DoD's BIG SAFARI contract awards $285M for aircraft parts, with L3Harris as sole provider
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $285,207,126 ($285.2M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies Integrated Systems L.P.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2017-11-03
End Date: 2022-04-02
Contract Duration: 1,611 days
Daily Burn Rate: $177.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: BIG SAFARI
Place of Performance
Location: GREENVILLE, HUNT County, TEXAS, 75402
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $285.2 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P. for work described as: BIG SAFARI Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $285M awarded. 2. L3Harris Technologies is the sole contractor, raising competition concerns. 3. Contract duration spans over 4 years, indicating long-term reliance. 4. The sector is 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing'.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the pricing is optimal compared to market rates for similar aircraft parts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning no other vendors were considered. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition likely results in taxpayers paying a premium for these aircraft parts.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the sole-source nature of the award. Reliance on a single vendor could create supply chain vulnerabilities. The Department of Defense continues to invest heavily in aircraft sustainment and upgrades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type
- Lack of small business participation
Positive Signals
- Long contract duration suggests critical need
- Awarded by a major agency (DoD)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on aircraft parts. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining military readiness and technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This is a missed opportunity to support small businesses within the aerospace supply chain.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and performance meets expectations. Robust auditing of the CPFF structure is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and potentially inflates costs.
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
- No small business participation noted.
- Long contract duration may indicate a lack of viable alternatives.
- Potential for supply chain disruption if L3Harris faces issues.
Tags
other-aircraft-parts-and-auxiliary-equip, department-of-defense, tx, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $285.2 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P.. BIG SAFARI
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED SYSTEMS L.P..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $285.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-11-03. End: 2022-04-02.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and has it been reviewed for potential competition?
The justification for a sole-source award is typically based on unique capabilities or urgent needs. Without further details, it's unclear if alternative vendors were thoroughly investigated or if the justification remains valid throughout the contract's lifecycle. Regular reviews are crucial to identify any emerging competitive opportunities.
How are costs being controlled under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure to prevent overruns?
Effective cost control under a CPFF contract relies on stringent government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics. The agency must actively monitor expenditures against the fixed fee and the estimated cost base, ensuring that L3Harris operates efficiently and avoids unnecessary expenses. Regular audits and performance reviews are key.
What is the long-term strategy for ensuring competitive sourcing for these aircraft parts beyond the current contract?
The long-term strategy should involve market research to identify potential new entrants or alternative solutions. The agency could consider breaking down future requirements into smaller lots to encourage broader competition or incentivize L3Harris to partner with small businesses. Proactive planning is essential to avoid perpetual sole-source awards.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 10001 JACK FINNEY BLVD, GREENVILLE, TX, 75402
Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $285,322,011
Exercised Options: $285,322,011
Current Obligation: $285,207,126
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 62
Total Subaward Amount: $164,523,112
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA862016G3027
IDV Type: BOA
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-11-03
Current End Date: 2022-04-02
Potential End Date: 2022-04-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-20
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