DoD's BIFROST Waveform Contract Exceeds $37M, Awarded to L3 Technologies Amidst R&D Spending
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,165,365 ($37.2M)
Contractor: L3 Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-04-22
End Date: 2024-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,379 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BIFROST PROTECTED TACTICAL WAVEFORM
Place of Performance
Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84116
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $37.2 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: BIFROST PROTECTED TACTICAL WAVEFORM Key points: 1. Contract value of $37.16M for a tactical waveform system. 2. Awarded to L3 Technologies, Inc. under full and open competition. 3. Focuses on Research and Development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Potential for significant technological advancement in defense communications.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of tactical waveforms.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting advanced R&D in defense technology, with the potential for future cost savings through improved communication systems.
Public Impact
Enhances tactical communication capabilities for the Air Force. Supports innovation in advanced waveform technology. Contributes to the Department of Defense's technological superiority.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical defense research and development.
- Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological advantage but can be prone to cost variability.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, and there is no specific indication of small business participation in this particular award. Future subcontracts may involve small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and progress to ensure accountability and prevent overspending.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- R&D projects inherently carry technical and schedule risks.
- Potential for cost overruns without stringent oversight.
- Limited public information on specific performance metrics.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ut, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $37.2 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. BIFROST PROTECTED TACTICAL WAVEFORM
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 $37.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-04-22. End: 2024-01-31.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to ensure the R&D efforts translate into effective tactical waveforms?
Key performance indicators should focus on the successful development and testing of the BIFROST waveform's capabilities, such as data throughput, signal reliability in contested environments, and interoperability with existing systems. Measuring adherence to technical specifications and successful integration into operational platforms are also crucial. Regular technical reviews and milestone achievements should be tracked to ensure progress aligns with the fixed fee and overall project goals.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks associated with R&D uncertainty while ensuring fair pricing for the government?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure aims to provide the contractor with cost reimbursement plus a predetermined fixed fee, incentivizing efficiency. For R&D, it allows flexibility to adapt to unforeseen technical challenges. However, it requires robust government oversight to scrutinize costs and prevent unnecessary expenditures. The fixed fee component caps the contractor's profit, offering some cost control, but the government bears the risk of cost overruns beyond the estimated cost.
What is the long-term strategic value of investing in the BIFROST Protected Tactical Waveform for the Department of Defense?
The BIFROST waveform is likely intended to enhance secure and resilient communication capabilities in challenging tactical environments, crucial for modern warfare. Investing in this technology ensures the DoD maintains a technological edge, improves situational awareness, and enables more effective command and control. The R&D effort could lead to breakthroughs in anti-jamming, low probability of intercept, and high-bandwidth data transmission, ultimately bolstering national security.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 640 N 2200 W, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84116
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $37,165,365
Exercised Options: $37,165,365
Current Obligation: $37,165,365
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 18
Total Subaward Amount: $8,481,456
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA872618D0010
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-04-22
Current End Date: 2024-01-31
Potential End Date: 2024-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-05-31
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