NOAA Spends $87.8M on Radio Frequency Interference Monitoring System with L3Harris Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $87,835,388 ($87.8M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2017-12-19
End Date: 2023-02-08
Contract Duration: 1,877 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF RADIO FREQUENCY FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE MONITORING SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: PALM BAY, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32905
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $87.8 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF RADIO FREQUENCY FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE MONITORING SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. for a radio frequency monitoring system. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. The total value of the contract is $87.8 million. 4. The contract duration was 1877 days, ending in February 2023. 5. The system falls under the Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar complex communication systems is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing outcomes and how they compared to other bids are not detailed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for a critical national infrastructure component, with the final cost reflecting the competitive process and contract type.
Public Impact
Enhances NOAA's ability to monitor and manage radio frequency spectrum, crucial for weather forecasting and climate research. Supports national security by ensuring clear communication channels and identifying potential interference. The technology developed could have broader applications in telecommunications and broadcasting industries.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration may indicate complexity or potential for scope creep.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Addresses a critical need for NOAA's operational capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector. Spending in this sector is driven by technological advancements and national infrastructure needs, with significant government investment in communication systems.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting or participation by small businesses in this contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve contract performance reviews and financial audits by the Department of Commerce's IG to ensure compliance and value for money.
Related Government Programs
- Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown for benchmarking.
- Potential for technological obsolescence over the contract period.
Tags
radio-and-television-broadcasting-and-wi, department-of-commerce, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $87.8 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF RADIO FREQUENCY FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE MONITORING SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $87.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-12-19. End: 2023-02-08.
What was the final negotiated price and how did it compare to the initial estimate?
The final obligated amount was $87,835,388. Without the initial estimate or detailed bid information, it's impossible to definitively state how the final price compared. However, the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure suggests that costs were tracked and a fixed fee was applied, implying some level of cost control during the contract's lifecycle.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and CPFF contract type?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the CPFF structure, which shifts some cost risk to the government. A long duration (1877 days) increases the risk of scope creep, technological obsolescence, and contractor performance degradation over time, requiring diligent oversight.
How effectively does this system contribute to NOAA's core mission of environmental monitoring?
This system is designed to monitor radio frequency interference, which is critical for the accurate operation of NOAA's sensitive scientific instruments used in weather forecasting and climate research. By ensuring clear spectrum, it directly enhances the reliability and precision of environmental data collection, thus effectively supporting NOAA's core mission.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: SP133E17RP0043
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 2400 PALM BAY RD NE, PALM BAY, FL, 32905
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $148,391,605
Exercised Options: $88,345,652
Current Obligation: $87,835,388
Actual Outlays: $2,065,118
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 47
Total Subaward Amount: $7,585,997
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-12-19
Current End Date: 2023-02-08
Potential End Date: 2023-02-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-01-26
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