DoD's $52.5M BIG SAFARI Contract Awarded to L3Harris for Aircraft Parts Amidst Limited Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $52,502,891 ($52.5M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-12-15
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,232 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.6K/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 $52.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. The contract value is substantial at $52.5 million. 2. L3Harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P. is the sole awardee, indicating limited competition. 3. The contract spans over three years, suggesting a long-term need. 4. The award falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's fixed price nature provides some cost certainty. However, without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $52.5 million represents the best possible price for the required aircraft parts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, meaning L3Harris was the only entity considered. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these aircraft parts.
Public Impact
The Department of the Air Force is acquiring critical aircraft parts. The duration of the contract suggests ongoing operational needs for these components. The award to a single vendor raises questions about market competitiveness for these specific parts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract
- Long-term award
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically related to aircraft parts manufacturing. Spending in this area is critical for military readiness, but competitive sourcing is key to cost efficiency.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not competed and awarded to L3Harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the government received fair value. Further oversight may be needed to understand the justification for not competing the requirement.
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 inflated pricing
- Limited market exploration
Tags
other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $52.5 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 $52.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-12-15. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of through a competitive process?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that cannot be met by other vendors. Without further details on the 'BIG SAFARI' program, it's difficult to ascertain the specific reasons. However, the lack of competition inherently limits the government's ability to secure the best possible pricing and explore innovative solutions from a wider market.
What are the potential risks associated with awarding a $52.5 million contract without competition?
The primary risk is paying a premium price due to the absence of competitive pressure. There's also a risk of reduced innovation and less favorable contract terms. Furthermore, it can stifle market entry for other capable small and large businesses, potentially impacting future competition for similar requirements.
How can the effectiveness of this contract be measured given the lack of competitive benchmarks?
Effectiveness can be measured by tracking the performance of L3Harris against contract requirements, delivery schedules, and quality standards. While direct price comparison is difficult, the government can monitor the total cost of ownership over the contract's life and assess if the parts meet operational needs without excessive sustainment or failure rates.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT
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: $52,502,891
Exercised Options: $52,502,891
Current Obligation: $52,502,891
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $740,571
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
Start Date: 2022-12-15
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-09
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