NASA's SOFIA Airborne System Refurbishment Contract Reaches $50.3M, Awarded to L3Harris

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,352,799 ($50.4M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2007-02-09

End Date: 2015-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,941 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT NASA IN THE COMPLETION OF THE REFURBISHMENT, MODIFICATION, INTEGRATION, TEST AND VERIFICATION OF THE SOFIA AIRBORNE SYSTEM THROUGH COMPLETION OF AIRWORTHINESS FLIGHT TEST AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL WORK IN CONCERT WITH THE TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY CONTRACTOR, THE SCIENCE AND MISSION OPERATIONS CONTRACTOR AND NASA TO PLAN THE AIRBORNE SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND TEST EFFORT. EXECUTION OF PHASE ONE WILL BE AT THE CONTRACTORS FACILITY IN WACO, TEXAS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL IDENTIFY ANY UNSUITABLE SYSTEMS OR PARTS ON GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT FOR WHICH THE CONTRACTOR HAS PRIME RESPONSIBILITY AND REPLACE OR REPAIR THEM AS REQUIRED. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL COMPLETE ALL WORK THAT THE CONTRACTOR HAS PENDING AS CHANGES UNDER CONTRACT NAS2-97001 THAT ARE SUBSEQUENTLY APPROVED BY THE SOFIA PROGRAM CONTROL BOARD. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL COMPLETE INSPECTIONS REQUIRED, RECONDITIONING, MAINTENANCE AND MODIFICATION OF THE SOFIA AIRCRAFT, BOEING 747 SP SERIAL NUMBER 21441. THE WORK SHALL BE DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NASA APPROVED LIST OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES (ADS) AND SERVICE BULLETINS (SBS) AND WITH THE FAA APPROVED SOFIA-BOEING MAINTENANCE PLAN. THE 747 SHALL BE REFURBISHED TO COMPLY WITH NASA AIRWORTHINESS FOR PUBLIC USE WHICH ARE EQUIVALENT TO FAA CERTIFICATION STANDARDS, FAR PART 25. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NASA APPROVED MAINTENANCE PLAN TO SUPPORT THE AIRCRAFT FOR A EXPECTED SERVICE LIFE OF TWENTY YEARS. PRIOR TO NASA FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE FULLY OPERATIONAL AIRCRAFT SYSTEM, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL CONDUCT AN INSPECTION PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH NASA, FAA AND AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY STANDARDS FOR MAJOR MAINTENANCE/OVERHAUL OF PASSENGER AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING, APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF AGING FLEET AIRCRAFT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE THROUGH THE AIRCRAFT FERRY FLIGHT TO NASA FOR THE START OF FLIGHT TESTING. ALL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SHALL BE COMPLETED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE INTERIM SOFIA MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR FIRST FLIGHT. THE INTERIM SOFIA MAINTENANCE PROGRAM PLAN FOR FIRST FLIGHT SHALL BE DEVELOPED AND SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL AND SHALL INCLUDE THE FAA APPROVED MAINTENANCE PLAN FOR THE BASIC AIRCRAFT WITH MODIFICATION. THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE OVERSIGHT, REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF NASA. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL LABOR, MATERIALS, AND VERIFICATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF REQUIRED ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE AIRCRAFT, DURING COMPLETION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION AND TEST PHASES PRIOR TO FERRY OF THE AIRBORNE SYSTEM TO NASA. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL COMPLETE DEVELOPMENT OF, AND SHALL OBTAIN FAA ACCEPTANCE OF PLANS AND PROCEDURES CONSISTENT WITH AN EXPERIMENTAL AIRWORTHINESS DOCUMENT PRIOR TO FIRST FLIGHT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL LABOR, MATERIALS, AND VERIFICATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF REQUIRED NON-ROUTINE PREVENTIVE AND CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE ON THE AIRCRAFT, DURING COMPLETION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATION AND TEST PHASES PRIOR TO FERRY OF THE AIRCRAFT SYSTEM TO NASA. NON-ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IS DEFINED AS THE REPAIR OF STRUCTURAL DAMAGE, REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE PARTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE APPROVED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PROGRAM, AND INCORPORATION OF NASA APPROVED SBS, AND ADS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL COMPLETE FABRICATION, INSTALLATION, INTEGRATION, AND VERIFICATION OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE 747 SP THAT WAS STARTED UNDER CONTRACT NAS2-97001. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT NASA IN THE COMPLETION OF THE REFURBISHMENT, MODIFICATION, INTEGRATION, TEST AND VERIFICATION OF THE SOFIA AIRBORNE SYSTEM THROUGH COMPLETION OF AIRWORTHINESS FLIGHT TEST AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL WORK IN CONCERT WITH THE TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY CONTRACTOR, THE SCIENCE AND MISSION OPERATIONS CONTRACTOR AND NASA TO PLAN THE AIRBORNE SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND TEST EFFORT. EXECUTION OF PHASE ONE WILL BE AT THE CONTRACTORS FACILITY IN WACO, TEXAS. TAS::80 0120::TAS

