primary offerings include:
- DroneHunter: An autonomous interceptor capable of net-based capture of hostile drones.
- TrueView R40: Advanced radar systems for precise aerial detection.
- SkyDome: The command-and-control software that integrates the entire sensor and effector ecosystem.
Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies, noted that the selection reflects the field-proven nature of their technology. As unauthorized drone activity increases at borders and critical infrastructure, the DHS is moving toward kinetic, autonomous solutions to mitigate risks.
Field-Validated Tech
Fortem is currently the only company authorized to deploy drone-on-drone kinetic interceptors in U.S. airspace. Their systems have already seen operational deployment in conflict zones like Ukraine, as well as high-security events in the Middle East and East Asia. This DHS award cements their transition from a defense-focused niche player to a primary infrastructure security provider for the United States government.