DoD's $12.3M Big Safari contract awarded to L3Harris for engineering services in Texas

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,352,535 ($12.4M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-12-14

End Date: 2025-12-13

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $33.9K/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: ROCKWALL, ROCKWALL County, TEXAS, 75032

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.4 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive price discovery. 2. The contract duration of 364 days suggests a focused, short-term need. 3. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but scope creep remains a risk. 4. Awarded to a large, established defense contractor, indicating a focus on specialized capabilities. 5. Geographic location in Texas may point to specific operational or testing requirements. 6. Lack of small business participation noted, potentially missing opportunities for smaller firms.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $12.3 million contract is challenging without detailed scope information. However, given the sole-source nature and the specialized 'Big Safari' program context, pricing is likely negotiated based on L3Harris's unique capabilities. Compared to similar sole-source engineering services contracts for advanced defense programs, the price may be within a reasonable range, but the lack of competition prevents definitive value assessment. Further analysis would require understanding the specific deliverables and comparing them to industry standards for similar niche engineering efforts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one bidder, L3Harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P., was considered. This approach is typically used when a unique capability or proprietary technology is required, and competition is not feasible or would not yield a better outcome. The lack of multiple bidders means there was no direct price comparison or negotiation against alternatives, which can sometimes lead to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source award means taxpayers did not benefit from the price reductions typically achieved through competitive bidding. This necessitates a strong internal review of the negotiated price to ensure it represents fair value for the specialized services provided.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Air Force, receiving specialized engineering support. Services delivered likely pertain to advanced aerospace or defense technology development under the 'Big Safari' program. The geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, where L3Harris's facilities are located. Workforce implications include the utilization of highly skilled engineers and technical specialists within L3Harris.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potential taxpayer savings.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source procurement.
Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed under a fixed-price contract.
No explicit small business set-aside, potentially excluding smaller innovative firms.

Positive Signals

Award to an established contractor like L3Harris suggests access to specialized expertise.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty if scope is well-defined.
The 'Big Safari' program context implies support for critical, potentially cutting-edge defense initiatives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting advanced defense programs. The 'Big Safari' program is known for rapidly developing and fielding highly specialized, often classified, aviation capabilities. The market for such niche engineering services is dominated by a few large, experienced defense contractors. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of 'Big Safari' projects, but significant government investment is typical for these types of rapid development initiatives.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for them. The award to L3Harris, a large corporation, suggests that the primary focus was on specialized capabilities that may not be readily available from smaller firms. This approach misses an opportunity to foster innovation and growth within the small business defense ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of specified engineering services and adherence to the firm fixed-price terms. Transparency may be limited due to the classified nature often associated with 'Big Safari' projects. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Big Safari Program
Air Force Research and Development Contracts
Defense Engineering Services
Advanced Technology Development

Risk Flags

Sole-source award justification requires scrutiny.
Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed.
Lack of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.4 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 $12.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-14. End: 2025-12-13.

What is the specific nature of the engineering services provided under this 'Big Safari' contract?

The specific nature of the engineering services provided under this $12.3 million 'Big Safari' contract awarded to L3Harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P. is not publicly detailed due to the classified or sensitive nature typically associated with the 'Big Safari' program. This program is known for its rapid development and fielding of highly specialized aviation capabilities. Services could range from conceptual design, systems engineering, prototyping, integration, testing, and modification of aircraft or related systems. The contract's firm fixed-price structure suggests a defined scope of work, but the exact technical details remain within the purview of national security.

How does the $12.3 million value compare to other 'Big Safari' program contracts?

Comparing the $12.3 million value of this specific contract to other 'Big Safari' program contracts is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of all 'Big Safari' awards, many of which may be classified or not publicly disclosed. However, 'Big Safari' projects are known for their high cost and specialized nature, often involving cutting-edge technology and rapid development cycles. While $12.3 million represents a significant investment, it could be considered moderate within the broader context of major aerospace development programs. Some 'Big Safari' initiatives might involve hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars over their lifecycle, depending on the complexity and scale of the capability being developed.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract?

The primary risks associated with this sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract include potential overpricing due to the lack of competition, and scope creep if the defined deliverables are not meticulously managed. Since only one contractor was solicited, taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price. While the firm-fixed-price structure aims to cap costs, if the government requires changes or additions to the original scope, it could lead to costly change orders. Furthermore, reliance on a single source can create dependency and limit future flexibility if the contractor's performance falters or their capabilities become outdated.

What is L3Harris Technologies' track record with the 'Big Safari' program and similar defense contracts?

L3Harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P. is a major defense contractor with a substantial track record in developing and integrating complex aerospace and defense systems. While specific details of their involvement in the 'Big Safari' program are often classified, the company has a history of supporting advanced technology development and rapid prototyping for various branches of the U.S. military. Their expertise in areas like electronic warfare, communications, and avionics makes them a logical choice for specialized programs like 'Big Safari'. Their extensive experience with similar large-scale, technically demanding defense contracts suggests a capability to meet the program's objectives, though performance on any specific contract can vary.

What are the implications of awarding this contract in Texas?

Awarding this contract in Texas has several implications. Texas is a significant hub for the aerospace and defense industry, with numerous government facilities and private sector companies involved in defense contracting. This location likely means that L3Harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P. has established facilities and a skilled workforce in the state capable of supporting the specialized engineering services required. The economic impact includes job creation and business activity within the Texas defense sector. It may also suggest proximity to relevant testing ranges, operational bases, or other program-related assets located within the state.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

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: 1655 SCIENCE PL, ROCKWALL, TX, 75032

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,320,211

Exercised Options: $12,365,158

Current Obligation: $12,352,535

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $33,656

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862024G4021

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline