Army Awards $23.7M for UK Fire Control Radar Sustainment to Longbow LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,751,773 ($23.8M)

Contractor: Longbow LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-09-28

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,828 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FIRE CONTROL RADAR (FCR) SUSTAINMENT PROGRAM FOR: UNITED KINGDOM

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32819

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.8 million to LONGBOW LLC for work described as: FIRE CONTROL RADAR (FCR) SUSTAINMENT PROGRAM FOR: UNITED KINGDOM Key points: 1. Contract awarded for sustainment of Fire Control Radar (FCR) systems for the United Kingdom. 2. Sole-source award to Longbow LLC, raising questions about competition and potential price discovery. 3. Significant contract value of $23.7 million over a 5-year period. 4. Engineering services (NAICS 541330) are central to this sustainment effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $23.7 million for sustainment services over five years appears substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts or assess if the pricing reflects fair market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to Longbow LLC. 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 significant contract raises concerns about potential overspending and the efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness of critical UK defense systems. Potential for increased costs due to sole-source nature. Impacts the defense industrial base, specifically radar sustainment capabilities. Supports a foreign military sale, aligning with international security cooperation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Lack of price benchmark for sustainment services.
Long contract duration without competitive review.

Positive Signals

Supports critical defense infrastructure for an allied nation.
Ensures continued operational capability of vital radar systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting defense systems. Spending benchmarks for sustainment of complex radar systems can vary widely, but sole-source awards often deviate from competitive norms.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Longbow LLC, and there is no indication of small business participation. The sole-source nature of this award likely precluded opportunities for small businesses to compete.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Army is responsible for this award. Oversight should focus on ensuring Longbow LLC meets all contractual obligations and that future procurements explore competitive options where feasible.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competition.
Potential for inflated pricing.
Limited transparency in cost justification.
Long-term sustainment without competitive review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.8 million to LONGBOW LLC. FIRE CONTROL RADAR (FCR) SUSTAINMENT PROGRAM FOR: UNITED KINGDOM

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 $23.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-28. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and has an alternatives analysis been conducted?

The justification for a sole-source award is crucial for understanding why competition was bypassed. An alternatives analysis would typically explore whether other sources could provide the required sustainment services, assess the feasibility of breaking down the requirement, and evaluate the potential cost savings from competition. Without this information, it's difficult to ascertain if the government received the best possible value.

How does the per-unit cost of sustainment compare to similar radar systems or previous contracts?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of sustainment is challenging without competitive data. If previous contracts existed for similar services, a comparison could offer insights. However, the unique nature of specific radar systems and evolving sustainment needs can make direct comparisons difficult. A thorough review of Longbow LLC's cost breakdown and historical pricing would be necessary for a meaningful assessment.

What is the long-term strategy for ensuring competitive pricing for FCR sustainment?

The long-term strategy should prioritize transitioning towards a competitive environment for FCR sustainment. This could involve market research to identify potential competitors, breaking down the requirement into smaller, more accessible contract vehicles, or developing organic government capabilities. Proactive planning is essential to avoid perpetual sole-source reliance and ensure cost-effectiveness for taxpayers.

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: $23,751,773

Exercised Options: $23,751,773

Current Obligation: $23,751,773

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