DoD Awards $49.8M for BIG SAFARI Aircraft Parts to L3Harris, Sole-Source Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,850,890 ($49.9M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-09-28

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,555 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.1K/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 $49.9 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $49.8 million awarded. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole contractor, raising competition concerns. 3. Contract duration extends to late 2026, indicating long-term need. 4. Spending is within the Department of Defense's aircraft parts sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $49.8 million is substantial for aircraft parts. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, meaning L3Harris Technologies was selected without offering other companies a chance to bid. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these aircraft parts.

Public Impact

Ensures continued availability of critical aircraft parts for the Air Force. Supports a major defense contractor, L3Harris Technologies. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award impacts taxpayer funds.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Long contract duration.
No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific need for the Department of Defense.
Contract awarded to an established defense contractor.

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 key to cost efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses in this sole-source award. This means opportunities for small businesses to participate in this contract are likely limited.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the Department of the Air Force adequately justified the lack of competition and obtained the best possible value.

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 transparency in justification
Potential for overpricing
No small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $49.9 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 $49.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-28. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the justification for the sole-source award of the BIG SAFARI contract?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent requirements that only one contractor can meet. Without further details from the Department of Defense, it's presumed that L3Harris Technologies possesses specific expertise or components essential for the BIG SAFARI program that preclude competitive bidding.

What is the potential risk associated with the lack of competition for this contract?

The primary risk of a sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing and reduced innovation. Without competitive pressure, the awarded contractor may not have the same incentive to offer the most cost-effective solution or to explore more efficient methods. This can lead to higher expenditures for the government and taxpayers over the contract's duration.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Air Force's aviation capabilities?

This contract is likely critical for maintaining and upgrading specific aircraft or systems under the 'BIG SAFARI' program, ensuring operational readiness and effectiveness. By securing necessary parts and auxiliary equipment, the Air Force can sustain its fleet and fulfill its mission requirements, though the effectiveness could be enhanced by competitive pricing.

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: $49,850,890

Exercised Options: $49,850,890

Current Obligation: $49,850,890

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $11,662,415

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline