DoD Awards $69.2M for BIG SAFARI Aircraft Parts to L3Harris Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $69,249,726 ($69.2M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-02-14

End Date: 2024-09-01

Contract Duration: 1,661 days

Daily Burn Rate: $41.7K/day

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 $69.2 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $69.2 million awarded. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole awardee, raising competition concerns. 3. Contract spans nearly 4 years, indicating a long-term need. 4. Focus on 'Other Aircraft Parts' suggests specialized or niche requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $69.2 million is substantial. Without specific unit cost data or comparable contracts for similar specialized aircraft parts, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the duration and nature of the award suggest a potentially fair price for specialized services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no open competition. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitively bid contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the lack of competitive pressure.

Public Impact

Ensures continued availability of critical aircraft parts for the Air Force. Supports a major defense contractor, potentially impacting jobs and the supply chain. Highlights the reliance on specialized, non-competed contracts for certain defense needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes value assessment challenging.
Long contract duration could lead to cost overruns if not managed.

Positive Signals

Supports critical defense capabilities.
Award to established contractor suggests reliability.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining military aviation readiness. Benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature of 'BIG SAFARI' and the sole-source award.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, L3Harris Technologies, is a large corporation. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific sole-source contract, either as prime contractors or significant subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the price remains fair and reasonable throughout the contract period. The Department of the Air Force should monitor performance and costs diligently.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Limited price transparency
Potential for higher costs
Long contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $69.2 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 $69.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-02-14. End: 2024-09-01.

What specific capabilities or components does 'BIG SAFARI' refer to, and why is it procured sole-source?

The 'BIG SAFARI' program likely refers to a specific, potentially classified, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) or electronic warfare program requiring highly specialized aircraft parts and integration. The sole-source justification would typically stem from unique technical requirements, proprietary technology, or the need for seamless integration with existing complex systems where only one vendor possesses the necessary expertise and intellectual property.

What is the risk associated with a sole-source award for specialized aircraft parts?

The primary risk of a sole-source award is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated prices and reduced innovation. For specialized aircraft parts, there's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes overly dependent on a single supplier, potentially facing supply chain disruptions or higher costs if that vendor's circumstances change. Ensuring fair pricing and performance requires robust government oversight.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of Air Force operations?

This contract is likely critical for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of specific Air Force platforms, possibly related to intelligence gathering or electronic warfare capabilities under the 'BIG SAFARI' program. By ensuring the availability of specialized parts, it directly supports mission success and the longevity of high-value assets, contributing to national security objectives.

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

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: $69,249,726

Exercised Options: $69,249,726

Current Obligation: $69,249,726

Actual Outlays: $640,646

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $33,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862016G3027

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline