Army Awards $39M for AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Systems to Harris Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $39,028,126 ($39.0M)
Contractor: Harris Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2007-08-14
End Date: 2009-10-30
Contract Duration: 808 days
Daily Burn Rate: $48.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: AN/PVS-14 SYSTEMS (U.S. ARMY)
Place of Performance
Location: ROANOKE, ROANOKE County, VIRGINIA, 24019
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $39.0 million to HARRIS CORPORATION for work described as: AN/PVS-14 SYSTEMS (U.S. ARMY) Key points: 1. The U.S. Army awarded $39 million for AN/PVS-14 night vision systems. 2. Harris Corporation, a significant defense contractor, secured the award. 3. The contract falls under the 'Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing' sector. 4. This award represents a portion of the Department of Defense's broader procurement of advanced optical equipment.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $39 million appears reasonable for specialized optical equipment like night vision systems, especially considering the duration and the nature of the technology. Benchmarking against similar DoD contracts for optical instruments 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, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely led to fair pricing. This method allows for the widest possible range of suppliers to participate, promoting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve value for money.
Public Impact
Enhances soldier's night vision capabilities, crucial for combat effectiveness. Supports military readiness and operational superiority in low-light conditions. Contributes to the technological advancement of defense equipment.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for sole-source follow-on contracts if Harris is the only qualified provider.
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical night vision technology.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Contract supports critical military operational needs.
- Utilizes a firm fixed-price contract type, providing cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
The procurement of AN/PVS-14 systems falls within the defense sector, specifically related to optical instruments. Spending in this area is driven by military modernization efforts and the need for advanced surveillance and targeting equipment. Benchmarks for similar optical systems can vary widely based on technological sophistication and quantity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that the award went to Harris Corporation, a large prime contractor. There is no explicit information on small business participation in this specific award, but prime contractors often subcontract to smaller businesses for specialized components or services.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense has established oversight mechanisms for contract awards, including reviews by contracting officers and potential audits. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control, but ongoing monitoring of performance and delivery is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract awarded to a single large prime contractor.
- Potential for long-term reliance on one supplier.
- Limited visibility into specific small business subcontracting.
- Night vision technology is subject to rapid obsolescence.
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 $39.0 million to HARRIS CORPORATION. AN/PVS-14 SYSTEMS (U.S. ARMY)
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 $39.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-08-14. End: 2009-10-30.
What is the specific technological advantage offered by the AN/PVS-14 systems compared to previous generations or competitor products?
The AN/PVS-14 is a military-grade, individual night vision sight. It typically offers significant improvements in image intensification, resolution, and durability over older models. Its modular design allows for various mounting options, enhancing versatility for different operational roles. Competitor products might offer similar core functionalities, but the AN/PVS-14's widespread adoption and proven reliability in diverse combat environments often make it a preferred choice for military forces.
What are the long-term sustainment and maintenance costs associated with these AN/PVS-14 systems?
Long-term sustainment and maintenance costs for the AN/PVS-14 systems are not detailed in this award data. However, such specialized optical equipment typically requires periodic recalibration, cleaning, and potential replacement of components like image intensifier tubes. The Department of the Army would likely have separate contracts or internal maintenance procedures to manage these ongoing costs, which can be substantial over the system's lifecycle.
How does the unit cost of the AN/PVS-14 compare to other similar night vision devices procured by allied nations?
Directly comparing the unit cost of the AN/PVS-14 to devices procured by allied nations is challenging without specific data on their systems' specifications, quantities purchased, and contract terms. However, the AN/PVS-14 is a widely recognized and utilized system. Its price point, as reflected in this $39 million award (assuming a significant quantity), is likely competitive within the high-end military night vision market, reflecting advanced technology and rigorous testing.
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
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
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, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $39,028,126
Exercised Options: $39,028,126
Current Obligation: $39,028,126
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W9124Q05D0821
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-08-14
Current End Date: 2009-10-30
Potential End Date: 2009-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-04-09
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