DoD's $10.9M Big Safari contract awarded to L3 Technologies for custom computer programming services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,909,835 ($10.9M)

Contractor: L3 Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-07-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: BIG SAFARI

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKWALL, ROCKWALL County, TEXAS, 75032

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.9 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized IT services for a critical defense program. 2. Award to a single, established contractor suggests a focus on specialized capabilities or existing program integration. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but requires careful monitoring of scope creep. 4. Performance period of one year with options for extension indicates a need for agile and adaptable solutions. 5. The contract's focus on custom programming highlights the unique and potentially proprietary nature of the requirements. 6. Geographic location of performance in Texas may indicate a concentration of specialized talent or facilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the custom programming services. However, the $10.9 million award for a one-year period suggests a substantial per-year investment. Comparing it to similar custom software development contracts within the Department of Defense would be necessary for a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price nature, while beneficial for cost control, can sometimes lead to higher initial bids if the contractor perceives significant risk or scope uncertainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This typically occurs when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or is the only source capable of meeting the requirement. The lack of competition means that price discovery through a bidding process was bypassed, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the benefit of competitive pricing, as the government did not have multiple offers to choose from. This could result in a higher overall expenditure for the services rendered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, through the Big Safari program, receiving specialized custom computer programming. The services delivered are critical for enhancing or maintaining advanced defense capabilities. Geographic impact is concentrated in Texas, where the contractor, L3 Technologies, will perform the work. Workforce implications may include the employment of skilled software developers and engineers by L3 Technologies in Texas.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing opportunities for taxpayers.
Lack of competition may reduce incentive for contractor to optimize costs.
Firm-fixed-price contracts can be susceptible to scope creep if not managed tightly.
Specific details of 'custom computer programming' are not publicly disclosed, hindering detailed value assessment.

Positive Signals

Award to an established contractor like L3 Technologies suggests a high level of trust and proven capability.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government, assuming scope is well-defined.
The 'Big Safari' program is known for developing and integrating advanced technologies, indicating a potentially high-impact contract.
Performance period allows for focused development and integration within a defined timeframe.

Sector Analysis

The Information Technology sector, particularly custom computer programming, is a vital component of modern defense capabilities. The Department of Defense is a major consumer of IT services, with significant spending allocated to software development, system integration, and cybersecurity. Contracts like this, often awarded under specialized programs like 'Big Safari,' focus on cutting-edge technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other custom software development contracts for defense applications, which can range from millions to billions of dollars depending on complexity and scale.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. The award to L3 Technologies, a large defense contractor, suggests that the scope of work likely requires specialized expertise and resources typically found in larger firms. This may limit opportunities for small businesses to participate directly in this specific contract, though they might be involved in the broader defense IT 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 include performance reviews, adherence to the firm-fixed-price terms, and delivery of specified programming services. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and the classified or sensitive aspects often associated with 'Big Safari' programs. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Big Safari Program
Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of the Air Force IT Contracts
Defense Software Development
Firm Fixed Price Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of public detail on scope
Potential for scope creep in custom development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.9 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. BIG SAFARI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

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 $10.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'custom computer programming services' being procured under the Big Safari program?

The specific nature of the 'custom computer programming services' for the 'BIG SAFARI' contract is not publicly detailed due to the sensitive and often classified nature of the program. The 'Big Safari' program, managed by the Air Force, is known for developing and integrating advanced technologies and capabilities for special operations and intelligence gathering. Therefore, these services likely involve highly specialized software development, potentially for intelligence analysis, command and control systems, sensor data processing, or unique mission-specific applications. The 'Custom Computer Programming Services' NAICS code (541511) generally covers establishments primarily engaged in designing, developing, and testing new software and applications. Given the context of 'Big Safari,' the work is expected to be at the forefront of technological application within defense.

How does the $10.9 million contract value compare to other similar custom programming contracts within the DoD?

Comparing the $10.9 million value of this 'BIG SAFARI' contract to other similar custom programming contracts within the DoD requires access to a broader dataset of defense contracts. However, for a one-year period, $10.9 million is a substantial investment, indicative of complex or highly specialized development. Many custom software development contracts for the DoD can range from a few million dollars for specific modules or enhancements to hundreds of millions or even billions for large-scale system overhauls or new platform developments. Given that this is a single delivery order under a larger program, its value is significant but likely represents a component of a larger technological effort. Without more specific details on the scope and deliverables, a precise comparison is difficult, but it falls within the mid-to-high range for annual custom software development efforts.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for custom computer programming services?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for custom computer programming services include a lack of competitive pricing, potentially leading to overpayment. Without competing bids, the government loses the opportunity to leverage market forces to secure the best possible price. There's also a risk of reduced contractor incentive to innovate or optimize costs, as there is no direct competition to outperform. Furthermore, the government may have less leverage in negotiating terms and conditions. Dependence on a single contractor can also pose a risk if that contractor experiences financial difficulties, undergoes significant personnel changes, or fails to meet performance expectations, as finding and transitioning to an alternative source can be challenging and costly.

What is L3 Technologies' track record with the Department of Defense, particularly on 'Big Safari' or similar programs?

L3 Technologies (now part of L3Harris Technologies) has a long-standing and extensive track record as a major contractor for the Department of Defense across various sectors, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, and communications. While specific details of their involvement with the 'Big Safari' program are often classified, their broad capabilities in advanced technology development and integration align well with the program's objectives. L3Harris is known for delivering complex systems and solutions to the DoD. Their history includes numerous large contracts for software development, system engineering, and hardware integration, demonstrating a capacity to handle sophisticated and critical defense requirements. Their established presence and past performance with the DoD suggest a high likelihood of meeting the technical and programmatic demands of this contract.

How does the firm-fixed-price contract type influence the management and potential cost overruns of this custom programming effort?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government by establishing a set price for the defined scope of work. For the contractor, it shifts the risk of cost overruns to them, incentivizing efficient performance. In the context of custom computer programming, FFP can be effective if the requirements are well-defined and stable. However, custom software development is inherently complex and prone to evolving requirements or unforeseen technical challenges. If the scope is not meticulously managed, 'scope creep' – where additional features or changes are requested beyond the original agreement – can lead to disputes or costly change orders, potentially negating the cost certainty benefit. Effective oversight and a robust change management process are crucial to mitigate these risks under an FFP structure for custom programming.

What are the potential implications of this contract for future technological advancements within the Air Force's special programs?

This contract, awarded under the 'Big Safari' program, is likely to have significant implications for future technological advancements within the Air Force's special programs. 'Big Safari' is a key enabler for rapidly developing and fielding cutting-edge capabilities. The custom programming services procured here could be foundational for new intelligence, surveillance, or operational systems. Successful development and integration of these custom solutions can pave the way for broader adoption of similar technologies, influence future research and development priorities, and enhance the overall technological edge of special operations and intelligence units. The insights gained and technologies developed under this contract could shape the direction of future defense IT investments and capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

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: 1700 SCIENCE PL, ROCKWALL, TX, 75032

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foundation, Manufacturer of Goods, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,418,110

Exercised Options: $13,418,110

Current Obligation: $10,909,835

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862025GB001

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline