DoD's $197.7M WFOV contract to L3Harris for SDA Tracking Layer awarded under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $197,697,659 ($197.7M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-10-02
End Date: 2026-07-07
Contract Duration: 2,104 days
Daily Burn Rate: $94.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: SDA TRACKING LAYER TRANCHE 0, WIDE FIELD OF VIEW (WFOV) PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: PALM BAY, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32905
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $197.7 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: SDA TRACKING LAYER TRANCHE 0, WIDE FIELD OF VIEW (WFOV) PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded for SDA Tracking Layer, Wide Field of View (WFOV) program, indicating a significant investment in space-based defense capabilities. 2. The firm-fixed-price contract structure aims to control costs and provide predictability for the government. 3. Awarded to L3Harris Technologies, Inc., a major defense contractor with a substantial presence in the aerospace and defense sector. 4. The contract duration of 2104 days (approx. 5.7 years) suggests a long-term commitment to developing and deploying this technology. 5. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541715) is a critical area for technological advancement. 6. The contract's value places it within a significant tier of R&D spending for advanced sensor systems.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $197.7 million for the SDA Tracking Layer WFOV program appears reasonable given the scope of advanced technology development. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts for complex sensor systems is challenging due to proprietary information and unique program requirements. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the contractor has committed to delivering the specified capabilities within the agreed budget, which is a positive indicator of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. The presence of 9 bidders suggests a robust competitive environment for this advanced technology. A high number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions being considered by the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition for this significant R&D contract is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely drove down costs and ensured the government received the best possible technological solution at a competitive price.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the U.S. Air Force, who will receive advanced space-based tracking capabilities. The services delivered include research, development, and potentially the initial deployment of the Wide Field of View (WFOV) sensor system. The geographic impact is primarily national, focusing on enhancing U.S. space domain awareness and missile defense capabilities. Workforce implications include high-skilled jobs in engineering, research, and manufacturing, likely concentrated in areas where L3Harris has significant operations, such as Florida.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise, despite the firm-fixed-price structure.
- Dependency on a single contractor (L3Harris) for a critical defense capability.
- Long development timelines inherent in advanced R&D projects can introduce risks of technological obsolescence.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that likely secured favorable pricing.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- L3Harris Technologies is an established defense contractor with a proven track record in complex systems development.
- The contract supports a critical national security program (Space Domain Awareness).
Sector Analysis
The Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Tracking Layer program falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on advanced sensor technology and satellite systems. This sector is characterized by high R&D investment, long development cycles, and significant government procurement. The market for such advanced defense technologies is dominated by a few large, specialized contractors like L3Harris. The contract's value of nearly $200 million is substantial for an R&D effort, reflecting the complexity and strategic importance of space-based surveillance.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is L3Harris Technologies, Inc., a large business, there is potential for subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within their supply chain. The extent of small business participation will depend on L3Harris's subcontracting plan and the availability of specialized small businesses capable of contributing to this advanced R&D effort.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring L3Harris to deliver specific capabilities within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally limited for advanced defense R&D contracts due to national security considerations, but program progress and spending are typically monitored through regular reporting and milestone reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Program
- Missile Defense Systems
- Advanced Sensor Development
- Satellite Technology Development
- Department of Defense Research and Development
Risk Flags
- Long-term R&D project with inherent technical uncertainties.
- Dependency on advanced technology development and integration.
- Potential for schedule delays in complex space programs.
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, air-force, research-and-development, space-domain-awareness, sensor-technology, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, l3harris-technologies, florida, space-systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $197.7 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. SDA TRACKING LAYER TRANCHE 0, WIDE FIELD OF VIEW (WFOV) PROGRAM
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 $197.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-10-02. End: 2026-07-07.
What is L3Harris Technologies' track record with similar large-scale defense R&D contracts?
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a substantial track record in developing and delivering complex defense systems, including advanced sensors, communication systems, and space-based platforms. The company has been a prime contractor on numerous significant programs for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. Their experience spans various domains, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, and space systems. This extensive background suggests a strong capability to manage and execute large, technologically challenging R&D contracts like the SDA Tracking Layer WFOV program. Past performance on similar programs, while not detailed here, would have been a key evaluation factor during the competitive bidding process.
How does the $197.7 million contract value compare to other SDA initiatives?
The $197.7 million contract value for the SDA Tracking Layer WFOV program is significant, reflecting the advanced nature and strategic importance of space-based missile tracking. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the proprietary and evolving nature of SDA programs, this figure aligns with the substantial investments required for developing cutting-edge sensor payloads and satellite integration. Other SDA initiatives, such as the development of proliferated low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations or advanced ground-based systems, also involve multi-hundred-million-dollar investments. This contract represents a key component within the broader DoD strategy to enhance missile warning and tracking capabilities from space.
What are the primary technical risks associated with the WFOV program?
The primary technical risks associated with the Wide Field of View (WFOV) program for the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Tracking Layer likely revolve around sensor performance, data processing, and integration. Achieving the required sensitivity, resolution, and coverage across a wide field of view simultaneously presents significant engineering challenges. Developing algorithms to accurately detect, track, and classify a wide range of threats, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles, in real-time from space is complex. Furthermore, integrating these advanced sensors with existing command and control systems and ensuring reliable data transmission under various space environmental conditions are critical risk areas. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract incentivizes mitigation of these risks by the contractor.
What is the expected impact of this contract on U.S. missile defense capabilities?
This contract is expected to significantly enhance U.S. missile defense capabilities by providing a more robust and comprehensive space-based sensor network. The Wide Field of View (WFOV) system aims to improve early warning and tracking of ballistic and potentially other advanced missile threats across a much larger area than current systems. This enhanced situational awareness allows for more timely and accurate decision-making in missile defense operations. By providing persistent surveillance from orbit, the WFOV program contributes to a layered defense strategy, complementing ground-based and sea-based assets and improving the overall effectiveness of the U.S. missile defense architecture.
How has spending on SDA programs evolved over the past five years?
Spending on Space Domain Awareness (SDA) programs has seen a notable increase over the past five years, driven by evolving geopolitical threats and the recognition of space as a critical warfighting domain. The Department of Defense has prioritized investments in SDA capabilities to counter threats from near-peer adversaries and to ensure the protection of U.S. space assets. This includes funding for various initiatives such as the SDA Tracking Layer, proliferated LEO constellations, advanced ground systems, and data fusion efforts. While specific figures vary annually and by program element, the overall trend indicates a sustained and growing commitment to enhancing space situational awareness and defense capabilities.
What is the role of L3Harris Technologies in the broader SDA ecosystem?
L3Harris Technologies plays a crucial role as a prime contractor in the broader Space Domain Awareness (SDA) ecosystem, contributing key technologies and systems. Their involvement in the SDA Tracking Layer WFOV program highlights their expertise in developing advanced sensor systems and integrating complex space payloads. Beyond this specific contract, L3Harris is known for its contributions to various space-based platforms, communication systems, and electronic warfare capabilities that are integral to maintaining space superiority and situational awareness. Their position as a major defense contractor allows them to lead significant portions of these complex, multi-faceted SDA initiatives.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: HQ085020R0003
Offers Received: 9
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
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: $217,931,272
Exercised Options: $217,931,272
Current Obligation: $197,697,659
Actual Outlays: $17,255,517
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 87
Total Subaward Amount: $23,653,840
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-10-02
Current End Date: 2026-07-07
Potential End Date: 2026-07-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-01
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