L3Harris Technologies awarded $801.5M for Field Data Collection Automation, a definitive contract under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $801,524,763 ($801.5M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2006-03-31
End Date: 2011-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,101 days
Daily Burn Rate: $381.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY)
Sector: IT
Official Description: FIELD DATA COLLECTION AUTOMATION (FDCA)
Place of Performance
Location: PALM BAY, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32905
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $801.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: FIELD DATA COLLECTION AUTOMATION (FDCA) Key points: 1. Contract value of over $800 million indicates a significant investment in data collection automation. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The contract duration of approximately 5.7 years (2101 days) allows for phased implementation and ongoing support. 4. Awarded to L3Harris Technologies, a major defense contractor, suggesting established capabilities in complex system integration. 5. The nature of the contract (definitive) implies a long-term relationship for a defined scope of work. 6. The U.S. Census Bureau's reliance on this system highlights its critical role in national data gathering. 7. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates the scale and nature of the requirement. 8. The contract's focus on computer systems design services points to a need for advanced technological solutions.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $801.5 million for Computer Systems Design Services is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale federal IT procurements for data automation systems is challenging without more specific service details. However, the use of full and open competition suggests that the pricing was likely vetted against multiple offers, providing a degree of value for money. The definitive contract type, awarded for a significant duration, also implies a structured approach to cost management over the project lifecycle.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 3 bids indicates a competitive environment, though the exact number of bidders can vary widely for contracts of this magnitude. A competitive process generally fosters price discovery and encourages contractors to offer their best terms to secure the award.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best possible price for the required services, preventing potential overspending associated with less competitive solicitations.
Public Impact
The U.S. Census Bureau is the primary beneficiary, gaining enhanced capabilities for automated data collection. The services delivered are expected to improve the efficiency and accuracy of national data gathering operations. The geographic impact is nationwide, as the Census Bureau's operations span all states and territories. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized IT personnel for system development, implementation, and maintenance. The automation of data collection could lead to more timely and reliable statistical data for policymakers and researchers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in given the long-term definitive contract nature.
- Complexity of integrating new automation systems with existing Census Bureau infrastructure.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for a critical national function.
- Risk of scope creep if requirements are not tightly managed over the contract's duration.
Positive Signals
- Award to an established contractor (L3Harris Technologies) suggests a higher likelihood of successful execution.
- Full and open competition indicates a structured procurement process designed to achieve best value.
- The definitive contract structure provides clarity on the scope and terms of service over an extended period.
- The significant investment signals a commitment to modernizing critical government data collection infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a critical component of the broader Information Technology industry. This sector is characterized by high growth and innovation, driven by the increasing demand for digital transformation across all industries, including government. Federal spending in IT services is substantial, with a significant portion allocated to system design, integration, and automation. This contract represents a major investment in modernizing data collection infrastructure, aligning with government-wide efforts to improve efficiency and leverage technology.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor is there an indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. The scale and technical complexity of the Field Data Collection Automation (FDCA) system likely favored larger, established contractors with extensive experience in system design and integration. While direct set-asides were absent, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for specialized support or components as part of their subcontracting strategy, though this is not explicitly detailed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Census Bureau's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the definitive contract structure, which outlines specific deliverables and performance standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms. The Inspector General for the Department of Commerce would likely have jurisdiction for audits and investigations related to potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Federal IT Modernization Programs
- Census Bureau Data Collection Systems
- Government Automation Initiatives
- Computer Systems Design Services Contracts
- Large-Scale IT Infrastructure Projects
Risk Flags
- Potential for integration challenges with legacy systems.
- Risk of cost overruns due to scope creep over the contract's long duration.
- Dependence on a single large contractor for critical national data infrastructure.
Tags
it, computer-systems-design-services, department-of-commerce, u-s-census-bureau, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, data-automation, florida, l3harris-technologies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $801.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. FIELD DATA COLLECTION AUTOMATION (FDCA)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Census Bureau).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $801.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-03-31. End: 2011-12-31.
What is the track record of L3Harris Technologies in delivering large-scale federal IT automation projects?
L3Harris Technologies has a substantial track record in delivering complex IT solutions for government agencies, including defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors. They are known for their expertise in areas such as command and control, C5ISR, cyber, and enterprise IT services. While specific details on past projects directly comparable to the Census Bureau's FDCA system are not provided here, their history suggests a capacity to handle large, mission-critical programs. Their experience often involves system integration, software development, and modernization efforts, which are relevant to the FDCA contract. Performance on previous large contracts would be a key indicator of their ability to meet the demands of this significant award.
How does the $801.5 million contract value compare to similar federal investments in data collection automation?
The $801.5 million contract value is substantial and reflects a significant investment in automating data collection processes. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it against other large federal procurements for similar systems, such as those used by other statistical agencies (e.g., Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis) or agencies with large-scale data management needs (e.g., IRS, Social Security Administration). The duration of the contract (over 5 years) also influences the annual spending, which would be approximately $140-150 million per year. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a high or low investment relative to the market, but the scale suggests a comprehensive and long-term solution.
What are the primary risks associated with a definitive contract of this magnitude and duration?
Key risks associated with a definitive contract of this magnitude and duration include potential scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the original agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. There's also the risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch providers if performance issues arise or technology evolves. Integration challenges with existing Census Bureau systems pose another significant risk, potentially impacting operational continuity. Furthermore, reliance on a single contractor for a critical function like data collection automation can create vulnerabilities if the contractor faces financial instability or strategic shifts. Effective contract management, clear performance metrics, and robust oversight are crucial to mitigate these risks.
How might the automation of data collection impact the accuracy and timeliness of Census Bureau statistics?
The automation of data collection through systems like FDCA is intended to significantly enhance both the accuracy and timeliness of Census Bureau statistics. Automation can reduce human error inherent in manual data entry and processing, leading to more precise data. It can also streamline the collection process, allowing for faster data aggregation and analysis. This means that key demographic, economic, and social indicators can be released more promptly, providing policymakers, businesses, and the public with up-to-date information. Improved data quality and faster reporting are critical for effective decision-making in a rapidly changing environment.
What is the historical spending trend for Computer Systems Design Services at the U.S. Census Bureau?
Analyzing historical spending trends for Computer Systems Design Services at the U.S. Census Bureau would require access to detailed historical contract data. This specific $801.5 million award is a significant single contract. However, the Census Bureau, like other federal agencies, consistently invests in IT infrastructure and systems design to support its vast data collection and processing operations. Spending in this category likely fluctuates based on major system modernization efforts, decennial census cycles, and ongoing operational support needs. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to establish a precise trend, but it's reasonable to assume continuous investment in this area due to the Bureau's core mission.
What are the implications of awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' versus other methods?
Awarding this contract under 'full and open competition' implies that the U.S. Census Bureau sought bids from all interested and qualified sources, maximizing the potential pool of offerors. This method is generally preferred as it fosters the greatest degree of price competition and allows the government to select from the widest range of technical solutions. Compared to sole-source or limited competition, full and open competition increases the likelihood of achieving best value for the taxpayer by driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The fact that 3 bids were received suggests a reasonably competitive landscape for this specific requirement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY) (2)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 2400 PALM BAY RD NE, PALM BAY, FL, 32905
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $801,524,763
Exercised Options: $801,524,763
Current Obligation: $801,524,763
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-03-31
Current End Date: 2011-12-31
Potential End Date: 2011-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-03-28
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