L3Harris Technologies awarded $161.6M for Marine Corps Wideband Satellite Systems, including retrofits and training
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,163,984 ($16.2M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-30
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 457 days
Daily Burn Rate: $35.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: DELIVERY ORDER FOR MARINE CORPS WIDEBAND SATELLITE - EXPEDITIONARY (MCWS-X) SYSTEMS, RETROFITS, SPARES, AND TRAINING).
Place of Performance
Location: ROCHESTER, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14623
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $16.2 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: DELIVERY ORDER FOR MARINE CORPS WIDEBAND SATELLITE - EXPEDITIONARY (MCWS-X) SYSTEMS, RETROFITS, SPARES, AND TRAINING). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential satellite communication systems for the Marine Corps. 2. The award is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 3. Pricing appears to be firm-fixed-price, which can offer cost certainty. 4. The contract duration extends into late 2026, indicating a medium-term need. 5. This award falls within the telecommunications sector, crucial for military operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total value of this delivery order is $161.6 million. Benchmarking against similar telecommunications and satellite system contracts requires access to detailed pricing structures and market rates for specific components and services. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests a degree of cost control. Further analysis would involve comparing the unit costs of retrofits, spares, and training against industry standards and historical performance of L3Harris Technologies on similar government contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovation. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to meet the requirements effectively.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs through market forces and encourages a wider range of solutions, potentially leading to better value for the government's investment.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the United States Marine Corps, who will receive enhanced wideband satellite communication capabilities. Services delivered include system retrofits, provision of spare parts, and essential training for personnel. The geographic impact is likely global, supporting deployed Marine Corps units wherever they operate. Workforce implications may include specialized technical roles for installation, maintenance, and training related to the satellite systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs beyond the initial delivery order.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical system upgrades and support.
- Risk of obsolescence if technology evolves rapidly during the contract period.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract structure provides cost predictability.
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting market validation of price and capability.
- Long-term support and training ensure operational readiness and user proficiency.
Sector Analysis
The telecommunications sector is vital for modern military operations, providing the backbone for command, control, and communication. This contract for wideband satellite systems addresses a critical need within the Department of Defense for robust and secure communication networks. The market for defense telecommunications is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale satellite communication procurements by military branches.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside. However, the prime contractor, L3Harris Technologies, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specific components or services, depending on their internal procurement strategies and the nature of the work required for the MCWS-X systems.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods and services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Marine Corps Wideband Satellite - Expeditionary (MCWS-X) Program
- Department of Defense Satellite Communications
- Tactical Satellite Communications Systems
- Military Telecommunications Infrastructure
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence
- Dependence on contractor for specialized support
- Long-term sustainment cost uncertainty
Tags
it, defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, marine-corps, satellite-communications, telecommunications, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, full-and-open-competition, l3harris-technologies, new-york
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $16.2 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. DELIVERY ORDER FOR MARINE CORPS WIDEBAND SATELLITE - EXPEDITIONARY (MCWS-X) SYSTEMS, RETROFITS, SPARES, AND TRAINING).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the historical spending pattern for the Marine Corps Wideband Satellite - Expeditionary (MCWS-X) program?
Analyzing the historical spending for the MCWS-X program requires access to historical contract data beyond this single delivery order. Typically, such programs involve multiple contract actions over their lifecycle, including research and development, procurement of initial systems, sustainment, and upgrades. Without access to a comprehensive contract database or specific program documentation, it is difficult to provide a detailed historical spending pattern. However, the existence of this significant delivery order suggests a sustained investment in this capability. Future analysis could involve tracking all contract awards associated with the MCWS-X program to understand its total lifecycle cost and funding trends.
How does the pricing of this delivery order compare to similar satellite communication system retrofits for other military branches?
A precise comparison of pricing for this $161.6 million delivery order against similar satellite communication system retrofits for other military branches is challenging without detailed unit cost breakdowns and specific technical specifications. Factors such as the complexity of the retrofits, the specific satellite technology involved, the quantity of units, and the scope of training can significantly influence pricing. Generally, firm-fixed-price contracts aim for competitive pricing through open competition. To conduct a robust comparison, one would need to identify comparable contracts, analyze their scope, duration, and pricing structures, and then benchmark the unit costs of key components and services against industry averages and historical government procurement data.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the MCWS-X systems and this contract?
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for satellite communication systems like the MCWS-X typically focus on operational effectiveness, reliability, and user satisfaction. For this specific contract, KPIs would likely include metrics related to system uptime, data throughput, latency, signal integrity, and the successful completion of retrofits within schedule. Training effectiveness would be measured by user proficiency and the ability to operate and maintain the systems. The contract itself would stipulate specific acceptance criteria and performance standards that L3Harris Technologies must meet. Failure to meet these KPIs could result in penalties or withholding of payments, depending on the contract's terms and conditions.
What is L3Harris Technologies' track record with the Department of Defense for similar satellite communication systems?
L3Harris Technologies has a significant track record with the Department of Defense, including extensive experience in providing advanced communication systems, including satellite and tactical networking solutions. They have been a prime contractor on numerous programs involving satellite ground systems, airborne platforms, and secure communication networks for various military branches. Their history includes delivering complex technological solutions under challenging conditions. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including on-time delivery, adherence to budget, and technical execution, would provide context for their capability to fulfill this MCWS-X delivery order. Government contract databases and past performance reviews would offer more granular insights.
What are the potential risks associated with the long-term sustainment and upgrade path for these MCWS-X systems?
Potential risks associated with the long-term sustainment and upgrade path for MCWS-X systems include technological obsolescence, the availability of spare parts, and the cost of future upgrades. As technology evolves rapidly, systems deployed today may become outdated, requiring significant investment to maintain relevance and capability. Ensuring a consistent supply chain for specialized spare parts over the system's lifecycle can also be a challenge. Furthermore, the cost of future upgrades to incorporate new technologies or enhance performance can be substantial and may require additional funding appropriations. Proactive lifecycle management, including technology insertion strategies and robust sustainment planning, is crucial to mitigate these risks.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Telecommunications › All Other Telecommunications
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: M6785420R2025
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: $16,163,984
Exercised Options: $16,163,984
Current Obligation: $16,163,984
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: M6785421D2025
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-30
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-06
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