DoD's $31.7M BIG SAFARI RJ Mission System Development Contract Awarded to L3Harris

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,720,785 ($31.7M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-02-22

End Date: 2021-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,498 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ACAT III BIG SAFARI RJ MISSION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: GREENVILLE, HUNT County, TEXAS, 75402

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.7 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: ACAT III BIG SAFARI RJ MISSION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. The contract is for mission system development, a critical component for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. 2. L3Harris Technologies is a major defense contractor, indicating significant industry experience. 3. The 'NOT COMPETED' award raises questions about the procurement process and potential missed savings. 4. The sector is IT and Defense, with a focus on specialized aircraft systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $31.7 million for a 4-year development effort is difficult to assess without specific deliverables and performance metrics. The 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost to the government compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could mean taxpayers are not receiving the best possible value for this significant investment in critical mission systems.

Public Impact

Enhances critical ISR capabilities for the Department of the Air Force. Supports advanced technology development within the defense sector. Potential for increased operational effectiveness through improved mission systems. Lack of transparency in the procurement process may impact public trust.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
CPFF contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
Lack of detailed public information on performance metrics.
Potential for higher taxpayer cost due to non-competitive award.

Positive Signals

Award to an experienced defense contractor.
Supports critical national security capabilities.
Investment in advanced mission system technology.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense sector, specifically related to IT and specialized aircraft systems. Spending benchmarks for similar ACAT III development programs are highly variable, but non-competitive awards often exceed competitive ones.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, L3Harris Technologies, is a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract, which is common for large, complex defense system development.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'NOT COMPETED' status suggests limited oversight in the initial award phase. Further oversight would be needed to ensure cost control and performance under the CPFF contract.

Related Government Programs

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for cost overruns.
Limited public information on performance and justification.
High dollar value for a non-competitive award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.7 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P.. ACAT III BIG SAFARI RJ MISSION SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P..

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 $31.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-02-22. End: 2021-03-31.

What specific capabilities does the BIG SAFARI RJ Mission System provide, and how does its development align with current Air Force strategic priorities?

The BIG SAFARI RJ Mission System likely enhances intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, potentially for platforms like the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Its development would align with the Air Force's ongoing need for advanced situational awareness and intelligence gathering in complex operational environments. Specific details are often classified.

What justification was provided for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

Justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one source can fulfill the requirement. For this contract, the justification would need to be documented and approved. Fair and reasonable pricing is assessed through various methods, including historical data, independent government estimates, and cost analysis, even without direct competition.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure mission system effectiveness?

Key performance indicators would likely focus on system functionality, reliability, integration with existing platforms, and timely delivery of development milestones. Measurement would involve rigorous testing, validation, and verification processes throughout the development lifecycle, overseen by the Air Force program office to ensure the system meets operational requirements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc

Address: 10001 JACK FINNEY BLVD, GREENVILLE, TX, 75402

Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,739,200

Exercised Options: $31,739,200

Current Obligation: $31,720,785

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 10

Total Subaward Amount: $1,597,547

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862016G3027

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline