DoD Awards $32.25M for BIG SAFARI Aircraft Parts to L3Harris, Sole-Source

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,252,804 ($32.3M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-06-26

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 704 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.8K/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 $32.3 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $32.25 million. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole awardee, raising competition concerns. 3. Risk of overpayment due to lack of competitive bidding. 4. Spending is within the 'Other Aircraft Parts' manufacturing sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $32.25 million for BIG SAFARI aircraft parts lacks a clear benchmark due to its sole-source nature. Without competitive pricing, it's difficult to assess if this represents fair market value compared to similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no opportunity for multiple vendors to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these aircraft parts.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying for critical aircraft components. Potential for reduced innovation due to lack of market competition. Dependence on a single supplier for essential parts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for price inflation

Positive Signals

Contract supports critical aircraft parts
Long-term contract duration

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining military aviation capabilities, but competitive sourcing is vital to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award, suggesting a missed opportunity for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is needed to ensure the justification for the sole-source award is robust and that pricing is reasonable, despite the absence of competition.

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 limits competition.
Potential for inflated pricing.
Lack of small business participation.
Dependency on a single supplier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.3 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 $32.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-26. End: 2027-05-31.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one source can fulfill the requirement. To ensure fair pricing, the agency should conduct a thorough price analysis, comparing proposed costs to historical data, commercial price lists, or independent cost estimates. Robust negotiation and documentation of the price reasonableness are critical.

What are the risks associated with relying on a single supplier for these critical aircraft parts, especially concerning supply chain disruptions?

Sole-source contracts create a significant dependency on a single supplier, increasing vulnerability to supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical events, natural disasters, or the supplier's own operational issues. This can lead to production delays, increased costs, and potential mission impacts if critical parts become unavailable. Contingency planning and close monitoring of the supplier's stability are essential.

How will the effectiveness of the BIG SAFARI program be measured given the lack of competitive pressure on the supplier?

Effectiveness will be measured through performance metrics defined in the contract, such as delivery timeliness, quality of parts, and adherence to specifications. The Air Force must actively monitor these metrics and conduct regular performance reviews. While competition drives efficiency, strong contract management and clear performance standards can still ensure the supplier meets program objectives.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

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: $32,252,804

Exercised Options: $32,252,804

Current Obligation: $32,252,804

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $143,749

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline