DoD awards $63.5M to L3Harris for ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 Countermeasures Transmitters
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $63,499,992 ($63.5M)
Contractor: L3harris Technologies, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-09-26
End Date: 2029-06-29
Contract Duration: 1,372 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 COUNTERMEASURES TRANSMITTER
Place of Performance
Location: CLIFTON, PASSAIC County, NEW JERSEY, 07014
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $63.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 COUNTERMEASURES TRANSMITTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical electronic warfare components. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about price competition. 3. Long-term contract (2025-2029) suggests sustained need. 4. Focus on sustainment and modernization of existing systems. 5. Geographic concentration in New Jersey for contract performance. 6. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $63.5 million for ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 Countermeasures Transmitters is substantial, but without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to benchmark its value effectively. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. However, the lack of competition means potential savings may have been forgone. Further analysis would require comparing the unit costs to historical data for similar components or to the cost of developing new systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning L3Harris Technologies, Inc. was the only vendor considered. This approach is typically used when a specific capability is unique to a single provider or for follow-on work to an existing system where only one contractor has the necessary knowledge and tooling. The lack of competition limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for the government compared to a fully competed procurement.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure, potentially leading to less efficient use of funds for these critical defense components.
Public Impact
Enhances the electronic warfare capabilities of U.S. military aircraft. Supports the operational readiness of platforms equipped with the ALQ-172 system. Ensures the continued availability of vital countermeasures against modern threats. Maintains critical defense manufacturing capabilities within New Jersey.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition and potential taxpayer savings.
- Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source procurement.
- Long-term nature of the contract could lock in potentially suboptimal pricing if not managed proactively.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Award supports sustainment of essential defense electronic warfare systems.
- Contract ensures continued availability of critical components for national security.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Defense Logistics Agency's purview for electronic warfare systems, specifically focusing on countermeasures. The market for such specialized components is often concentrated among a few key defense contractors due to high barriers to entry, including intellectual property, specialized manufacturing capabilities, and stringent security requirements. Spending in this sector is driven by the need to maintain technological superiority and protect military assets from evolving threats.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of the ALQ-172 system and its components, it is likely that L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is the primary manufacturer. There is no immediate indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data, though this could be explored in the contract's detailed terms.
Oversight & Accountability
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. As a sole-source award, oversight will focus on ensuring L3Harris meets the performance specifications and delivery schedules outlined in the firm fixed-price agreement. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and ongoing performance monitoring are key accountability measures. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits to ensure proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- ALQ-172 Electronic Warfare System
- Countermeasures Systems
- Defense Logistics Agency Procurement
- Airborne Electronic Warfare
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Potential for uncompetitive pricing
- Lack of transparency in procurement justification
Tags
defense, department-of-defense, l3harris-technologies, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, sole-source, electronic-warfare, countermeasures, new-jersey, dla, alq-172
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $63.5 million to L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 COUNTERMEASURES TRANSMITTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $63.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-09-26. End: 2029-06-29.
What is the historical spending trend for the ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 Countermeasures Transmitter program?
Historical spending data for the ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 Countermeasures Transmitter program is not directly available in the provided data snippet. However, the award of a new definitive contract with a significant value ($63.5 million) and a duration extending to June 2029 suggests a sustained and potentially increasing requirement for these components. To understand the historical trend, one would need to access procurement databases to review previous contracts, task orders, and total obligated amounts associated with the ALQ-172 system or its predecessors. This would reveal if current spending represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in this capability over time.
How does the unit cost of the ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 Countermeasures Transmitter compare to similar EW components?
A direct comparison of the unit cost for the ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 Countermeasures Transmitter to similar Electronic Warfare (EW) components is challenging without specific unit cost data from this contract and comparable market data. The provided information only gives a total contract value. However, given that this is a sole-source award for a specialized, likely complex, and critical component, the unit cost is expected to be relatively high compared to more commoditized electronic parts. Benchmarking would require identifying contracts for similar EW transmitters or countermeasure modules, ideally from competitive procurements, and analyzing their unit prices, factoring in differences in technology, performance specifications, and production volume.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract for the DoD?
The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competitive bidding. Without competing offers, the government may not achieve the best possible price. Another risk is vendor lock-in, where the reliance on a single supplier for critical components can reduce flexibility and bargaining power in future negotiations. There's also a risk of complacency from the contractor regarding innovation or cost-efficiency, as the competitive pressure to improve is absent. Ensuring robust oversight and performance management becomes crucial to mitigate these risks.
What is the expected performance impact of these countermeasures transmitters on military platforms?
The ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 Countermeasures Transmitters are expected to significantly enhance the electronic warfare (EW) capabilities of the military platforms they are integrated into. These components are crucial for detecting, identifying, and jamming or deceiving enemy radar and missile guidance systems. By providing reliable and advanced countermeasures, they aim to increase the survivability of aircraft by protecting them from threats. The 'MARS' designation might indicate a modernization or upgrade, suggesting improved performance, broader threat coverage, or enhanced jamming effectiveness compared to previous versions, thereby bolstering mission success rates and aircrew safety.
How does this contract align with the DoD's broader strategy for electronic warfare modernization?
This contract aligns with the Department of Defense's (DoD) ongoing strategy to modernize and maintain its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. The DoD recognizes EW as a critical domain for maintaining information superiority and ensuring freedom of action in contested environments. Awarding funds for components like the ALQ-172 MARS LRU-4 Countermeasures Transmitter indicates a commitment to sustaining and upgrading existing EW systems, which are vital for protecting high-value assets like aircraft. This investment supports the broader goal of ensuring that U.S. forces possess a technological edge against evolving threats, particularly in contested electromagnetic spectrum environments.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: SPRWA124R0011
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: L3harris Technologies, Inc
Address: 77 RIVER RD, CLIFTON, NJ, 07014
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: $63,499,992
Exercised Options: $63,499,992
Current Obligation: $63,499,992
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $96,240
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-09-26
Current End Date: 2029-06-29
Potential End Date: 2029-06-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-03
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