DoD's $10.9M Big Safari Contract Awarded to L3Harris for Aircraft Parts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,947,097 ($10.9M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-26

End Date: 2025-11-19

Contract Duration: 54 days

Daily Burn Rate: $202.7K/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 $10.9 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. The contract is for 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing'. 2. L3Harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract has a duration of 54 days, ending in November 2025. 4. The total award amount is $10,947,097. 5. This award falls under the Department of the Air Force's purview.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The award amount of $10.9M for a 54-day period suggests a potentially high per-unit cost or significant scope. Without more detail on the specific parts or services, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning competition was not sought. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being expended without the benefit of competitive bidding, potentially leading to a less efficient use of resources.

Public Impact

Air Force operations may be impacted by the timely delivery of these critical aircraft parts. The sole-source nature of the award raises questions about cost-effectiveness for taxpayers. L3Harris Technologies, a major defense contractor, benefits from this direct award.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Short contract duration may indicate urgent need or specific project phase.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Award to established defense contractor L3Harris.
Supports Department of the Air Force's operational needs.
Clear award amount and timeline provided.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining military readiness, but often involves complex supply chains and specialized components.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (ss: false, sb: false). This sole-source contract did not appear to involve subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of the Air Force. Oversight would typically involve contract management to ensure timely delivery and adherence to specifications, especially given the sole-source nature.

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 lacks competitive pricing.
Limited transparency on specific parts and program 'Big Safari'.
Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.
No small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.9 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 $10.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-26. End: 2025-11-19.

What specific aircraft parts or auxiliary equipment are being procured under this 'Big Safari' contract, and what is the justification for the sole-source award?

The specific nature of the 'Big Safari' program and the parts procured are not detailed in the provided data. Justification for sole-source awards typically involves factors like unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs, or lack of adequate competition. Further investigation into the 'Big Safari' program's objectives and L3Harris's specific role would be necessary to understand the rationale.

How does the $10.9M award for a 54-day period compare to industry benchmarks for similar aircraft parts or auxiliary equipment, considering L3Harris's role?

Benchmarking this award is challenging without knowing the exact components or services. However, a $10.9M award for less than two months of work suggests a high value per unit or a significant scope of specialized work. L3Harris is a large defense contractor, and their pricing often reflects advanced technology and integration capabilities, but the lack of competition makes direct cost comparison difficult.

What is the potential impact on Air Force readiness if these parts are not delivered on time, given the short delivery window and sole-source award?

The impact on Air Force readiness could be significant if these parts are critical for operational aircraft. The short delivery window (ending November 19, 2025) and the sole-source nature suggest potential urgency or a specific, time-sensitive requirement. Delays could ground aircraft, disrupt missions, or impact maintenance schedules, underscoring the importance of robust contract management.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

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: $10,947,097

Exercised Options: $10,947,097

Current Obligation: $10,947,097

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline