GSA awards $26.6M for L Band Conversion Kits, with L3Harris Technologies securing the contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,662,708 ($26.7M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2012-05-25
End Date: 2014-09-30
Contract Duration: 858 days
Daily Burn Rate: $31.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: L BAND CONVERSION KITS AND OTHER HARRIS ACCESSORIES
Place of Performance
Location: ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, HARFORD County, MARYLAND, 21005
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $26.7 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: L BAND CONVERSION KITS AND OTHER HARRIS ACCESSORIES Key points: 1. Contract value of $26.6 million over its period of performance. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. Performance period spans over 2 years, indicating a medium-term requirement. 5. The product service code (PSC) 334220 relates to communication equipment manufacturing. 6. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is the sole awardee for this specific delivery order. 7. The contract was issued by the General Services Administration (GSA).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the 'L BAND CONVERSION KITS AND OTHER HARRIS ACCESSORIES'. However, the total award of $26.6 million over approximately two years suggests a significant investment. The firm fixed-price nature indicates a defined cost expectation, but the value-for-money assessment hinges on the necessity and effectiveness of the kits. Without comparable contract data or detailed specifications, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data shows one award, suggesting that while competition was open, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. was the selected vendor for this specific delivery order. The level of competition and the number of bids received are not detailed, which limits a deeper analysis of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to solicit the best possible pricing through a wide range of potential bidders, potentially leading to cost savings.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely government agencies requiring L Band conversion capabilities, potentially for communication or broadcasting purposes. The contract delivers essential 'L BAND CONVERSION KITS AND OTHER HARRIS ACCESSORIES', crucial for maintaining or upgrading specific technological systems. The geographic impact is centered in Maryland (ST: MD, SN: MARYLAND), where the contract is managed or fulfilled. Workforce implications may involve specialized technical personnel for the manufacturing and integration of these conversion kits.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the delivered kits.
- The specific nature of 'other Harris accessories' is not defined, potentially obscuring the full scope of the contract.
- Limited information on the competitive landscape beyond 'full and open' prevents a thorough price analysis.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair bidding process.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- The contract is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), a reputable agency for federal procurement.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the manufacturing sector, specifically related to radio and television broadcasting and wireless communications equipment (NAICS 334220). This segment of the industry is critical for maintaining and upgrading national communication infrastructure. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on technological advancements and government modernization initiatives. Comparable spending benchmarks would require analysis of other government contracts for similar communication equipment or conversion technologies.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business participation (SS: false, SB: false) was not a specific set-aside criterion for this contract. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this particular award, though L3Harris Technologies may engage small businesses in their supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
The General Services Administration (GSA) typically has robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts, including performance monitoring and compliance checks. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, it likely adheres to GSA's established procurement policies and procedures. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, where this award is recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Spectrum Management
- Department of Defense (DoD) Communications Equipment Procurement
- GSA Schedule Contracts
- Wireless Communication Infrastructure Modernization
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
- Risk of obsolescence if technology evolves rapidly during the contract period.
- Dependence on a single supplier for this specific delivery order.
Tags
gsa, general-services-administration, l3harris-technologies, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, communications-equipment, wireless-communications, maryland, federal-acquisition-service, 334220, medium-value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $26.7 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. L BAND CONVERSION KITS AND OTHER HARRIS ACCESSORIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $26.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-05-25. End: 2014-09-30.
What is the specific technical function and necessity of the 'L BAND CONVERSION KITS' awarded under this contract?
The specific technical function and necessity of the 'L BAND CONVERSION KITS' are not detailed in the provided data. However, L-band frequencies are typically used for satellite communications, mobile communications, and broadcasting. Conversion kits suggest a need to adapt existing equipment to operate within or interface with L-band spectrum, potentially for upgrades, interoperability, or compliance with new regulations. Without further technical specifications or context from the procuring agency (GSA), the precise application remains speculative. It could involve enabling legacy systems to utilize newer L-band services or ensuring compatibility with Harris Corporation's proprietary communication technologies.
How does the $26.6 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar conversion kits or accessories by the GSA or other federal agencies?
Comparing the $26.6 million contract value to historical spending on similar items is difficult without more specific data on the 'L BAND CONVERSION KITS AND OTHER HARRIS ACCESSORIES'. The provided information lacks details on the quantity of kits, their unit cost, or the specific functionalities they provide. To establish a benchmark, one would need to analyze past GSA or agency procurements for communication equipment conversion kits, focusing on contracts with similar technical specifications and performance periods. The fact that this is a delivery order suggests it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, making direct comparison to standalone procurements less straightforward. A comprehensive analysis would involve searching procurement databases for comparable items and adjusting for inflation and technological obsolescence.
What is L3Harris Technologies, Inc.'s track record with the GSA and in providing communication equipment, particularly conversion kits?
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a significant track record as a major defense contractor and provider of communication systems. As a result of mergers and acquisitions (notably the merger of Harris Corporation and L3 Technologies), the company possesses extensive experience in areas relevant to this contract, including radio communications, satellite systems, and electronic warfare. Their history with the GSA likely includes numerous awards under various schedule contracts and other procurement vehicles. To assess their specific performance on 'L BAND CONVERSION KITS AND OTHER HARRIS ACCESSORIES,' one would need to examine past delivery orders or contracts issued to them for similar equipment, looking at performance reviews, past performance questionnaires, and any documented issues or successes. Given their size and scope, they are generally considered a capable supplier for complex technological requirements.
What are the potential risks associated with a Firm Fixed Price contract for specialized communication equipment like conversion kits?
The primary risk associated with a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for specialized equipment like conversion kits is that the contractor, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., may face unforeseen cost increases during production or delivery that could impact their profit margin or lead to quality compromises if they attempt to cut costs. For the government, the risk is paying a potentially higher initial price to cover the contractor's risk premium. If the scope of work is not perfectly defined, or if unforeseen technical challenges arise during development or integration, the contractor might seek change orders, which can increase the overall cost. Additionally, if the contractor underbids due to poor estimation, they might be incentivized to deliver lower-quality components or rush the process, potentially affecting the long-term reliability and performance of the conversion kits.
How does the duration of the contract (858 days) align with the typical lifecycle of communication equipment and the government's need for such technology?
The contract duration of 858 days (approximately 2 years and 4 months) aligns reasonably well with the typical lifecycle and deployment needs for specialized communication equipment like conversion kits. This timeframe allows for manufacturing, testing, delivery, and potentially initial integration or deployment phases. Communication technology, while advancing rapidly, often requires a period of stability for widespread adoption and integration into existing infrastructure. A 2-year period is often sufficient for fulfilling a specific set of requirements without locking the government into potentially obsolete technology for too long. However, if the 'L BAND CONVERSION KITS' are intended for systems with a longer operational lifespan or are part of a broader modernization effort, a longer contract duration might have been considered. The GSA's choice of this duration suggests a balance between meeting immediate needs and avoiding long-term commitments in a dynamic technological field.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: ID02120038
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc (UEI: 004203337)
Address: 1680 UNIVERSITY AVE, ROCHESTER, NY, 14610
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,704,924
Exercised Options: $26,662,708
Current Obligation: $26,662,708
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F0163N
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-05-25
Current End Date: 2014-09-30
Potential End Date: 2014-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-05-24
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