DoD's $19.5M BIG SAFARI Contract Awarded to L3Harris for Aircraft Parts, Lacking Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,514,884 ($19.5M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-04-20

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,259 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/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 $19.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $19.5 million for aircraft parts. 2. Sole awardee, L3Harris Technologies, raises questions about competitive pricing. 3. Long performance period (over 3 years) may impact cost-effectiveness. 4. The 'Other Aircraft Parts' sector often sees specialized needs, but competition is still key.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $19.5 million is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar contracts for aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This method limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for this $19.5 million contract means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value, potentially leading to overspending.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the lack of competitive bidding. The Department of the Air Force is procuring critical aircraft parts. The long duration of the contract could lead to price escalations if not managed carefully.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Specific awardee identified
Clear contract end date

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, but competitive procurement is vital to ensure cost efficiency.

Small Business Impact

This award was not made to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this sole-source contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is delivering quality parts at a fair price and that the justification for sole-sourcing remains valid.

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
Potential for overpricing
Limited transparency
Long performance period

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.5 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 $19.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-20. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or a lack of available alternatives. Without further details, it's impossible to confirm if these conditions truly applied, necessitating a review of the procurement documentation to understand the rationale behind bypassing competitive processes.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract of this magnitude?

The primary risks include inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure, potential for reduced innovation, and a lack of transparency in cost justification. Furthermore, the government becomes heavily reliant on a single vendor, which can create supply chain vulnerabilities and limit flexibility in future procurements.

How will the government ensure the effectiveness and value of this contract over its duration?

Effectiveness and value will be ensured through rigorous contract management, including performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and regular price reviews. The Air Force should actively track deliverables against milestones and ensure the parts meet all technical specifications and operational requirements.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

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, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,514,884

Exercised Options: $19,514,884

Current Obligation: $19,514,884

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $5,230,239

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline