DoD's $41.6M 'BIG SAFARI' Contract Awarded to L3Harris for Aircraft Parts
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $41,611,982 ($41.6M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-06-30
End Date: 2022-06-30
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: BIG SAFARI
Place of Performance
Location: GREENVILLE, HUNT County, TEXAS, 75402
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $41.6 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of over $41.6 million. 2. Awarded to a single large contractor, L3Harris Technologies. 3. Potential for limited competition due to the nature of specialized aircraft parts. 4. Spending falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts' manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is substantial, but without specific unit cost data or comparison points for 'BIG SAFARI' components, a precise value assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against similar specialized aircraft parts contracts would be necessary for a more definitive evaluation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source or limited competition award. This approach may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers if alternatives were not adequately explored.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $41.6 million contract raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible price for these aircraft parts.
Public Impact
Impacts the Department of Defense's aircraft readiness and operational capabilities. Supports specialized manufacturing within the aerospace and defense industry. Potential for follow-on contracts or sustainment activities related to 'BIG SAFARI'.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Limited transparency on pricing
Positive Signals
- Supports critical defense needs
- Awarded to an established defense contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector, which is crucial for maintaining and upgrading military aviation assets. Spending benchmarks for this niche sector can vary widely based on technological complexity and demand.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to L3Harris Technologies, a large prime contractor, and there is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award. Further investigation would be needed to determine any small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force awarded this contract. Oversight would typically involve contract performance monitoring, delivery verification, and financial audits to ensure compliance and value for money, especially given the non-competitive nature.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency on program details
- No indication of small business participation
Tags
other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $41.6 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P.. BIG SAFARI
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 $41.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-06-30. End: 2022-06-30.
What specific components or systems does 'BIG SAFARI' refer to, and what is their criticality to Air Force operations?
'BIG SAFARI' likely refers to a specific program or set of systems within the Air Force's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or special operations capabilities. The criticality would depend on the exact nature of these systems, but such programs are often vital for national security missions, providing unique operational advantages and intelligence gathering.
What justification was provided for the non-competitive award of this $41.6 million contract?
Without the specific justification document (e.g., Justification and Approval - J&A), it's impossible to know the exact reasons. Common justifications for non-competitive awards include unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs, or situations where only one source can fulfill the requirement. The government must demonstrate that competition was not feasible or would not be in the public interest.
How does the unit cost of these aircraft parts compare to industry benchmarks, if available?
Direct comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging without detailed specifications of the 'BIG SAFARI' components and their associated costs. Specialized, low-volume, or highly customized aircraft parts often command premium pricing due to R&D, unique manufacturing processes, and stringent quality control. A thorough analysis would require access to detailed cost breakdowns and comparable market data.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
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: $41,613,765
Exercised Options: $41,613,765
Current Obligation: $41,611,982
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $526,318
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862016G3027
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-06-30
Current End Date: 2022-06-30
Potential End Date: 2022-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-19
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