DoD awards $17.5M for image intensifier tubes to L3 Technologies, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,505,300 ($17.5M)

Contractor: L3 Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-18

End Date: 2027-06-09

Contract Duration: 538 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBES

Place of Performance

Location: TEMPE, MARICOPA County, ARIZONA, 85281

State: Arizona Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.5 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market. 2. Fixed-price contract type may limit cost overruns for the government. 3. Delivery order structure indicates a need for ongoing supply rather than a single project. 4. The contract duration of 538 days suggests a moderate-term supply requirement. 5. Awarded by the Defense Logistics Agency, indicating a role in supporting military readiness. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334511 points to specialized manufacturing.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.5 million for image intensifier tubes appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the equipment and the duration of the award. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced optical systems is challenging without more specific technical details, but the fixed-price nature suggests the government has negotiated a set price. The award to a single contractor, L3 Technologies, Inc., implies they were the most competitive offeror under the established criteria.

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 offers. The fact that it resulted in a single delivery order suggests that L3 Technologies, Inc. was selected as the most advantageous offer. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally fosters price discovery and encourages multiple vendors to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through a competitive process, potentially leading to lower prices and higher quality goods or services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. military branches requiring advanced night vision and targeting capabilities. The contract delivers essential image intensifier tubes, critical components for various defense systems. The geographic impact is primarily within Arizona, where L3 Technologies, Inc. has operations. Workforce implications include potential job creation or retention within the specialized manufacturing sector at the contractor's facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if future requirements are not competed broadly.
Reliance on a single supplier for critical components could pose supply chain risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contractor is an established entity with experience in defense manufacturing.

Sector Analysis

The market for image intensifier tubes falls within the broader defense electronics and aerospace manufacturing sector. This sector is characterized by high technological barriers to entry, significant R&D investment, and stringent quality control requirements. Companies like L3 Technologies, Inc. are key players, often holding specialized expertise. Spending in this area is driven by military modernization efforts and the need for advanced surveillance and targeting capabilities.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of image intensifier tubes and the likely scale of production, it is probable that larger, established defense contractors are the primary participants. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but are not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, oversight would likely involve monitoring performance, delivery schedules, and quality control. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may be internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Night Vision Systems
Targeting Systems
Defense Electronics Manufacturing
Aerospace Components

Risk Flags

Supply Chain Risk
Quality Control Risk
Delivery Schedule Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.5 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-18. End: 2027-06-09.

What is the specific technical capability and application of the image intensifier tubes being procured?

The provided data indicates the procurement of 'IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBES' under NAICS code 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing). Image intensifier tubes are crucial components in night vision devices, amplifying ambient light to allow visibility in low-light conditions. They are used in a wide array of military applications, including helmet-mounted sights, weapon sights, binoculars, and surveillance systems, enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness for personnel operating in darkness or adverse weather.

How does the $17.5 million contract value compare to historical spending on similar image intensifier tubes by the DoD?

Direct historical spending comparisons for this specific contract are difficult without access to detailed historical procurement databases. However, the $17.5 million award over approximately 22 months (from December 2025 to June 2027) suggests an average annual spend of roughly $9.7 million. This figure needs to be contextualized by the quantity and specific generation/capabilities of the tubes. L3 Technologies, Inc. is a major defense contractor, and their involvement suggests a significant procurement. Broader analysis would require examining trends in night vision technology procurement across different military branches and over multiple fiscal years to identify patterns and potential price fluctuations.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this specific delivery order. However, for contracts involving the supply of critical defense components like image intensifier tubes, typical KPIs would likely include: adherence to delivery schedules, product quality (e.g., performance specifications, defect rates, reliability), and compliance with technical requirements. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) would establish and monitor these KPIs, likely through inspection and acceptance processes, contractor performance reports, and potentially audits. Failure to meet KPIs could result in penalties or corrective actions as stipulated in the contract.

What is L3 Technologies, Inc.'s track record with the Defense Logistics Agency and similar image intensifier tube contracts?

L3 Technologies, Inc. (now part of L3Harris Technologies) has a substantial and long-standing track record as a prime contractor for the Department of Defense, including the Defense Logistics Agency. They are a recognized leader in electro-optical and infrared technologies, including image intensifier tubes. While specific contract details for this $17.5 million award are limited, the company has historically secured numerous contracts for similar components and systems across various military branches. Their extensive experience suggests a high likelihood of meeting performance and delivery requirements, though ongoing performance monitoring by the DLA remains crucial.

Are there any identified risks associated with the performance or delivery of these image intensifier tubes?

Potential risks associated with this contract include supply chain disruptions affecting the availability of raw materials or specialized components needed for the tubes, potential manufacturing defects leading to quality issues, and delivery delays impacting the DLA's ability to equip military units. Technological obsolescence is also a consideration, as advancements in imaging technology could potentially render current-generation tubes less effective over time. The fixed-price nature of the contract could incentivize the contractor to cut corners on quality if not adequately monitored. However, the contractor's experience and the DLA's oversight mechanisms are intended to mitigate these risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1215 S 52ND ST, TEMPE, AZ, 85281

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,505,300

Exercised Options: $17,505,300

Current Obligation: $17,505,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SPRBL125D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline