DoD's $7.5M contract for code waveform development awarded to L3Harris Technologies, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,503,976 ($7.5M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-06-12

End Date: 2026-06-11

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $20.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CODE WAVEFORM DEVELOPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATEMENT OF WORK, ATTACHMENT B.

Place of Performance

Location: ROCHESTER, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14610

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: CODE WAVEFORM DEVELOPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATEMENT OF WORK, ATTACHMENT B. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 3. The duration of 364 days indicates a focused, short-term project. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334220 points to the wireless communications equipment manufacturing sector. 5. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework. 6. The base value of $7.5M is a significant investment in specialized communication technology. 7. The contract is not set aside for small businesses, indicating it was open to all eligible large and small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $7.5 million for a 364-day period for code waveform development appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized defense technology. Without specific benchmarks for similar waveform development contracts or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that the government has an estimated cost and a fixed fee, which can provide some cost control. Further analysis would require comparing the proposed fixed fee and estimated costs against industry standards for similar complexity and scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally promotes a competitive environment. A competitive process is expected to drive down prices and encourage innovation as contractors vie for the award. The government's use of full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and access to a wider range of innovative solutions. This approach helps ensure that government funds are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to achieve the best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which will receive the developed code waveforms. The services delivered include the development of code waveforms, crucial for secure and efficient communication. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, where the contractor L3Harris Technologies, Inc. operates and where SOCOM is based. Workforce implications may include specialized engineers and software developers involved in the waveform design and implementation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts require diligent oversight to ensure costs remain controlled and the fixed fee is justified.
The specific nature of 'code waveform development' implies a need for highly specialized technical expertise, potentially limiting the pool of qualified contractors.
As a delivery order, its performance is contingent on the terms and conditions of the parent IDIQ contract, which may have its own risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and competitive bidding process.
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is a well-established defense contractor with a track record in communications and technology.
The contract specifies a clear statement of work (Attachment B), providing defined objectives for the development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology and Defense Electronics sectors, specifically focusing on wireless communications equipment manufacturing. The market for advanced communication systems, including specialized waveforms for military applications, is highly competitive and technologically driven. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining communication superiority and interoperability for defense agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other contracts for R&D, software development, and hardware integration in the defense communications domain.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, as indicated by the 'sb': false flag. This means the competition was open to all eligible businesses, including large corporations. While there is no direct subcontracting requirement specified for small businesses in this data, large prime contractors like L3Harris Technologies, Inc. often engage small businesses for specialized components or services. The absence of a set-aside does not preclude small business participation as subcontractors, but it does mean they had to compete directly with larger firms for the prime contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely involve rigorous monitoring of costs incurred by L3Harris Technologies, Inc. against the estimated costs, as well as the justification for the fixed fee. The Department of Defense and U.S. Special Operations Command will be responsible for ensuring adherence to the Statement of Work (Attachment B). Transparency is typically managed through contract reporting mechanisms and performance reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Communications Systems
Special Operations Forces Technology Development
Wireless Communication Technology Research
Software Defined Radios
Secure Communication Systems

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires robust oversight.
Potential for technical challenges in waveform development.
Dependence on parent IDIQ contract terms (if applicable).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. CODE WAVEFORM DEVELOPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STATEMENT OF WORK, ATTACHMENT B.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-12. End: 2026-06-11.

What is the track record of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. in delivering similar code waveform development contracts for the Department of Defense?

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a substantial track record in defense contracting, including significant work in communications, electronic warfare, and information systems. They have been involved in numerous projects for various branches of the U.S. military, including SOCOM. While specific details on past 'code waveform development' contracts are not provided here, their portfolio includes development and integration of advanced communication systems, software-defined radios, and secure network solutions. Their experience suggests a capability to handle complex technical requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history with DoD, particularly SOCOM, would reveal the scale and success of prior similar efforts, including performance metrics and any past issues.

How does the $7.5 million cost for this 364-day contract compare to similar waveform development projects?

Benchmarking the $7.5 million cost for this 364-day contract against similar waveform development projects is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the waveform, the specific encryption or security requirements, the level of innovation required, and the contractor's overhead and profit margins. Given that this is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, the $7.5 million likely represents an estimated cost plus a negotiated fixed fee. To assess value, one would need to compare the fixed fee percentage and the estimated direct/indirect costs against industry averages for R&D in advanced communications. The specialized nature of defense waveforms often commands higher prices due to unique technical demands and security protocols.

What are the primary technical risks associated with developing code waveforms for U.S. Special Operations Command?

Key technical risks in developing code waveforms for SOCOM include ensuring robust security against interception and jamming, achieving high levels of interoperability with existing and future communication systems, and meeting stringent performance requirements under diverse and challenging operational environments (e.g., electronic warfare conditions, varied terrain). There's also the risk of technological obsolescence if the waveform design doesn't anticipate future advancements. Furthermore, the complexity of software-defined radio (SDR) implementation and the integration of advanced signal processing techniques can introduce development challenges. Ensuring the waveform's efficiency in terms of bandwidth usage and power consumption is also critical for deployable systems.

What is the expected program effectiveness or impact of this waveform development on SOCOM operations?

The expected impact of this waveform development is to enhance the secure and reliable communication capabilities of U.S. Special Operations Command. Improved waveforms can lead to better data throughput, reduced latency, increased resistance to electronic countermeasures, and enhanced interoperability across different SOCOM units and potentially allied forces. This translates to more effective command and control, better situational awareness, and improved mission success rates in complex and high-risk environments. The development aims to provide SOCOM with a cutting-edge communication tool that supports its unique operational requirements.

What has been the historical spending trend for similar communication technology development contracts by the Department of Defense over the past five years?

Historical spending trends for similar communication technology development contracts by the Department of Defense over the past five years have generally shown a consistent or increasing investment. Agencies like SOCOM, DARPA, and various service branches continually invest in modernizing communication systems to maintain technological superiority. This includes significant outlays for research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of advanced waveforms, software-defined radios, satellite communications, and secure networking solutions. Factors driving this spending include evolving threats, the need for greater bandwidth and data security, and the push towards network-centric warfare and joint all-domain command and control (JADC2) initiatives. Specific figures would require detailed analysis of DoD budget appropriations and contract databases.

What is the significance of the 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code (334220) in the context of this contract?

The NAICS code 334220, 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing,' is highly relevant as it defines the primary industry sector for the contractor's work. This code encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing radio and television broadcast and wireless communication equipment. For this contract, it signifies that the development of code waveforms is directly tied to the creation or enhancement of hardware and software used in wireless communication systems, such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers, and related components. This context underscores the contract's focus on tangible technological output within the telecommunications and defense electronics manufacturing sphere.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc

Address: 1680 UNIVERSITY AVE, ROCHESTER, NY, 14610

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: $11,546,847

Exercised Options: $11,546,847

Current Obligation: $7,503,976

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: H9222217D0021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline