Air Force Awards $25.3M for Custom Computer Programming to L3 Technologies, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,342,185 ($25.3M)
Contractor: L3 Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-01-01
End Date: 2025-11-30
Contract Duration: 699 days
Daily Burn Rate: $36.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: BIG SAFARI
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKWALL, ROCKWALL County, TEXAS, 75032
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.3 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $25.3 million awarded. 2. L3 Technologies, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Contract is for custom computer programming services. 4. Potential for limited competition due to specific service needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $25.3 million for custom computer programming services appears substantial. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized programming is difficult without more detail on the scope of work. However, the lack of competition suggests potential for overpricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was not competed, indicating a limited competition approach. This method can lead to higher prices if robust market research and price negotiation are not thoroughly conducted. The specific nature of custom programming may justify limited competition, but transparency is key.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about taxpayer value. Without competitive bidding, there's a risk that the government may not be securing the most cost-effective solution for these programming services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The specific nature of custom programming could limit the pool of qualified vendors. Ensuring the delivered services meet the Air Force's needs is crucial for effective spending.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Limited transparency on service scope
Positive Signals
- Award to established company
- Clear service category
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending in this area is consistently high across government agencies, driven by the need for specialized software development and system integration. Benchmarks for custom programming vary widely based on complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to L3 Technologies, Inc., a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Future opportunities should explore avenues for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to ensure the Air Force receives the full value for the $25.3 million awarded. The Department of Defense should monitor contract performance closely, verify deliverables, and ensure pricing remains fair throughout the contract period, especially given the limited competition.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding may result in higher costs.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized services.
- Risk of scope creep without stringent oversight.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical programming needs.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.3 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. BIG SAFARI
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
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 $25.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-01-01. End: 2025-11-30.
What specific custom programming services are being procured, and how does their complexity justify a limited competition approach?
The specific custom programming services are not detailed in the provided data. A limited competition approach is typically justified when only one or a few sources are capable of meeting the government's needs due to unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or urgent requirements. Without further information on the scope of work, it is difficult to definitively assess the justification for limited competition and its impact on achieving optimal value.
What measures are in place to ensure the $25.3 million award represents a fair and reasonable price given the lack of competition?
Given the limited competition, robust price negotiation and cost analysis by the contracting officer are essential. This could involve detailed review of the contractor's proposed costs, comparison to historical pricing for similar services (if available), and potentially seeking independent government cost estimates. Regular performance reviews and milestone-based payments can also help mitigate risk and ensure value.
How will the effectiveness of the custom computer programming services be measured and validated to ensure the Air Force's mission requirements are met?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through defined performance metrics, acceptance criteria for deliverables, and user feedback from the Air Force personnel utilizing the software. The contract should include clear milestones, testing phases, and quality assurance procedures. Regular progress reports and post-implementation reviews will be crucial for validating that the custom programming meets the intended operational needs and provides the expected benefits.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION
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: 1700 SCIENCE PL, ROCKWALL, TX, 75032
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,376,766
Exercised Options: $25,376,766
Current Obligation: $25,342,185
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862019G4035
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-01-01
Current End Date: 2025-11-30
Potential End Date: 2025-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-12
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