DoD's $15.9M 'BIG SAFARI' Contract Awarded to L3Harris for Aircraft Parts Amidst Limited Competition Concerns
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,905,911 ($15.9M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-05-12
End Date: 2028-02-29
Contract Duration: 1,023 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
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 $15.9 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $15.9 million for aircraft parts. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. Potential risk associated with limited competition and cost-plus contract type. 4. Spending falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts' manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized aircraft parts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed, indicating a limited source selection. This lack of competition may have impacted price discovery, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for this contract. The absence of full and open competition raises concerns about whether the best possible price was achieved.
Public Impact
Impacts the Department of the Air Force's operational capabilities through specialized aircraft parts. Potential for increased costs to taxpayers due to non-competitive award. Highlights reliance on specific contractors for critical defense components.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Lack of transparency in pricing
Positive Signals
- Supports critical defense needs
- Long-term contract duration
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining and upgrading military aviation assets, with benchmarks varying widely based on specialization and technological requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical given the cost-plus contract type and limited competition. The Department of Defense must ensure rigorous monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for taxpayer money.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of small business participation
- Sole-source award
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 $15.9 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 $15.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-12. End: 2028-02-29.
What specific justification was provided for not competing this contract, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for not competing this contract is not detailed in the provided data. However, for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, especially in specialized defense areas, justifications often relate to unique technical requirements or urgent needs. Robust oversight by the contracting officer is essential to validate costs and ensure the fixed fee remains reasonable, mitigating potential price inflation.
What are the risks associated with relying on a single supplier for 'BIG SAFARI' components, particularly concerning supply chain disruptions or future price increases?
Relying on a single supplier like L3Harris for 'BIG SAFARI' components introduces significant supply chain risk. Disruptions due to unforeseen events (natural disasters, geopolitical issues, or supplier-specific problems) could halt critical operations. Furthermore, the lack of competition removes price pressure, potentially allowing the sole supplier to increase prices significantly in future modifications or contract renewals.
How does the 'Other Aircraft Parts' category typically benchmark against other defense spending, and is this contract's value proportionate to its expected deliverables?
The 'Other Aircraft Parts' category is broad, and benchmarks vary greatly depending on the specific parts and their technological sophistication. Without knowing the exact nature of the 'BIG SAFARI' components, it's challenging to definitively assess proportionality. However, $15.9 million over approximately 3 years suggests specialized, high-value components rather than mass-produced items, necessitating careful review of the deliverables against the cost.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
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: $34,355,105
Exercised Options: $34,355,105
Current Obligation: $15,905,911
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $2,107,472
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-12
Current End Date: 2028-02-29
Potential End Date: 2028-02-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-16
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