DOT Awards $1.87B for FTI Telecom Services to Harris Corp Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,869,732,551 ($1.9B)

Contractor: Harris Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2021-07-01

End Date: 2024-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,187 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6M/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS DELIVERY ORDER AWARD IS TO ADD FUNDING FOR FTI TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $1.87 billion to HARRIS CORPORATION for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS DELIVERY ORDER AWARD IS TO ADD FUNDING FOR FTI TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES. Key points: 1. Significant award value highlights the scale of telecommunications needs. 2. Harris Corporation is a major player, indicating a competitive landscape. 3. Risk appears moderate given the established provider and contract type. 4. IT/Telecommunications sector is crucial for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value is substantial, but without specific per-unit data or comparison points, a precise value assessment is difficult. The firm fixed price structure suggests cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The pricing discovery process is likely robust.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to maximize taxpayer value by securing favorable pricing for essential telecommunications services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical FAA telecommunications infrastructure. Supports national air traffic control and communication systems. Impacts the broader telecommunications industry through a large government contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns if scope expands beyond initial estimates.
  • Dependence on a single vendor for critical infrastructure.
  • Long-term contract duration may lead to price increases over time.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Firm fixed price contract provides cost predictability.
  • Supports essential government functions.

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the IT and Telecommunications sector, a vital area for government operations. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale telecommunications contracts can vary widely based on scope and technology.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Harris Corporation, a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this specific award, suggesting limited direct impact on SMBs for this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a structured procurement process. Oversight will be crucial to ensure performance and adherence to contract terms throughout the duration.

Related Government Programs

  • Telecommunications Resellers
  • Department of Transportation Contracting
  • Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for vendor lock-in due to critical infrastructure reliance.
  • Risk of technology obsolescence if services are not regularly updated.
  • Dependence on a single large contractor for essential services.
  • Long contract duration increases exposure to market shifts.

Tags

telecommunications-resellers, department-of-transportation, dc, delivery-order, billion-dollar

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $1.87 billion to HARRIS CORPORATION. THE PURPOSE OF THIS DELIVERY ORDER AWARD IS TO ADD FUNDING FOR FTI TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HARRIS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.87 billion.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-07-01. End: 2024-09-30.

What specific telecommunications services are included in this delivery order, and how do they align with current and future FAA operational needs?

The delivery order is for FTI Telecommunications Services. While the exact breakdown isn't provided, these services typically encompass voice, data, and video communication infrastructure, crucial for air traffic control, operational coordination, and administrative functions. Ensuring these services remain modern and scalable is key to meeting evolving FAA requirements.

What mechanisms are in place to manage potential cost increases or scope creep over the nearly four-year contract period?

As a firm fixed-price contract, the primary mechanism is the agreed-upon price. However, change order processes and contract modifications would be used for any scope expansion. Robust oversight by the FAA contracting officer and technical representatives is essential to scrutinize any proposed changes and prevent uncontrolled cost increases.

How does the performance of Harris Corporation on this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar telecommunications services?

Performance benchmarks would typically involve metrics like uptime, service availability, incident response times, and customer satisfaction. Without specific performance data from this contract, a direct comparison is not possible. However, Harris Corporation's status as a major contractor suggests they are expected to meet established industry standards for reliability and service quality.

Industry Classification

NAICS: InformationWired and Wireless Telecommunications CarriersTelecommunications Resellers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONSIT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc

Address: 243 SHOEMAKER RD, POTTSTOWN, PA, 19464

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $108,853,073,270

Exercised Options: $1,869,732,551

Current Obligation: $1,869,732,551

Actual Outlays: $1,315,474,623

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFA0102D03006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-07-01

Current End Date: 2024-09-30

Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-04-08

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