DoD Awards $19.2M for Fusion Goggle System V.4 to L3 Technologies Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,203,836 ($19.2M)
Contractor: L3 Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-03-19
End Date: 2013-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,169 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: FUSION GOGGLE SYSTEM VERSION 4 (FGS V.4)
Place of Performance
Location: LONDONDERRY, ROCKINGHAM County, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03053
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.2 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: FUSION GOGGLE SYSTEM VERSION 4 (FGS V.4) Key points: 1. The Department of the Navy awarded a $19.2 million contract for the Fusion Goggle System Version 4. 2. L3 Technologies, Inc. secured the contract, indicating a competitive landscape in optical instrument manufacturing. 3. The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a specific justification for source selection. 4. The duration of the contract was 1169 days, spanning from March 2010 to May 2013. 5. The total award value of $19,203,836 is a key data point for this procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $19.2 million for a specialized optical system appears reasonable given the duration and the nature of advanced technology procurement. Benchmarking against similar defense contracts for optical equipment would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. This method implies that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive process, even with exclusions, aims to secure the best value for taxpayers. The final price reflects the outcome of this process for a specialized defense system.
Public Impact
This contract directly impacts military personnel by providing advanced optical equipment for operational use. The procurement supports the defense industrial base, specifically in the area of advanced optical manufacturing. Taxpayers are funding the development and acquisition of specialized technology to enhance military capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to 'Exclusion of Sources' clause.
- Lack of specific per-unit cost data makes detailed value assessment difficult.
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring for performance and cost overruns.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under a full and open competition framework, indicating an effort to maximize options.
- Contract is for a specific, advanced technology system (FGS V.4), suggesting a clear need.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
Sector Analysis
The procurement falls within the Defense sector, specifically related to optical instruments. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and operational effectiveness for the military. Benchmarks for similar advanced optical systems can vary widely based on complexity and quantity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is L3 Technologies, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals within this specific award notice.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy, part of the Department of Defense, which has established oversight mechanisms for defense procurements. The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.
Related Government Programs
- Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition.
- Lack of detailed justification for source exclusion.
- Absence of per-unit cost data for benchmarking.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Tags
optical-instrument-and-lens-manufacturin, department-of-defense, nh, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $19.2 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. FUSION GOGGLE SYSTEM VERSION 4 (FGS V.4)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-03-19. End: 2013-05-31.
What were the specific reasons for excluding other sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?
The specific reasons for excluding other sources are not detailed in this award notice. Typically, such exclusions are based on factors like unique capabilities, proprietary technology, urgent needs, or prior development investments that make other sources unsuitable or less advantageous. A thorough review of the contract file would be necessary to ascertain the precise justification.
How does the $19.2 million cost compare to the capabilities and expected lifespan of the Fusion Goggle System V.4?
Without detailed technical specifications, performance metrics, and expected operational lifespan of the FGS V.4, a direct cost comparison is challenging. However, $19.2 million over nearly four years for an advanced optical system suggests a significant investment in specialized technology. Assessing value requires comparing its capabilities against alternatives and its contribution to mission success relative to its cost.
What is the potential impact of the 'Exclusion of Sources' on the long-term availability and cost of future iterations of this technology?
Excluding sources, even if justified, can potentially limit the competitive pool for future procurements. If key competitors are consistently excluded, it might reduce market pressure, potentially leading to higher prices or slower innovation in subsequent versions. Conversely, if exclusions are based on unique, essential capabilities, it could foster specialized development.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: N0016409RJQ02
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 008898843)
Address: 9 AKIRA WAY, LONDONDERRY, NH, 01
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,203,836
Exercised Options: $19,203,836
Current Obligation: $19,203,836
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0016410DJQ58
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-03-19
Current End Date: 2013-05-31
Potential End Date: 2013-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-02-10
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