DoD Awards $91M for Advanced Tracking System to L3Harris Technologies, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $90,941,710 ($90.9M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-12-01
End Date: 2025-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,157 days
Daily Burn Rate: $78.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ADVANCED TRACKING AND LAUNCH ANALYSIS SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $90.9 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: ADVANCED TRACKING AND LAUNCH ANALYSIS SYSTEM Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced tracking and launch analysis capabilities. 2. Sole-source award to L3Harris Technologies, Inc. raises questions about competition. 3. Research and Development focus within the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 4. Contract duration extends to January 2025, indicating a long-term project.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount of $90.9M needs to be benchmarked against similar R&D contracts for advanced tracking systems to assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Enhances national security capabilities through advanced tracking technology. Supports research and development in a critical scientific domain. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications. Long-term commitment of funds for a specialized system.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for advanced tracking and launch analysis.
- Award to a known entity in defense contracting.
- Long-term project duration suggests strategic importance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money, especially in sole-source situations.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor is a large corporation. Further investigation is needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is delivering on objectives and that costs are reasonable and justified. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring.
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
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of small business participation
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on pricing justification
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $90.9 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. ADVANCED TRACKING AND LAUNCH ANALYSIS SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS 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 $90.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-12-01. End: 2025-01-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, critical need, or lack of viable alternatives. Agencies must still conduct market research and negotiate pricing to ensure it is fair and reasonable. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if taxpayers received optimal value, as competition is generally the best driver of competitive pricing.
What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables for this advanced tracking system, and how will their achievement be measured?
Understanding the specific performance metrics and deliverables is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of this R&D contract. The agency must have a robust system for tracking progress against these metrics and ensuring the system meets its intended advanced tracking and launch analysis capabilities. Regular reviews and milestone assessments are key to mitigating risk.
How does the $90.9M investment compare to the cost of similar advanced tracking systems developed or procured by other government agencies or private entities?
Benchmarking this $90.9M investment against comparable systems is essential for evaluating its value. If similar systems were developed or procured at a significantly lower cost, it could indicate potential overspending or inefficiencies in this contract. This comparison helps determine if the price paid is commensurate with the capabilities acquired.
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 › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 14425 PENROSE PL STE 500, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $92,466,051
Exercised Options: $92,466,051
Current Obligation: $90,941,710
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA880621D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-12-01
Current End Date: 2025-01-31
Potential End Date: 2025-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-06
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