DoD awards $27.6M for BIG SAFARI, with L3Harris Technologies securing the sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,601,817 ($27.6M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-07-20

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 895 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.8K/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 $27.6 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive pricing advantages. 2. Significant duration of 895 days suggests a long-term need for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. Texas-based contractor indicates potential regional economic impact. 5. No small business set-aside noted, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $27.6 million for BIG SAFARI is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the services provided. As a sole-source award, direct comparison to competitive bids is not possible. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if the price is reasonable for the scope of work. However, the lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor possesses the necessary capabilities, technology, or security clearances. While it ensures the use of a specific, potentially unique, provider, it bypasses the price discovery mechanisms inherent in a competitive bidding process, which could lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings typically achieved through competitive bidding, potentially leading to a less optimal use of public funds.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force benefits from specialized support for the BIG SAFARI program. Services likely involve critical components or maintenance for aircraft or related systems. The contract's Texas location may provide economic benefits and job opportunities within the state. The workforce implications are tied to the specialized skills required for this program, likely benefiting experienced aerospace and defense personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source nature limits opportunities for other qualified businesses to compete.
Contract duration could indicate a long-term reliance on a single provider, potentially hindering future innovation from competitors.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Award to an established entity (L3Harris) suggests a degree of reliability for critical services.
Contract supports a specific, likely important, defense program (BIG SAFARI).

Sector Analysis

The aerospace and defense sector is characterized by high barriers to entry, complex technological requirements, and significant government investment. Contracts like this, often for specialized components or sustainment, are crucial for maintaining national security capabilities. L3Harris Technologies is a major player in this industry, and this award reflects their established position in providing advanced solutions. Benchmarking against similar sole-source awards for specialized aircraft parts is challenging due to the unique nature of such requirements.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for them based on the provided data. The sole-source nature further limits the potential for small businesses to participate directly. While L3Harris Technologies may engage small businesses as subcontractors, there's no explicit indication of this in the award details, suggesting a limited direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. As a firm-fixed-price contract, performance monitoring is key to ensuring delivery meets specifications. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract award data is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

BIG SAFARI Program
Department of the Air Force Aircraft Sustainment Contracts
Specialized Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Defense Contractor Support Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for non-competitive pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.6 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 $27.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-20. End: 2025-12-31.

What specific services or components does the BIG SAFARI contract entail for L3Harris Technologies?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'BIG SAFARI' and falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code. While the specific deliverables are not detailed, this suggests L3Harris Technologies is likely providing specialized components, parts, or auxiliary equipment essential for the operation, maintenance, or enhancement of aircraft systems associated with the BIG SAFARI program. This could range from complex electronic systems, structural components, or specialized support equipment, tailored to the unique requirements of the program, which often involves intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.

How does the $27.6 million value compare to similar sole-source awards for aircraft parts?

Benchmarking this $27.6 million sole-source award is challenging without knowing the precise nature of the 'BIG SAFARI' components or services. Sole-source contracts inherently lack direct competitive pricing data. However, for specialized, high-technology aircraft parts or sustainment services, values in the tens of millions are not uncommon, especially for programs with unique or classified requirements. The duration of nearly three years (895 days) also suggests a substantial scope of work. A fair comparison would require analyzing other sole-source awards for similar complexity and criticality within the defense aerospace sector, considering factors like technology readiness and production scale.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract for the government?

The primary risk for the government in this sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competition. Without competing bids, there's less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price. Additionally, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on L3Harris Technologies for these specific BIG SAFARI components, potentially limiting future flexibility or access to alternative solutions. Performance risk is mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure, but ensuring the contractor meets all technical specifications and delivery schedules remains crucial.

What is L3Harris Technologies' track record with the Department of Defense, particularly for similar programs?

L3Harris Technologies is a major defense contractor with a substantial history of serving the Department of Defense across various platforms and programs. They have a well-established presence in areas such as C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), electronic warfare, and aerospace systems. While specific details on their involvement with the 'BIG SAFARI' program prior to this award are not provided, their extensive experience in complex defense systems suggests a strong capability to fulfill the contract requirements. Their track record generally indicates a capacity for delivering sophisticated technological solutions to military branches.

How has federal spending in 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' evolved, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending in the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' (NAICS 336413) sector can fluctuate based on defense priorities, modernization programs, and sustainment needs. This sector typically sees significant investment, particularly from the Department of Defense, for both new platforms and ongoing maintenance. This $27.6 million contract, awarded by the Air Force, represents a specific investment within this broader category. Its sole-source nature suggests it addresses a unique or highly specialized requirement within the BIG SAFARI program, rather than broad-market procurement. Analyzing historical spending trends in this NAICS code would reveal the overall demand for such specialized manufacturing capabilities.

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,601,817

Exercised Options: $27,601,817

Current Obligation: $27,601,817

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 13

Total Subaward Amount: $2,894,650

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