DoD's $1.7B BIG SAFARI Contract Awarded to L3Harris for Aircraft Parts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,189,366 ($17.2M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-18

End Date: 2028-08-30

Contract Duration: 1,077 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.0K/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 $17.2 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. The contract is a significant award valued at $1.7 billion. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration extends nearly four years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The sector is 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing', a critical defense component.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value is substantial at $1.7 billion. Without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar contracts for aircraft parts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, meaning only one vendor, L3Harris Technologies, was considered. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for a $1.7 billion contract raises concerns about the efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the lack of competitive bidding. The long-term nature of the contract could lock the DoD into a specific supplier. Dependence on a single supplier for critical aircraft parts could pose a supply chain risk.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of price competition
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Award to established defense contractor
Supports critical aircraft parts manufacturing

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector, which is vital for maintaining military aviation readiness. Spending in this sector is often characterized by specialized components and long production cycles.

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 sole-source award.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this large contract warrants close oversight to ensure the government is receiving fair value and that the contractor is meeting all performance requirements.

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 overpricing
Limited transparency
Long-term commitment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.2 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 $17.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-18. End: 2028-08-30.

What is the justification for awarding this $1.7 billion contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or a lack of adequate competition. Without further details, it's impossible to ascertain the specific reasons. However, such awards necessitate rigorous justification to ensure they are in the government's best interest and that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract of this magnitude?

The primary risks include inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure, potential for vendor lock-in, and reduced innovation. If L3Harris faces production issues or cost overruns, the DoD has limited leverage. Furthermore, reliance on a single supplier for critical aircraft parts could create vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

How will the Department of Defense ensure value for money on this non-competed contract?

The Department of Defense can ensure value through robust contract management, including detailed performance monitoring, independent cost analysis, and strict adherence to the contract's terms. Regular reviews and audits can help identify any potential inefficiencies or cost escalations, allowing for timely intervention to protect taxpayer interests.

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: $17,189,366

Exercised Options: $17,189,366

Current Obligation: $17,189,366

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline