DoD Awards $18.9M for Big Safari Exigency Support to L3Harris Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,937,326 ($18.9M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-10-01

End Date: 2021-03-03

Contract Duration: 1,614 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF ACAT III BIG SAFARI EXINGENCY SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: GREENVILLE, HUNT County, TEXAS, 75402

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.9 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF ACAT III BIG SAFARI EXINGENCY SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $18.9 million awarded for specialized support. 2. Sole-source award to L3Harris Technologies raises questions about competition. 3. Long contract duration (over 4 years) suggests critical, ongoing needs. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, indicating defense sector focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Without comparable contracts, assessing the pricing against similar services is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This was a sole-source award, meaning competition was not sought. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for an $18.9 million contract may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple bids were considered.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may have paid more due to the absence of competitive bidding. The specialized nature of 'Big Safari' programs suggests critical national security implications. Long-term support contracts can indicate reliance on specific contractor expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Cost-plus contract type
Lack of transparency in pricing

Positive Signals

Awarded to a known defense contractor
Addresses an 'exigency' need

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically supporting specialized aircraft programs under the 'Big Safari' initiative. Spending benchmarks for such niche support can vary widely based on program complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, nor does it appear to have provisions for subcontracting to small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to confirm any small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the government obtained fair value. Oversight should focus on the justification for not competing the requirement and the management of the cost-plus 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
Potential for cost overruns (CPFF)
Limited transparency on pricing
No indication of small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.9 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P.. IGF::CT::IGF ACAT III BIG SAFARI EXINGENCY SUPPORT

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 $18.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-10-01. End: 2021-03-03.

What was the specific justification for the sole-source award of this significant contract, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of other responsible sources. For this 'Big Safari Exigency Support' contract, the Department of the Air Force likely cited specific technical requirements or time constraints that precluded a competitive process. Further investigation into the contract file would reveal the detailed rationale and whether any market research was conducted to identify potential competitors.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the overall cost-effectiveness and risk of this contract for the government?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts reimburse the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While it allows for flexibility in evolving requirements, it shifts cost risk to the government. If costs escalate beyond initial estimates, the government pays more. Effective oversight is crucial to control costs and ensure the fixed fee remains reasonable for the work performed.

What is the long-term strategic value and effectiveness of L3Harris Technologies' support for the 'Big Safari' program, given the contract's duration?

The extended duration of this contract suggests L3Harris provides essential and specialized support critical to the 'Big Safari' program's operational effectiveness. The value lies in their unique expertise and ability to maintain or enhance complex aerospace systems. Effectiveness is measured by the program's mission readiness and performance, which this support contract aims to ensure over its lifecycle.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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: $19,464,399

Exercised Options: $19,464,399

Current Obligation: $18,937,326

Actual Outlays: $1,336,792

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 36

Total Subaward Amount: $4,208,224

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