DoD awards $89M for manpack radios, with L3Harris Technologies Inc. securing the contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $88,971,341 ($89.0M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-06-25
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 462 days
Daily Burn Rate: $192.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: GENERATION 2 MANPACK RADIO RECEIVER/TRANSMITTERS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) - 5 IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER HANDHELD, MANPACK AND SMALL FORM FIT.
Place of Performance
Location: ROCHESTER, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14610
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $89.0 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: GENERATION 2 MANPACK RADIO RECEIVER/TRANSMITTERS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) - 5 IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER HANDHELD, MANPACK AND SMALL FORM FIT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. for Generation 2 Manpack Radio Receiver/Transmitters. 2. The contract is for full-rate production, indicating a mature stage of the program. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract has a firm fixed price, providing cost certainty for the government. 5. Delivery is scheduled through June 2026, with a duration of 462 days. 6. The contract supports Project Manager Tactical Radios, highlighting its importance in military communications.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $89 million for manpack radios appears reasonable given the scope of full-rate production. Benchmarking against similar large-scale radio system procurements would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed price structure helps mitigate cost overruns for the government. However, without specific unit cost data or comparisons to previous contract phases, a definitive value assessment is challenging.
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 bids. The presence of two bids suggests a competitive environment, which generally leads to better pricing and innovation. The specific number of bidders and the details of the competition process would further illuminate the effectiveness of the procurement strategy.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages the development of advanced technologies.
Public Impact
The Department of the Army will benefit from enhanced tactical radio capabilities for its personnel. This contract ensures the delivery of Generation 2 Manpack Radio Receiver/Transmitters, crucial for secure and reliable battlefield communications. The contract's impact is primarily within the defense sector, supporting military operations. The award supports jobs within L3Harris Technologies, Inc., likely in manufacturing and engineering roles.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if this is a sole-source follow-on without adequate competition.
- Reliance on a single contractor for full-rate production could pose supply chain risks.
- Ensuring interoperability with existing and future communication systems is critical.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a healthy market.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost predictability.
- Supports a critical military capability, enhancing national security.
- The contract is for full-rate production, suggesting the technology is mature and tested.
Sector Analysis
The defense communications sector is characterized by high technological sophistication and significant government investment. Companies like L3Harris Technologies are key players in providing advanced radio and communication systems to military branches. This contract for manpack radios fits within the broader market for tactical communication equipment, which is essential for modern warfare. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for secure, interoperable, and resilient communication networks.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions or subcontracting requirements for this contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have participated as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement and its impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army, as the procuring agency, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Oversight mechanisms would typically include contract performance monitoring, quality assurance checks, and financial audits. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General's office within the Department of Defense would have jurisdiction for investigating any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.
Related Government Programs
- Tactical Radio Systems
- Military Communications Equipment
- Department of Defense Procurement
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Risk Flags
- Potential for supply chain disruptions impacting delivery timelines.
- Ensuring consistent quality control across a large production volume.
- Risk of technological obsolescence given the rapid pace of communication advancements.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, radio-manufacturing, communications-equipment, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, l3harris-technologies, manpack-radios, tactical-radios, new-york, generation-2
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $89.0 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. GENERATION 2 MANPACK RADIO RECEIVER/TRANSMITTERS FULL RATE PRODUCTION (FRP) - 5 IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER HANDHELD, MANPACK AND SMALL FORM FIT.
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 Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $89.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-06-25. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the historical spending trend for manpack radios within the Department of the Army?
Analyzing historical spending on manpack radios by the Department of the Army is crucial for understanding the long-term investment in this capability. This involves examining contract awards over several fiscal years to identify trends in volume, value, and technology evolution. For instance, a consistent increase in spending might indicate growing reliance on these systems or the introduction of new generations. Conversely, a decrease could suggest program maturation or shifts in strategic priorities. Comparing current award values to historical averages helps assess whether the $89 million represents a typical investment or a significant deviation, potentially signaling changes in program scope, inflation, or market dynamics. Understanding these patterns provides context for the current contract's financial scale and its place within the Army's overall communication modernization efforts.
How does the unit cost of these Generation 2 manpack radios compare to previous generations or similar systems?
A key aspect of assessing value for money is comparing the per-unit cost of these Generation 2 manpack radios against previous generations or comparable systems procured by other military branches or allied nations. If specific unit cost data were available, it could be benchmarked against industry standards or historical pricing for similar equipment. For example, if the new generation is significantly more expensive per unit, it would warrant investigation into whether the increased cost is justified by enhanced capabilities, improved performance, or greater durability. Conversely, if the cost is comparable or lower, it suggests efficient production or successful negotiation. Without explicit unit cost figures, this comparison remains qualitative, relying on the assumption that full-rate production often leads to economies of scale that can stabilize or reduce per-unit costs compared to initial development or low-rate production phases.
What are the specific performance enhancements or new capabilities offered by Generation 2 manpack radios compared to older models?
The Generation 2 manpack radios likely incorporate significant technological advancements over their predecessors, aimed at improving battlefield communication effectiveness. These enhancements could include increased data throughput for transmitting larger amounts of information, improved encryption for greater security against interception, extended range capabilities for communication over longer distances, enhanced power efficiency for longer battery life, and greater ruggedization for durability in harsh environments. Furthermore, Generation 2 systems might offer improved interoperability with a wider array of other communication devices and networks, including satellite communications or newer digital systems. Understanding these specific upgrades is essential to justify the contract's value and ensure it aligns with the evolving demands of modern military operations and the need for secure, reliable, and versatile tactical communication.
What is L3Harris Technologies, Inc.'s track record with similar large-scale defense communication contracts?
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a substantial track record in developing and supplying advanced communication systems for military and government clients. The company is known for its expertise in areas such as tactical radios, electronic warfare, and secure communication solutions. Examining their past performance on similar large-scale contracts, particularly those involving full-rate production of radio systems for the Department of Defense or other allied nations, is crucial. This includes evaluating their history of on-time delivery, adherence to quality standards, and ability to manage complex production schedules. A review of past contract performance metrics, any reported issues or successes, and their overall reputation within the defense industry provides valuable insight into their capability to successfully execute this current $89 million award for manpack radios.
What are the potential risks associated with the full-rate production phase of this radio system?
The full-rate production (FRP) phase, while indicating technological maturity, still carries potential risks. One primary risk is supply chain disruption; reliance on specific components or a limited number of suppliers for critical parts could lead to delays if unforeseen issues arise. Another risk involves quality control; maintaining consistent quality across a large production run is paramount, and any lapses could result in defective equipment reaching the field. Furthermore, there's the risk of obsolescence; while the radios are 'Generation 2,' the pace of technological advancement means that by the time production is complete, newer technologies might be emerging, potentially impacting the long-term utility of the procured systems. Finally, cost overruns, though mitigated by a firm fixed price, can still occur due to unforeseen manufacturing challenges or material cost fluctuations if not adequately managed within the contract's terms.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK
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
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: $314,095,994
Exercised Options: $88,971,341
Current Obligation: $88,971,341
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15P7T16D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-06-25
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2031-03-20 12:03:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-25
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