DoD's $9.5M R&D contract to L3Harris Technologies aims to advance data-centric modeling from sensor inputs
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,506,584 ($9.5M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-12-12
End Date: 2026-12-11
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NON-PERSONAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND STUDIES TO SUPPORT TO RECEIVE MULTIPLE DATA INPUTS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES TO ALLOW MOVING FROM A SENSOR PHENOMENOLOGY TO A DATA CENTRIC MODEL.
Place of Performance
Location: PATRICK AFB, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32925
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: NON-PERSONAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND STUDIES TO SUPPORT TO RECEIVE MULTIPLE DATA INPUTS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES TO ALLOW MOVING FROM A SENSOR PHENOMENOLOGY TO A DATA CENTRIC MODEL. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development for advanced data processing. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. Performance period spans three years, indicating a medium-term investment in R&D. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can present cost control challenges. 5. This award aligns with broader DoD initiatives to modernize data infrastructure. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to specialized scientific research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and comparable project data. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays actual costs plus a fixed fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. While the total award is $9.5 million, the value proposition hinges on the successful development of the data-centric model and its future applications, which are inherently uncertain in R&D.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This approach is generally favored for promoting competitive pricing and innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a robust market response.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs through market forces and encourages a wider pool of contractors to offer their best solutions.
Public Impact
The Department of Defense benefits from advancements in sensor data processing and modeling. This contract supports the development of technologies that could enhance intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness. The research may lead to improved decision-making capabilities for military personnel. Workforce implications include potential demand for specialized R&D personnel in data science and engineering.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
- The success of R&D projects is inherently uncertain and may not yield the expected outcomes.
- Ensuring effective knowledge transfer and utilization of the developed data-centric model will be crucial.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment.
- The contract supports a critical area of defense modernization.
- L3Harris Technologies is a known entity in defense contracting, potentially bringing relevant expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. This sector is characterized by high innovation and significant government investment, particularly from defense agencies seeking technological superiority. The market size for defense R&D is substantial, with agencies like the Department of Defense being major clients. This contract fits within the broader trend of digital transformation and data analytics adoption across various industries, including defense.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and there is no specific small business set-aside (ss) mentioned for this contract. This suggests that the primary award was not targeted towards small businesses. However, the prime contractor, L3Harris Technologies, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on the project's needs and their subcontracting plans.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force, under the Department of Defense. Mechanisms would include regular progress reports, financial reviews, and technical evaluations to ensure the contractor is meeting milestones and managing costs effectively. Transparency is typically maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific R&D details might be sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- DoD Research and Development Programs
- Advanced Data Analytics Initiatives
- Sensor Technology Development
- Information Warfare Research
- Defense Science and Technology Strategy
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful cost management.
- R&D project success is inherently uncertain.
- Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contracts.
- Need for robust technical oversight to ensure R&D objectives are met.
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, research-and-development, data-analytics, sensor-technology, l3harris-technologies, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, florida, non-personal-services, studies-and-research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. NON-PERSONAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND STUDIES TO SUPPORT TO RECEIVE MULTIPLE DATA INPUTS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES TO ALLOW MOVING FROM A SENSOR PHENOMENOLOGY TO A DATA CENTRIC MODEL.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $9.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-12-12. End: 2026-12-11.
What is L3Harris Technologies' track record with similar R&D contracts for the Department of Defense?
L3Harris Technologies has a significant history of performing R&D and complex technology integration for the Department of Defense. They are a major defense contractor with extensive experience in areas like C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), electronic warfare, and space systems. Analyzing their past performance on similar cost-plus contracts would involve reviewing contract databases for on-time delivery, cost performance, and technical success rates. While specific R&D project outcomes are often classified or proprietary, their consistent presence as a prime contractor suggests a generally satisfactory performance history, though individual contract performance can vary.
How does the $9.5 million value compare to similar R&D efforts in data-centric modeling?
Comparing the $9.5 million value of this contract to similar R&D efforts in data-centric modeling requires access to a broader dataset of comparable projects. However, R&D contracts in advanced fields like data analytics, AI, and sensor fusion for defense applications can range widely in cost, from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and technological complexity. This particular contract appears to be a medium-sized award for a specific R&D objective. Its value should be assessed against the novelty of the approach, the expertise required, and the potential long-term strategic benefits it aims to deliver, rather than just the dollar amount in isolation.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for R&D?
The primary risks with a CPFF contract structure, especially for R&D, revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. In a CPFF arrangement, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs, as their profit margin remains constant regardless of the total expenditure. For R&D, where technical challenges and unforeseen issues are common, this structure necessitates rigorous government oversight to monitor costs, ensure efficiency, and prevent scope creep. The risk for the government is that the final cost could significantly exceed initial estimates if not managed proactively.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring value for money on this R&D contract?
Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money, as it allows the widest possible range of qualified contractors to bid, fostering a competitive environment that can drive down prices and encourage innovation. For this R&D contract, it means the Department of the Air Force likely received proposals from multiple sources, allowing them to select the offer that provides the best combination of technical merit and price. However, the effectiveness in R&D is also contingent on the clarity of the requirements and the evaluation criteria. If the technical requirements are well-defined and the evaluation process is robust, full and open competition significantly increases the likelihood of achieving good value.
What are the potential long-term implications if this data-centric modeling R&D is successful?
If the R&D for this data-centric model is successful, the long-term implications for the Department of Defense could be substantial. It could lead to a more integrated and efficient approach to managing vast amounts of data generated by various sensors, improving situational awareness and decision-making speed. This could enhance intelligence analysis, enable more effective targeting, and streamline operational planning. Furthermore, a successful data-centric model could serve as a foundational element for future advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning applications within defense, and the development of more resilient and adaptable military systems.
What is the historical spending trend for NAICS code 541715 within the Department of Defense?
Historical spending within NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) by the Department of Defense has consistently been in the billions of dollars annually. This category represents a core area of investment for the DoD, reflecting its continuous need for technological advancement across all domains. Spending trends within this sector are influenced by national security priorities, emerging threats, and the pace of technological innovation globally. The DoD is typically one of the largest federal agencies awarding contracts under this NAICS code, focusing on areas like advanced materials, aerospace engineering, cybersecurity research, and complex systems integration.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 2400 PALM BAY RD NE, PALM BAY, FL, 32905
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: $15,180,671
Exercised Options: $15,180,671
Current Obligation: $9,506,584
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA702223D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-12-12
Current End Date: 2026-12-11
Potential End Date: 2026-12-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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