DoD's $32.7M BIG SAFARI contract with L3Harris faces scrutiny over limited competition and potential cost overruns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,706,985 ($32.7M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-06-05

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 2,155 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

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 $32.7 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. The contract value is $32.7 million, awarded to L3Harris Technologies. 2. Competition was limited, raising concerns about price discovery. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can incentivize cost overruns. 4. The sector is 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing'.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, combined with limited competition, raises concerns about whether the government is achieving the best possible price. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed, indicating a limited source selection process. This lack of competition may have hindered effective price discovery and potentially led to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of robust competition suggests taxpayers may not have received the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to limited competition. The long duration (2155 days) increases the risk of cost escalation. Lack of transparency in the 'BIG SAFARI' program hinders public understanding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Cost-plus contract type
Long contract duration
Lack of transparency

Positive Signals

Awarded to a known entity (L3Harris)
Specific program name ('BIG SAFARI')

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing,' a niche within the broader aerospace and defense sector. Spending in this area is often driven by specialized defense needs, where competition can be inherently limited.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. This represents a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'BIG SAFARI' program name suggests a potentially broad scope, but specific oversight details are not provided. The limited competition and contract type warrant closer examination by oversight bodies.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Potential for inflated costs due to limited competition.
Risk of contractor inefficiency with Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
Lack of transparency regarding program objectives and justification for sole-sourcing.
Long contract duration increases exposure to market and technological changes.
No apparent small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.7 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 $32.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-05. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific justification was provided for limiting competition on this contract?

The provided data does not include the justification for limiting competition. Typically, such justifications might include proprietary technology, urgent need, or lack of available sources. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the validity of the limited competition.

What are the projected cost savings or efficiencies gained by using a Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts are generally used when precise cost estimation is difficult. While they aim to incentivize contractor efficiency through a fixed fee, they also carry the risk of cost overruns if not managed tightly. The specific efficiencies for this contract are not detailed.

How does the 'BIG SAFARI' program align with broader Department of Defense modernization goals?

The 'BIG SAFARI' program's alignment with modernization goals is unclear from the provided data. Its focus on 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment' could support various platforms, but without more context on the program's objectives, its strategic fit remains speculative.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

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: $32,706,985

Exercised Options: $32,706,985

Current Obligation: $32,706,985

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $2,099,830

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