DoD Awards $31.7M for BIG SAFARI Aircraft Parts to L3Harris, Raising Oversight Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,722,041 ($31.7M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-19

End Date: 2027-06-30

Contract Duration: 649 days

Daily Burn Rate: $48.9K/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 $31.7 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $31.7 million awarded. 2. Sole-source award to L3Harris Technologies raises competition concerns. 3. Potential for taxpayer overpayment due to lack of competition. 4. Contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts' manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $31.7 million is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is fair market value compared to similar contracts for aircraft parts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, L3Harris Technologies, was considered. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these aircraft parts.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying for critical aircraft components due to the absence of competitive bidding. The Department of Defense's reliance on sole-source contracts can stifle innovation and reduce market efficiency. The 'BIG SAFARI' program's specific needs might justify a sole-source award, but transparency is crucial.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to established defense contractor

Sector Analysis

This contract is within the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on defense needs and technological advancements. Benchmarks are difficult without specific part details.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to L3Harris Technologies, a large corporation, and there is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award. This sole-source nature further limits opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the price is justified and that future procurements explore competitive options where feasible. Accountability for the justification of the sole-source award is essential.

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.
Lack of transparency in price justification.
Limited opportunity for small business participation.
Risk of vendor lock-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.7 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 $31.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-19. End: 2027-06-30.

What specific justification was provided for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and how does it align with federal procurement regulations for non-competitive awards?

Federal regulations permit sole-source awards under specific circumstances, such as when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. The justification would need to detail why L3Harris is the only viable option, potentially citing unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that preclude a competitive process. This justification is critical for ensuring the award is both legal and fiscally responsible.

What is the estimated cost savings or premium paid due to the sole-source nature of this $31.7 million contract compared to a competitive bidding process?

Quantifying the exact cost premium is challenging without a competitive benchmark. However, studies consistently show that sole-source contracts can be 10-40% more expensive than competitively awarded ones. For this $31.7 million contract, this could translate to an overpayment of $3.17 million to $12.68 million, depending on the specific market dynamics and the justification for the sole-source award.

How will the Department of Defense ensure effective performance and accountability from L3Harris Technologies on this sole-source contract to mitigate risks associated with non-competitive awards?

The Department of Defense can mitigate risks by implementing robust contract management practices. This includes detailed performance metrics, regular progress reviews, stringent quality assurance checks, and clear communication channels with L3Harris. Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) directly tied to the contract's objectives and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality parts are crucial for accountability.

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: 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: $31,722,041

Exercised Options: $31,722,041

Current Obligation: $31,722,041

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $122,288

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline