DoD Awards $31.9M for BIG SAFARI Aircraft Parts to L3Harris Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,960,647 ($32.0M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-04-06
End Date: 2027-04-30
Contract Duration: 754 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.4K/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 $32.0 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $31.9 million awarded. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole awardee, raising competition concerns. 3. Risk associated with sole-source procurement and potential price inflation. 4. Spending falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts' manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $31.9 million for BIG SAFARI aircraft parts appears substantial. Without comparable contract data for similar specialized aircraft components, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the sole-source nature raises concerns about whether this price represents fair market value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating no competition was sought. This method limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive procurement process.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source award limits competitive pressure, potentially resulting in higher costs for taxpayers than if multiple vendors had bid on the contract.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competition. The Department of Defense relies on specialized parts, impacting operational readiness. Potential for increased costs if L3Harris Technologies is the only provider of these specific parts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
Positive Signals
- Award to established defense contractor
- Specific need for specialized parts
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining military aviation capabilities. Benchmarks for specialized, sole-source components are difficult to establish due to unique requirements.
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 in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the price is fair and reasonable. Accountability for the justification of not competing the contract is crucial.
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
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency on cost justification
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 $32.0 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 $32.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-06. End: 2027-04-30.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent requirements where only one source can fulfill the need. For the BIG SAFARI program, it's likely related to highly specialized components or integration expertise that only L3Harris possesses, making competition impractical or detrimental to program timelines.
What are the risks associated with a sole-source contract of this magnitude?
The primary risks of a sole-source contract of this magnitude include a lack of competitive pricing, potentially leading to overpayment by the government. There's also a risk of reduced innovation and a lack of incentive for the contractor to improve efficiency or quality beyond contractual minimums, as there's no direct competition to spur such efforts.
How does this spending impact the overall effectiveness of the Air Force's aircraft maintenance and readiness?
This spending directly impacts the effectiveness of aircraft maintenance and readiness by ensuring the availability of critical BIG SAFARI components. While the sole-source nature raises cost concerns, securing these specialized parts from a known provider like L3Harris is essential for maintaining the operational status of specific Air Force assets.
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: $31,960,647
Exercised Options: $31,960,647
Current Obligation: $31,960,647
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $168,049
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-06
Current End Date: 2027-04-30
Potential End Date: 2027-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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