DoD awards $31M for modernized combat radios, with L3Harris Technologies securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,085,659 ($31.1M)

Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-07-29

End Date: 2027-12-30

Contract Duration: 884 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COMBAT NETWORKING RADIO, A MODERNIZED RADIO USED ON THE GROUND AND IN VEHICLES, IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER WAVEFORMS.

Place of Performance

Location: ROCHESTER, MONROE County, NEW YORK, 14610

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.1 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: COMBAT NETWORKING RADIO, A MODERNIZED RADIO USED ON THE GROUND AND IN VEHICLES, IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER WAVEFORMS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to L3Harris Technologies for modernized combat radios. 2. The contract is for Project Manager Tactical Radios/Product Manager Waveforms. 3. Delivery order expected to be completed by December 2027. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating predictable costs. 5. This award falls under the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing NAICS code. 6. The contract was awarded through Full and Open Competition. 7. The contract duration is 884 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31,085,659 for modernized combat radios appears reasonable given the scope of work and the advanced technology involved. Benchmarking against similar advanced communication systems, this price point suggests a competitive outcome. The Firm Fixed Price structure further aids in cost predictability for the Department of Defense. Without specific per-unit cost data, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process implies a fair market price was achieved.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a Full and Open Competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this requirement. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, a competitive process was indeed followed, which is a positive sign for price discovery and ensuring the government receives a fair deal.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process, even with two bidders, provides a degree of assurance that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently by allowing multiple companies to vie for the contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Army personnel who will utilize the modernized combat radios. The contract delivers advanced communication equipment essential for ground and vehicle-based operations. The radios are intended for use by Project Manager Tactical Radios/Product Manager Waveforms. This procurement supports the modernization of tactical communication systems, enhancing soldier effectiveness. The contract is expected to impact the defense communications sector workforce, particularly at L3Harris Technologies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if this specific radio system becomes the sole standard without ongoing competitive refresh.
Reliance on a single awardee for a critical component like combat radios carries inherent supply chain risks.
The effectiveness and interoperability of the 'modernized' radio with existing systems will be crucial for mission success.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs and budget predictability.
The contract addresses a clear need for modernized combat communication equipment.
L3Harris Technologies is an established defense contractor with experience in this domain.

Sector Analysis

The defense communications market is a significant segment within the broader aerospace and defense industry, characterized by high technological sophistication and stringent performance requirements. This contract for modernized combat radios fits within the wireless communications equipment manufacturing sector. Spending in this area is driven by the need for secure, reliable, and advanced communication capabilities for military operations. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other tactical radio procurements or integrated communication system upgrades for defense forces.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, the primary awardee is L3Harris Technologies, a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist within the scope of this delivery order and if they are being actively pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices responsible for Project Manager Tactical Radios. Accountability measures are embedded within the Firm Fixed Price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Tactical Radio Systems
Defense Communications Modernization
Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) Contracts
Project Manager Tactical Radios

Risk Flags

Technology Obsolescence Risk
Interoperability Challenges
Supply Chain Vulnerability
Cybersecurity Threats
Contractor Performance Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.1 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. COMBAT NETWORKING RADIO, A MODERNIZED RADIO USED ON THE GROUND AND IN VEHICLES, IN SUPPORT OF PROJECT MANAGER TACTICAL RADIOS/PRODUCT MANAGER WAVEFORMS.

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 $31.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-07-29. End: 2027-12-30.

What is the track record of L3Harris Technologies in delivering similar combat radio systems to the DoD?

L3Harris Technologies has a substantial track record in providing communication systems to the U.S. military, including tactical radios. They are a significant player in the defense electronics market, known for developing and manufacturing a wide range of communication, surveillance, and electronic warfare systems. Their experience encompasses various radio platforms, including those designed for challenging battlefield environments. The company has been involved in numerous contracts for modernizing soldier-worn and vehicle-based communication equipment. Specific to this contract, their history suggests a capability to meet the technical requirements for modernized combat radios, though the performance on past, similar contracts would require detailed review to fully assess their reliability and delivery consistency.

How does the awarded price compare to similar modernized combat radio procurements?

Directly comparing the $31 million award for this specific delivery order to other modernized combat radio procurements is challenging without detailed specifications and quantities. However, the fact that this was a full and open competition with two bidders suggests a degree of market competitiveness. Generally, advanced, secure, and ruggedized combat radios are high-cost items due to their specialized nature and technological sophistication. If this award represents a significant quantity or a particularly advanced suite of features, the price could be in line with or even favorable compared to other large-scale tactical radio modernization efforts. A more precise benchmark would require access to unit costs, feature sets, and the competitive landscape of comparable recent awards.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract and the technology involved?

Key risks include technological obsolescence, as the pace of technological advancement in communications is rapid, potentially making the 'modernized' radios outdated sooner than anticipated. Interoperability is another significant risk; ensuring these new radios seamlessly integrate with existing military communication networks and diverse platforms is critical for operational effectiveness. Supply chain disruptions for specialized components could impact timely delivery. Furthermore, cybersecurity vulnerabilities in networked communication systems always pose a risk, requiring robust security measures. Finally, the contractor's performance risk, while mitigated by the FFP structure, still exists if they encounter unforeseen production or technical challenges.

How effective are modernized combat radios in enhancing soldier communication and mission success?

Modernized combat radios are designed to significantly enhance soldier communication and mission success by providing clearer, more secure, and more reliable voice and data transmission in complex and contested environments. They often incorporate features like frequency hopping, encryption, and improved signal processing to overcome jamming and interference. Enhanced situational awareness through integrated data capabilities (e.g., blue force tracking) is another key benefit. By enabling faster and more accurate information exchange between units and command elements, these radios contribute directly to improved battlefield coordination, reduced friendly fire incidents, and overall mission effectiveness. The success hinges on the radios' reliability, ease of use, and seamless integration into the broader tactical network.

What are the historical spending patterns for tactical radio systems within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for tactical radio systems within the DoD show a consistent and substantial investment driven by the continuous need to upgrade aging equipment and incorporate new technologies. Budgets allocated to tactical communications have historically been significant, reflecting the critical role these systems play in military operations across all branches. Spending often fluctuates based on major modernization programs, conflicts requiring specific communication capabilities, and the lifecycle of existing radio systems. The DoD frequently procures radios through various contract types, including competitive bids for new systems, sole-source awards for upgrades or sustainment of existing platforms, and delivery orders against indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts. Overall, it's a sustained area of expenditure.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the future development of military communication technology?

This contract, by procuring 'modernized' combat radios, signals the DoD's commitment to advancing tactical communication capabilities. The specific technologies incorporated into these radios, such as enhanced encryption, improved spectrum efficiency, or integrated data services, could influence future development trends. If these radios prove highly effective and reliable, they may set new standards or requirements for subsequent procurements. Furthermore, the success or challenges encountered with this system could inform future research and development priorities, potentially driving innovation in areas like software-defined radios, resilient networking, or artificial intelligence integration for communication management. The chosen platform and its performance will likely shape the trajectory of military communication technology.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment 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

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: $31,085,659

Exercised Options: $31,085,659

Current Obligation: $31,085,659

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W15P7T22D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline