DoD's $41.8M BIG SAFARI Contract Awarded to L3Harris for Aircraft Parts Amidst Limited Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $41,814,738 ($41.8M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-05

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 786 days

Daily Burn Rate: $53.2K/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 $41.8 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $41.8 million for aircraft parts. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract spans nearly two years, indicating a substantial need. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Air Force, suggesting a defense-focused application.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $41.8 million is substantial. Without specific unit details or historical pricing for similar 'Other Aircraft Parts' under the BIG SAFARI program, a direct pricing assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against similar large-scale aircraft component contracts would be necessary for a more precise evaluation.

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 approach can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed procurement. The justification for sole-source is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a $41.8 million contract raises concerns about potential overspending and inefficient use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Impacts the Department of the Air Force's operational capabilities through specialized aircraft parts. Potential for increased costs to taxpayers due to the sole-source award. Highlights the reliance on specific contractors for specialized defense equipment. The 'BIG SAFARI' designation suggests a classified or highly specialized program, limiting public transparency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Lack of transparency regarding the justification for sole-source.
Significant contract value without clear competitive benchmarking.

Positive Signals

Award to a known defense contractor (L3Harris).
Contract duration suggests a sustained need for the parts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining and upgrading military aviation assets. Benchmarks for similar sole-source awards in defense aviation manufacturing are often higher due to specialized requirements and limited suppliers.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, L3Harris Technologies, is a large corporation, not a small business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award, suggesting limited direct benefit to the small business sector from this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this sole-source contract is crucial to ensure the government receives fair value and that the parts meet stringent military specifications. The Department of Defense's contracting oversight mechanisms will be key to monitoring performance and costs.

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 limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition.
Lack of transparency regarding program specifics and justification.
High contract value warrants close scrutiny.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical components.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $41.8 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 $41.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-05. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'BIG SAFARI' program and the aircraft parts being procured?

The 'BIG SAFARI' (Special Access Group) program typically refers to highly classified or sensitive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and systems. The specific parts procured under this $41.8 million contract are likely specialized components for these advanced platforms, the details of which are not publicly disclosed due to national security concerns.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of seeking competitive bids?

The justification for a sole-source award is typically based on factors such as unique capabilities of the contractor, urgent need, or the proprietary nature of the technology involved. For classified programs like 'BIG SAFARI,' it's common for only one or a few contractors to possess the necessary expertise or access, making full and open competition impractical or impossible.

How will the Department of Defense ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money given the sole-source nature of this award?

Despite the sole-source nature, the DoD can ensure value through rigorous negotiation, detailed cost analysis of the contractor's proposal, and performance-based contract terms. Independent cost estimates and benchmarking against similar, albeit potentially less specialized, contracts can also inform negotiation strategies to achieve a fair price.

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: $41,814,738

Exercised Options: $41,814,738

Current Obligation: $41,814,738

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $191,054

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