DoD's $15.3M R&D Contract with L3Harris: A Deep Dive into Value and Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,329,110 ($15.3M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2005-09-29
End Date: 2007-03-16
Contract Duration: 533 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: PALM BAY, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32905
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.3 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: Key points: 1. The contract awarded to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences totals $15.3 million. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, this contract suggests a competitive bidding process was utilized. 3. The contract duration of 533 days indicates a medium-term project scope. 4. The 'Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code points to innovation and scientific advancement. 5. The 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' contract type implies that costs are reimbursed, plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize efficiency.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $15.3 million for a 533-day R&D project needs further benchmarking against similar government contracts for physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Without specific deliverables or comparable projects, assessing its value proposition is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers likely benefited from a fair market price, though the specific cost-plus-fixed-fee structure warrants scrutiny for potential cost overruns.
Public Impact
This contract supports advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new technologies or improved capabilities. The investment in R&D by the Department of Defense signals a commitment to future innovation and national security. The use of a competitive process aims to ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently for research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not closely monitored.
- Lack of specific project details makes it difficult to assess the true value and impact of the R&D.
- The contract was awarded in 2005, and its current relevance or completed outcomes are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
- Supports critical research and development in key scientific and engineering fields.
- The fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Government spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, often involving complex and long-term projects.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which is responsible for ensuring contractor performance and compliance. Oversight would focus on adherence to the contract terms, cost reporting, and delivery of R&D outcomes.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type.
- Lack of specific R&D deliverables.
- Contract awarded in 2005, potential for outdated information.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $15.3 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-09-29. End: 2007-03-16.
What were the specific research objectives and expected outcomes of this $15.3 million R&D contract?
The specific research objectives and expected outcomes are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, R&D contracts aim to develop new technologies, improve existing systems, or conduct fundamental scientific inquiry. Without further documentation, it's impossible to ascertain the precise goals or the tangible results achieved under this particular award to L3Harris Technologies.
How did the 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' structure impact the final cost and the contractor's incentive for efficiency?
The 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' (CPFF) structure reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee. This provides the government with some cost certainty regarding the fee, but the total cost can vary based on actual expenses. While the fixed fee provides a profit incentive, the primary driver for efficiency often lies in the government's oversight and the contractor's internal management practices to control costs.
What is the long-term impact or application of the research conducted under this contract for the Department of Defense?
The long-term impact or application of the research is not specified in the provided data. R&D contracts can lead to a wide range of outcomes, from foundational scientific discoveries to the development of specific defense technologies. The success and utility of this research would depend on its alignment with DoD strategic goals and its subsequent integration into operational systems or future development efforts.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc (UEI: 004203337)
Address: 2400 PALM BAY RD NE, PALM BAY, FL, 32905
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-09-29
Current End Date: 2007-03-16
Potential End Date: 2009-06-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-11-03
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