DoD Awards L3Harris $19.99M for PRC-161 Handheld Link 16 Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,990,343 ($20.0M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-12-09
End Date: 2027-07-09
Contract Duration: 577 days
Daily Burn Rate: $34.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: PRC-161/HANDHELD LINK 16
Place of Performance
Location: SALT LAKE CITY, SALT LAKE County, UTAH, 84116
State: Utah Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.0 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: PRC-161/HANDHELD LINK 16 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. for specialized communication equipment. 2. The award is a delivery order under an existing contract. 3. The total value is approximately $19.99 million. 4. The contract duration extends to July 2027. 5. The specific product is the PRC-161 Handheld Link 16 system.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award value of $19.99 million for 577 days of performance appears reasonable for specialized communication equipment. However, without specific unit details or comparison points, a precise pricing assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was not competed, indicating a limited competition approach. This method may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about potential overspending, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Enhances battlefield communication capabilities for U.S. Special Operations Command. Supports critical mission requirements for tactical data exchange. Ensures interoperability with existing Link 16 networks.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for higher costs due to sole-source nature
Positive Signals
- Supports critical SOCOM mission needs
- Utilizes established Link 16 technology
Sector Analysis
This award falls within the Information Technology and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on wireless communications equipment manufacturing. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and operational effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to L3Harris Technologies, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which could be an area for improvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is a delivery order under an existing contract, suggesting some level of prior oversight. However, the limited competition aspect warrants further scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and value.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Special Operations Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Lack of transparency on justification for sole source
- No stated small business participation
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-defense, ut, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.0 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. PRC-161/HANDHELD LINK 16
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 $20.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-12-09. End: 2027-07-09.
What is the specific justification for limiting competition on this contract, and what steps were taken to ensure the best possible price was obtained?
The justification for limited competition is not provided in the data. Typically, such limitations are based on factors like unique capabilities, urgent needs, or prior investments. To ensure the best price, the agency should have conducted thorough market research and potentially negotiated aggressively with the sole source provider, referencing historical pricing or industry benchmarks.
How does the per-unit cost of the PRC-161 compare to similar tactical communication devices, and what is the potential cost impact of this limited competition?
Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for comparable devices, a direct comparison is not possible. However, limited competition generally leads to higher per-unit costs than fully competed contracts due to reduced market pressure. This could result in a significant cost increase for the government over the life of the contract.
What is the long-term strategy for procuring these PRC-161 systems, and will future procurements be subject to full and open competition?
The provided data does not detail the long-term procurement strategy. Future procurements should ideally transition to full and open competition once the market matures or alternative solutions become available. Agencies should actively explore options to foster competition and leverage market dynamics to secure better pricing.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
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: $19,990,343
Exercised Options: $19,990,343
Current Obligation: $19,990,343
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: H9240124D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-12-09
Current End Date: 2027-07-09
Potential End Date: 2027-07-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-18
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