DoD Awards $34M for BIG SAFARI Aircraft Parts to L3Harris Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,999,323 ($34.0M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-04-18
End Date: 2025-04-30
Contract Duration: 743 days
Daily Burn Rate: $45.8K/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 $34.0 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $33.99M awarded. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole awardee, raising competition concerns. 3. Contract duration extends to April 2025, indicating long-term need. 4. The award falls under 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $33.99M is substantial. Without specific unit details or historical pricing for BIG SAFARI components, a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the total award suggests a significant investment in specialized aircraft parts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning competition was not sought. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive procurement.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the lack of competitive bidding.
Public Impact
Ensures continued availability of critical aircraft parts for the Air Force. Supports a major defense contractor, L3Harris Technologies. Potential for increased costs due to lack of competition. Long-term contract may indicate ongoing operational requirements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes value assessment challenging.
- Long contract duration could mask inefficiencies.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical defense mission requirements.
- Award to established defense contractor L3Harris Technologies.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts manufacturing. Spending in this area is often driven by national security needs and can involve specialized, high-value components.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, L3Harris Technologies, is a large defense contractor. There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses were involved in this specific sole-source award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny. Oversight should focus on ensuring the necessity of the sole-source justification and verifying that the pricing is reasonable despite the lack of competition.
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 competitive bidding
- Limited transparency on pricing justification
- Potential for cost overruns
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 $34.0 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 $34.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-18. End: 2025-04-30.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of other qualified sources. Without access to the specific justification documentation, it's impossible to detail the steps taken. However, for a sole-source contract to be considered fair and reasonable, the agency usually relies on cost and price analysis, comparison to similar contracts, or independent government cost estimates.
How does the unit cost of these aircraft parts compare to similar components procured competitively by the DoD?
A direct comparison of unit costs is not possible with the provided data. The contract is for 'BIG SAFARI' and awarded to a single vendor. To assess value, one would need to compare the negotiated prices against historical data for the same or similar parts, or against prices from other vendors if available through market research or other competitive contracts.
What is the long-term strategic value of the BIG SAFARI program and L3Harris's role in its sustainment?
The long-term strategic value of the BIG SAFARI program likely relates to specific intelligence, surveillance, or reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities critical to Air Force operations. L3Harris's role as a sole-source provider suggests they possess unique expertise or proprietary technology essential for the program's sustainment, ensuring operational readiness and mission effectiveness.
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: $33,999,323
Exercised Options: $33,999,323
Current Obligation: $33,999,323
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: 2023-04-18
Current End Date: 2025-04-30
Potential End Date: 2025-08-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-04
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