Place of Performance

Location: EDWARDS, KERN County, CALIFORNIA, 93523

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $50.4 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT NASA IN THE COMPLETION OF THE REFURBISHMENT, MODIFICATION, INTEGRATION, TEST AND VERIFICATION OF THE SOFIA AIRBORNE SYSTEM THROUGH COMPLETION OF AIRWORTHINESS FLIGHT TEST AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL WORK IN CONCERT WITH THE TELESCOP… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical refurbishment, modification, and testing of NASA's SOFIA airborne system. 2. L3Harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P. is the sole awardee, indicating a non-competitive process. 3. The contract spans a significant duration, from 2007 to 2015, with a total value of $50.3M. 4. Potential risks include reliance on a single contractor and the long project timeline.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $50.3M for a complex, multi-year refurbishment of an airborne system appears reasonable given the scope. However, without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for similar specialized aircraft modifications, a precise value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive bidding process. The justification for sole-source is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for the SOFIA system's refurbishment.

Public Impact

Ensures the continued operational capability of the SOFIA airborne observatory for scientific research. Supports advanced aerospace engineering and integration efforts within NASA's programs. The long-term nature of the contract implies a sustained investment in a specialized asset.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
• Long contract duration (2007-2015) may indicate potential for cost overruns or scope creep.
• Reliance on contractor for identifying and replacing unsuitable government-furnished equipment.

Positive Signals

• Contract supports a critical scientific research platform (SOFIA).
• Awardee has specific expertise in integrated systems.
• Clear definition of work phases and locations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this specialized area is often project-specific and driven by unique government requirements for complex aerospace systems like SOFIA, rather than broad market benchmarks.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the 'sb' field is false. The prime contractor, L3Harris Technologies, is a large corporation, suggesting no direct benefit to small businesses through this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's long duration and sole-source nature warrant close oversight to ensure cost control and adherence to the defined scope. NASA's role in managing the contractor's work and ensuring proper integration with other contractors is crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

• Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs

Risk Flags

• Lack of competitive bidding may lead to higher costs.
• Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns and schedule delays.
• Potential for contractor to identify and charge for extensive repairs on Government Furnished Equipment.
• Dependency on contractor's assessment of 'unsuitable systems or parts'.

Tags

other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $50.4 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P.. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT NASA IN THE COMPLETION OF THE REFURBISHMENT, MODIFICATION, INTEGRATION, TEST AND VERIFICATION OF THE SOFIA AIRBORNE SYSTEM THROUGH COMPLETION OF AIRWORTHINESS FLIGHT TEST AND FLIGHT CERTIFICATION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL WORK IN CONCERT WITH THE TELESCOPE ASSEMBLY CONTRACTOR, THE SCIENCE AND MISSION OPERATIONS CONTRACTOR AND NASA TO PLAN THE AIRBORNE SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND TEST EFFORT. EXECUTION OF PHASE ONE WILL BE AT THE CONTRACTORS FACILITY IN WACO, TEXAS. THE CONTR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $50.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-02-09. End: 2015-02-28.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis instead of through full and open competition?

The justification for a sole-source award is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source contracts are used when only one responsible source is available, or for urgent and compelling reasons. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the lack of competition was warranted or if it potentially led to suboptimal pricing for the government.

How does the per-unit cost of refurbishment for the SOFIA system compare to similar specialized airborne platforms?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit cost breakdowns for the refurbishment of individual components or systems within SOFIA. Benchmarking against similar specialized airborne platforms is therefore not possible. A detailed cost analysis would be required to determine if the $50.3M expenditure represents good value relative to industry standards for such unique projects.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and timely completion of the SOFIA refurbishment given the long contract duration and sole-source nature?

The contract specifies phases and requires the contractor to work in concert with other NASA entities. However, the data doesn't detail specific performance metrics, milestones, or penalties for delays. NASA's active program management and oversight are critical to ensuring the effectiveness and timely completion of the refurbishment, especially given the sole-source award and extended timeline.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc

Address: 7500 MAEHR RD, WACO, TX, 76705

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $61,790,293

Exercised Options: $61,790,293

Current Obligation: $50,352,799

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2007-02-09

Current End Date: 2015-02-28

Potential End Date: 2015-02-28 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-12-18

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