DoD's $21M contract for Image Intensifier Tubes awarded to Harris Corporation under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,998,690 ($21.0M)
Contractor: Harris Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-06-02
End Date: 2012-11-30
Contract Duration: 547 days
Daily Burn Rate: $38.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: MX-10160C AND MX-10160A IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBES
Place of Performance
Location: ROANOKE, ROANOKE County, VIRGINIA, 24019
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.0 million to HARRIS CORPORATION for work described as: MX-10160C AND MX-10160A IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBES Key points: 1. The contract value of $20.99M for image intensifier tubes indicates a significant investment in specialized optical equipment. 2. Harris Corporation, a major defense contractor, secured this award, highlighting its established position in the sector. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process aimed at achieving fair pricing. 4. The sector is Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing, a niche but critical area for defense and surveillance technologies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $20.99M for 2 units suggests a high per-unit cost, but without specific unit details or historical benchmarks, a precise valuation is difficult. The firm fixed price contract implies price certainty for the government.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive environment generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it aims to secure the best possible price through market forces.
Public Impact
Enhances night vision capabilities for military personnel, directly impacting operational effectiveness in low-light conditions. Supports advanced surveillance and reconnaissance missions, crucial for intelligence gathering and situational awareness. The technology is vital for maintaining a technological edge in defense, potentially deterring adversaries. Procurement of specialized components like these contributes to the readiness and modernization of military assets.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for obsolescence of technology over time.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical components.
- Long-term sustainment and maintenance costs are not detailed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Awarded to a reputable and experienced contractor.
Sector Analysis
The Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing sector is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and specialized production capabilities. Spending in this area is often driven by defense, aerospace, and scientific research needs, with significant R&D investment required.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to Harris Corporation, a large business. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by the Department of the Army, part of the Department of Defense. Standard procurement oversight processes would apply, focusing on compliance with federal acquisition regulations and ensuring the delivered product meets specifications.
Related Government Programs
- Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- High unit cost potential.
- Technology obsolescence risk.
- Dependence on specific contractor capabilities.
- Limited insight into specific performance improvements.
Tags
optical-instrument-and-lens-manufacturin, department-of-defense, va, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.0 million to HARRIS CORPORATION. MX-10160C AND MX-10160A IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HARRIS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-06-02. End: 2012-11-30.
What is the specific technological advancement or capability improvement these image intensifier tubes offer compared to previous generations?
The provided data does not specify the exact technological advancements or performance improvements of these MX-10160C and MX-10160A image intensifier tubes. Understanding the specific capabilities, such as resolution, sensitivity, or lifespan enhancements, would be crucial for assessing the true value and necessity of this procurement beyond basic operational requirements.
What are the potential risks associated with the long-term sustainment and maintenance of these specialized image intensifier tubes?
Long-term sustainment risks include the potential for component obsolescence, the availability of spare parts, and the cost of specialized maintenance. Given the niche nature of this technology, ensuring continued support and repair capabilities over the equipment's lifecycle could become challenging and expensive, potentially requiring further investment or technology refresh.
How effectively does the firm fixed price contract mitigate risks related to cost overruns for this specific procurement?
A firm fixed price contract is designed to mitigate cost overrun risks for the government by establishing a set price before work begins. However, the effectiveness depends on the accuracy of the initial cost estimation and the contractor's ability to manage their own expenses. If unforeseen technical challenges arise, the contractor bears the risk, but this could also lead to quality compromises if not managed properly.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing › Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INSTRUMENTS AND LABORATORY EQPT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: ITT Corporation (UEI: 001216845)
Address: 7635 PLANTATION RD, ROANOKE, VA, 06
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,998,690
Exercised Options: $20,998,690
Current Obligation: $20,998,690
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W91CRB09D0079
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-06-02
Current End Date: 2012-11-30
Potential End Date: 2012-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-01-26
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