DoD Awards $12M for Saudi Arabia Fire Control Radar Post Production Support to Longbow LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,017,030 ($12.0M)

Contractor: Longbow LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-11-12

End Date: 2026-11-11

Contract Duration: 2,190 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FIRE CONTROL RADAR POST PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES, SAUDI ARABIA (MNG)

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32819

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.0 million to LONGBOW LLC for work described as: FIRE CONTROL RADAR POST PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES, SAUDI ARABIA (MNG) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Longbow LLC for essential fire control radar support. 2. Significant value of $12M highlights the importance of this specialized service. 3. Lack of competition raises questions about price discovery and potential value. 4. Engineering services sector is critical for maintaining advanced defense systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $12M for post-production support is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar specialized engineering services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $12M contract means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these critical engineering services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational readiness of critical fire control radar systems for Saudi Arabia. Supports advanced defense technology maintenance, contributing to regional security. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award impacts taxpayer value.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition
Potential for overpayment without competitive benchmarking
Long contract duration (2026)

Positive Signals

Supports critical defense infrastructure
Ensures operational readiness of advanced systems

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is vital for the maintenance and support of complex defense systems like fire control radars. Spending in this area is often high due to the specialized nature of the work and the critical need for operational readiness.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or participation for small businesses in this contract. The award was made to Longbow LLC, and further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery. Accountability for the $12M expenditure should be maintained through regular performance reviews and cost analysis.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for cost overruns
Long contract duration
Limited transparency on pricing justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.0 million to LONGBOW LLC. FIRE CONTROL RADAR POST PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES, SAUDI ARABIA (MNG)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LONGBOW LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-11-12. End: 2026-11-11.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one vendor can meet the requirement. To ensure fair and reasonable pricing, the contracting agency should have conducted a thorough price analysis, potentially using historical data, cost breakdowns, or comparisons to similar, albeit not identical, services. However, without competition, the inherent pressure to offer the lowest price is absent.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source contract of this magnitude and duration?

The primary risks include inflated costs due to the lack of competitive pressure, potential for complacency from the contractor regarding service quality, and limited flexibility if requirements change. For a $12M contract extending to 2026, these risks are amplified, potentially leading to significant taxpayer overspending and suboptimal performance over the contract's life.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of U.S. defense capabilities or allied security?

This contract supports the post-production of fire control radar systems for Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally. Ensuring these systems are operational and maintained contributes to regional stability and interoperability with U.S. forces. The effectiveness hinges on Longbow LLC's ability to provide timely and high-quality support, thereby maintaining the readiness of critical defense assets.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5600 W SAND LAKE RD MP 205, ORLANDO, FL, 32819

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,017,030

Exercised Options: $12,017,030

Current Obligation: $12,017,030

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W52P1J20D0009

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline