DoD awards $88.3M contract to Harris Corporation for Optoelectronic Devices, impacting satellite communications
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,478,031 ($23.5M)
Contractor: Harris Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 1996-11-22
End Date: 2004-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,961 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: 199712!2100!0362!AB07 !USA COMM-ELECTRONICS COMMAND !DAAB0795CA273 !A!*!P00010 !19961122!19980630!883465783!883465783!004203337!N!66948!HARRIS CORPORATION !P.O. BOX 91000 !MELBOURNE !FL!32906!54000!009!12!PALM BAY !BREVARD !FLORIDA !0001!+000000125000!N!N!000000000000!5980!OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES & ASSOC HARDWARE !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !1GVE!SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS !3663!3!*!*!B!B!A!*!A !N!J!2!003!B!* !A!N!Z!* !* !N!C!*!A!A!A!A!A!*!* !*!N!A!C!N!*!*!*!*!*!
Place of Performance
Location: PALM BAY, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32905
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $23.5 million to HARRIS CORPORATION for work described as: 199712!2100!0362!AB07 !USA COMM-ELECTRONICS COMMAND !DAAB0795CA273 !A!*!P00010 !19961122!19980630!883465783!883465783!004203337!N!66948!HARRIS CORPORATION !P.O. BOX 91000 !MELBOURNE !FL!32906!54000!009!12!PALM BAY !BREVAR… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Harris Corporation for optoelectronic devices and associated hardware. 2. The contract supports satellite communications, a critical area for defense. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The total value of the contract is $88.3 million over its duration.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $88.3 million for optoelectronic devices and associated hardware appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar complex electronic hardware contracts 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, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the required optoelectronic devices and hardware.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. military's satellite communication capabilities. Supports advanced technology development in optoelectronics. Potential for job creation within the defense contracting sector. Ensures availability of critical components for national security.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for technology obsolescence in a rapidly evolving field.
- Dependence on a single supplier for critical components could pose a risk.
- Geopolitical factors could impact supply chain reliability.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports a key defense capability (satellite communications).
- Long-term contract provides stability for the supplier.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Electronics and Communication sector, specifically supporting satellite communications. Spending in this area is crucial for modern defense operations, with significant government investment in advanced communication technologies.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The prime contractor, Harris Corporation, is a large aerospace and defense company, suggesting that subcontracting opportunities may exist for small businesses within their supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Army's Communications-Electronics Command, managed this procurement. Standard oversight mechanisms for defense contracts would apply, including performance monitoring and financial accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence.
- Dependence on specific hardware components.
- Supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Long-term contract duration.
Tags
department-of-defense, fl, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $23.5 million to HARRIS CORPORATION. 199712!2100!0362!AB07 !USA COMM-ELECTRONICS COMMAND !DAAB0795CA273 !A!*!P00010 !19961122!19980630!883465783!883465783!004203337!N!66948!HARRIS CORPORATION !P.O. BOX 91000 !MELBOURNE !FL!32906!54000!009!12!PALM BAY !BREVARD !FLORIDA !0001!+000000125000!N!N!000000000000!5980!OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES & ASSOC HARDWARE !A7 !ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION !1GVE!SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS !3663!3!*!*!B!B!A!*!A !N!J!2!0
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 $23.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1996-11-22. End: 2004-12-31.
What is the specific nature of the 'Optoelectronic Devices & Assoc Hardware' and how critical are they to current satellite communication systems?
The 'Optoelectronic Devices & Assoc Hardware' likely refers to components such as lasers, detectors, modulators, and associated circuitry used in optical communication systems for satellites. These are critical for high-bandwidth, secure data transmission, enabling advanced functionalities like real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as command and control.
Given the contract's duration and value, what are the potential risks associated with technological obsolescence in optoelectronics?
The optoelectronics field advances rapidly. A contract spanning several years carries a risk that the technology procured could become outdated before its full lifecycle. Mitigation strategies might include phased technology refreshes, performance-based requirements, and robust contractor R&D to ensure state-of-the-art components.
How effectively did the 'full and open competition' process ensure optimal value for taxpayer money in this specific procurement?
Full and open competition generally maximizes value by fostering a competitive environment. However, the effectiveness depends on the number and quality of bidders, the clarity of specifications, and the evaluation criteria. Without detailed bid data, it's presumed effective, but a review of the proposal evaluation would confirm optimal value realization.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: P.O. BOX 91000, MELBOURNE, FL, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 1996-11-22
Current End Date: 2004-12-31
Potential End Date: 2004-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-04-20
More Contracts from Harris Corporation
- THE Purpose of This Delivery Order Award IS to ADD Funding for FTI Telecommunications Services — $1.9B (Department of Transportation)
- Dafis UDO Reconstruct W/O Advance — $1.5B (Department of Transportation)
- THE Purpose of This Delivery Order Award IS to ADD Funding for FTI Telecommunications Services. This Delivery Order Succeeds Delivery Order 0004 and Delivery Order 0015. Delivery Order 0004, Delivery Order 0015, and This Delivery Order Comprise the Aggregate of FTI Telecommunication Service Orders. TAS::69 1301::TAS — $1.2B (Department of Transportation)
- Dafis UDO Reconstruct W/O Advance — $638.0M (Department of Transportation)
- Dafis UDO Reconstruct W/O Advance — $575.5M (Department of Transportation)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)