DoD Awards $36M for BIG SAFARI Aircraft Parts to L3Harris Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,164,824 ($36.2M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-03-14
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 351 days
Daily Burn Rate: $103.0K/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: WACO, MCLENNAN County, TEXAS, 76705
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $36.2 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $36.16M awarded. 2. Sole-source award to L3Harris Technologies raises competition concerns. 3. Contract duration of 351 days suggests a focused, short-term need. 4. Focus on 'Other Aircraft Parts' indicates a specialized niche within defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $36.16M for a 351-day duration appears reasonable for specialized aircraft parts. However, without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents the best possible price.
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 limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $36.16M contract means taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution available.
Public Impact
Ensures continued availability of critical aircraft parts for the Air Force. Supports a major defense contractor, L3Harris Technologies. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award impacts overall defense budget efficiency.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to no-bid nature.
- Potential for overpayment without competitive benchmarking.
Positive Signals
- Ensures supply chain continuity for critical defense assets.
- Leverages specialized capabilities of a known contractor.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts. Spending in this area is critical for national security, but often involves complex supply chains and specialized components, making competitive benchmarking challenging.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to L3Harris Technologies, a large corporation, and there is no indication of small business participation. This award does not appear to benefit small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the Department of Defense obtained fair value. Further review of the justification for the sole-source award is recommended.
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 in 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 $36.2 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 $36.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-03-14. End: 2026-02-28.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis rather than through full and open competition?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of viable alternative sources. For this 'BIG SAFARI' contract, the specific rationale would likely relate to proprietary technology, specialized integration services, or a critical, time-sensitive requirement that only L3Harris could meet within the necessary timeframe, thus precluding a competitive process.
How does the unit cost of these 'Other Aircraft Parts' compare to similar components procured through competitive means?
Without access to L3Harris's pricing structure and a benchmark of comparable parts procured competitively, a direct unit cost comparison is not possible. Sole-source awards often obscure direct cost comparisons, making it difficult to ascertain if the price paid is optimal. Further analysis would require detailed cost data and market research on similar components.
What is the potential impact on future defense procurement strategies if sole-source awards for specialized parts become more common?
An increase in sole-source awards for specialized parts could lead to reduced competition, potentially higher overall defense spending, and a diminished incentive for contractors to innovate and reduce costs. It may also limit opportunities for emerging suppliers and small businesses to enter the defense market, concentrating procurement with established, larger entities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL 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: 7500 MAEHR RD, WACO, TX, 76705
Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,164,824
Exercised Options: $36,164,824
Current Obligation: $36,164,824
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $1,018,797
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862020G4050
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-03-14
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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