DoD's $28.3M BIG SAFARI Contract Awarded to L3Harris for Aircraft Parts
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,290,598 ($28.3M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-30
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 457 days
Daily Burn Rate: $61.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
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 $28.3 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $28.3 million awarded to a single vendor. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole awardee, indicating limited competition. 3. Potential risk associated with a sole-source award and fixed-price contract. 4. Spending falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts' manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $28.3 million is substantial. Without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar aircraft parts contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no open competition. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition on this $28.3 million contract may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these aircraft parts.
Public Impact
The Department of the Air Force is acquiring critical aircraft parts. L3Harris Technologies, a major defense contractor, will fulfill the order. The contract duration extends over two years, ensuring sustained supply. The specific nature of 'BIG SAFARI' suggests a specialized or sensitive program.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Limited competition
- Fixed-price contract
Positive Signals
- Established contractor
- Clear delivery timeline
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on defense needs and technological advancements. Benchmarks are difficult without more specific product details.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, L3Harris Technologies, is a large corporation, not a small business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the price is justified and the delivery meets all requirements. The fixed-price contract provides some cost certainty, but performance monitoring is crucial.
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 competitive pricing.
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition.
- Dependence on a single supplier.
- Fixed-price contract may not account for unforeseen cost increases.
- Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
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 $28.3 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 $28.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the price determined to be fair and reasonable?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of viable alternatives. The government should have conducted a price analysis based on historical data, commercial pricing, or other cost-estimating methods to determine fairness and reasonableness, even without competition.
What are the specific risks associated with L3Harris being the sole provider for these aircraft parts?
The primary risks include potential price escalation over time if renegotiation occurs, limited leverage for the government in future procurements, and dependence on a single supplier for critical components. This could impact supply chain resilience and long-term cost-effectiveness.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Air Force's aircraft operations?
This contract is likely crucial for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of specific Air Force aircraft platforms. Ensuring a steady supply of necessary parts prevents downtime and supports mission capabilities, directly impacting the Air Force's ability to execute its duties.
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 AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
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: $28,290,598
Exercised Options: $28,290,598
Current Obligation: $28,290,598
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862021G4027
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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