DoD's $48.3M ASSET Telescope Contract Awarded to L3 Technologies Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,309,719 ($48.3M)
Contractor: L3 Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-08-28
End Date: 2026-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,863 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AGILE SMALL-SATELLITE EXPERIMENTAL TELESCOPE (ASSET)
Place of Performance
Location: WILMINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01887
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $48.3 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: AGILE SMALL-SATELLITE EXPERIMENTAL TELESCOPE (ASSET) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in physical sciences, indicating a focus on innovation. 2. L3 Technologies, a significant player, secured the award, suggesting strong technical capabilities. 3. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces potential cost overruns. 4. The R&D sector is inherently risky, with outcomes not always guaranteed.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to inherent uncertainties.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the CPFF structure may still allow costs to escalate beyond initial expectations.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced research, with the potential for significant technological advancements but also the risk of cost overruns.
Public Impact
Advancement of space-based observation capabilities through the ASSET telescope. Potential for new scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in physical sciences. Investment in national security through enhanced intelligence gathering or monitoring. Creation of high-skilled jobs in the aerospace and R&D sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type increases risk of cost overruns.
- Long contract duration (2018-2026) with potential for scope creep.
- R&D projects have inherent uncertainty in achieving desired outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Contract awarded to a reputable company (L3 Technologies).
- Focus on cutting-edge research and development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541715. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to procurement of established goods or services.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to L3 Technologies, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting goals within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's oversight will be critical, particularly given the CPFF structure and the R&D nature of the project. Regular reviews and performance monitoring by the Department of the Air Force are essential to manage costs and ensure progress.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration.
- Inherent risks in R&D projects.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Potential for scope creep over the project's lifecycle.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $48.3 million to L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. AGILE SMALL-SATELLITE EXPERIMENTAL TELESCOPE (ASSET)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
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 $48.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-08-28. End: 2026-06-30.
What is the projected return on investment for the ASSET telescope project, considering the R&D nature and potential for scientific breakthroughs?
Quantifying ROI for R&D is inherently difficult. Success hinges on achieving specific scientific or technological objectives that could lead to future applications, national security advantages, or commercialization opportunities. The value is in the potential for innovation and discovery, rather than a direct financial return in the short term.
What are the specific technical risks associated with the ASSET telescope development, and how are they being mitigated by L3 Technologies?
Technical risks likely include challenges in sensor technology, optical precision, data processing, and integration within the satellite platform. Mitigation strategies would involve rigorous testing, phased development, prototyping, and employing experienced engineering teams. The CPFF contract structure might incentivize addressing these risks to control costs.
How will the effectiveness of the ASSET telescope be measured, beyond the successful completion of the contract's technical requirements?
Effectiveness will be measured by the telescope's ability to meet its scientific objectives, such as image resolution, spectral analysis capabilities, and data acquisition rates. Long-term effectiveness will be judged by the scientific discoveries made, the utility of the data for national security or research purposes, and its contribution to the broader field of astrophysics.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: HR001118S0007
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 65 JONSPIN RD, WILMINGTON, MA, 01887
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: $48,309,719
Exercised Options: $48,309,719
Current Obligation: $48,309,719
Actual Outlays: $6,997,791
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-08-28
Current End Date: 2026-06-30
Potential End Date: 2026-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-05
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