DHS awards $4.39M contract for mobile handset location equipment to L3Harris Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,386,500 ($4.4M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-22

End Date: 2026-01-27

Contract Duration: 1,223 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EQUIPMENT TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF TARGETED MOBILE HANDSETS TO INVESTIGATE CRIMES AND THREATS.

Place of Performance

Location: MELBOURNE, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32902

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $4.4 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: EQUIPMENT TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF TARGETED MOBILE HANDSETS TO INVESTIGATE CRIMES AND THREATS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for equipment to locate targeted mobile handsets for crime and threat investigations. 2. The contract value represents a significant investment in advanced surveillance technology for law enforcement. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive bidding process. 4. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs for the government. 5. The duration of the contract extends over several years, indicating a long-term need. 6. The equipment is intended to support critical national security and law enforcement operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.39 million for mobile handset location equipment appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the technology. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without more specific technical details, but the price seems aligned with advanced surveillance solutions. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the Department of Homeland Security.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but this approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The agency likely sought the best value solution through a broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing for essential equipment.

Public Impact

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will benefit from enhanced capabilities in investigating crimes and threats. The delivered equipment will aid in locating targeted mobile handsets, crucial for intelligence gathering. The contract's impact is primarily national, supporting federal law enforcement efforts across the United States. This procurement supports the technology sector by engaging a manufacturer of advanced communications equipment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence if not regularly updated.
Dependence on a single contractor for specialized equipment and potential support.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Long contract duration indicates a sustained need and potential for ongoing support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology and Communications sector, specifically related to wireless communications equipment manufacturing. The market for such surveillance technology is specialized, with a few key players capable of developing and supplying advanced solutions. The value of this contract is modest within the broader federal IT spending landscape but significant for the specific niche of mobile device tracking.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless L3Harris Technologies voluntarily engages small businesses in its supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officers and program managers. Transparency is generally maintained through federal contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified goods. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) surveillance technology procurements
National Security Agency (NSA) communications equipment contracts
Department of Justice (DOJ) law enforcement technology acquisitions

Risk Flags

Privacy concerns related to location tracking
Data security and potential for breaches
Technological obsolescence
Dependence on contractor for specialized support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $4.4 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. EQUIPMENT TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF TARGETED MOBILE HANDSETS TO INVESTIGATE CRIMES AND THREATS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-22. End: 2026-01-27.

What is the specific technical capability of the mobile handset location equipment being procured?

The provided data describes the equipment's purpose as 'EQUIPMENT TO DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF TARGETED MOBILE HANDSETS TO INVESTIGATE CRIMES AND THREATS.' However, specific technical capabilities such as range, accuracy, types of mobile technologies supported (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), data acquisition methods (e.g., cellular triangulation, GPS, Wi-Fi sniffing), and encryption standards are not detailed in the summary. Understanding these specifics would be crucial for assessing the equipment's effectiveness and comparing it to alternative solutions or market standards.

How does the $4.39 million contract value compare to similar procurements for mobile location technology by federal agencies?

Direct comparison of the $4.39 million contract value is difficult without knowing the exact specifications and quantities of the equipment. However, federal agencies frequently procure various forms of surveillance and location tracking technology. For instance, contracts for body-worn cameras, license plate readers, or broader network monitoring systems can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars. Given that this contract is for specialized mobile handset location equipment, the $4.39 million appears to be a moderate investment. A more precise benchmark would require access to detailed contract award data for similar items, including technical capabilities and the number of units procured.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate the success of this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or metrics for evaluating the success of this contract. Typically, for equipment procurement contracts, success is measured by factors such as timely delivery, adherence to technical specifications, equipment reliability and uptime, accuracy of location data, and successful integration with existing agency systems. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting the defined scope and specifications is a primary measure of success. Performance evaluations might also include user feedback from ICE agents.

What is L3Harris Technologies' track record with similar federal contracts, particularly for surveillance or location technology?

L3Harris Technologies is a well-established defense contractor with a broad portfolio that includes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems, electronic warfare, and communications. They have a significant history of securing and performing on large federal contracts, including those with the Department of Defense and various intelligence agencies. While specific details on their past performance with mobile handset location equipment are not provided here, their general profile suggests they possess the technical expertise and capacity to deliver on such requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history would reveal specific past performance ratings and any relevant past issues.

What is the anticipated operational lifespan and potential for future upgrades or follow-on contracts for this equipment?

The current contract has an estimated completion date of January 27, 2026, with a duration of 1223 days (approximately 3.35 years) from the start date of September 22, 2022. This suggests a medium-term operational lifespan for the initial deployment. Given the rapid evolution of mobile technology and surveillance techniques, it is common for agencies to plan for future upgrades or replacements. It is plausible that ICE may seek follow-on contracts for newer versions of this equipment or for maintenance and support services beyond the initial contract period, especially if the technology proves effective.

Are there any known risks associated with the use of this type of technology, such as privacy concerns or data security vulnerabilities?

The use of technology to locate mobile handsets inherently raises privacy concerns, as it involves tracking individuals' locations, potentially without their explicit consent, for investigative purposes. Federal agencies are expected to operate under legal frameworks (like warrants or specific legal authorities) that govern such surveillance. Data security is another critical risk; the collected location data must be protected against unauthorized access, breaches, or misuse. The contract's effectiveness and legality depend heavily on adherence to privacy regulations and robust cybersecurity measures implemented by both the contractor and the agency.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc

Address: 221 JEFFERSON RIDGE PKWY, LYNCHBURG, VA, 24501

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,386,500

Exercised Options: $4,386,500

Current Obligation: $4,386,500

Actual Outlays: $3,728,074

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B04C19D00000012

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline