DoD awards $12M for multi-spectral EW R&D, with Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. as prime

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,038,523 ($12.0M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-09-15

End Date: 2027-09-15

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MULTI-SPECTRAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICS COMMAND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CENTER ARMY REPROGRAMMING ANALYSIS TEAM

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.0 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: MULTI-SPECTRAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICS COMMAND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CENTER ARMY REPROGRAMMING ANALYSIS TEAM Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced electronic warfare research and development for communications. 2. The contract duration spans five years, indicating a long-term research need. 3. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. is the sole awardee for this specific delivery order. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D where costs are uncertain. 5. This award falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences NAICS code. 6. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a broad search for qualified contractors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of R&D contracts is complex due to inherent uncertainties in research outcomes and evolving technological landscapes. However, the $12 million award over five years suggests a sustained investment in a critical capability. Comparing this to similar R&D efforts in electronic warfare would provide further context on its relative cost-effectiveness. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility while incentivizing the contractor to manage costs within a defined fee.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of Defense sought proposals from all responsible sources. While the specific number of bidders for this delivery order is not detailed, the competition type suggests a robust process to identify the most capable offeror. This approach generally promotes competitive pricing and innovation by allowing a wide range of potential contractors to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value by leveraging a wider pool of talent and potentially driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Communications Electronics Command Software Engineering Center, which will receive advanced EW capabilities. The services delivered involve research and development, aiming to enhance electronic warfare technologies for communication systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting domestic R&D efforts. Workforce implications include specialized roles for researchers, engineers, and technical staff at Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The long duration of the contract may present challenges in adapting to rapidly changing technological requirements in EW.
Reliance on a single entity for this specific delivery order, despite full and open competition, warrants monitoring for performance.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable research institution like Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. suggests a strong technical foundation.
Full and open competition indicates a commitment to finding the best solution available in the market.
The contract's focus on R&D aligns with the need for continuous innovation in defense technologies.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The electronic warfare market is a critical component of defense technology, characterized by rapid innovation and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks in this niche area are difficult to ascertain without more specific details on the R&D scope, but the multi-year commitment suggests a substantial project within the broader defense R&D landscape.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. As a research and development contract awarded to a large research corporation, the primary focus is likely on specialized expertise rather than small business participation. However, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses with niche capabilities in electronic warfare components or research support may arise, though this is not explicitly detailed in the award information.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely involve regular reviews of incurred costs, progress reports, and adherence to the fixed fee structure by the Department of Defense contracting officers and technical representatives. Accountability measures are built into the contract terms, requiring the contractor to meet specific research and development milestones. Transparency is typically managed through contract reporting requirements and potential audits.

Related Government Programs

Electronic Warfare Systems
Communications Systems Research
Defense Research and Development
Advanced Technology Development
Software Engineering Research

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to technological obsolescence.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs.
Specific technical scope not detailed, posing potential for requirement misalignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.0 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. MULTI-SPECTRAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICS COMMAND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CENTER ARMY REPROGRAMMING ANALYSIS TEAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP.

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 $12.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-15. End: 2027-09-15.

What is the specific technical scope of the 'multi-spectral electronic warfare research and development' being undertaken?

The provided data does not detail the specific technical scope of the multi-spectral electronic warfare research and development. However, 'multi-spectral' typically refers to the use of multiple parts of the electromagnetic spectrum for sensing, jamming, or communication purposes. Electronic warfare (EW) encompasses actions taken to exploit, deceive, or disrupt enemy electronic systems, such as radar and communications. This contract likely involves research into advanced techniques and technologies that utilize various spectral bands to enhance or counter enemy electronic capabilities, potentially focusing on areas like signal intelligence, electronic attack, or electronic protection for communications systems. Further details would require access to the contract's statement of work.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure typically function in R&D contracts, and what are its implications for cost control?

A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is a type of cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. In R&D contexts, CPFF is often used when the scope of work is not well-defined, or the costs are highly uncertain. The 'fixed fee' provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs, as their profit is capped regardless of actual expenses. However, it can also lead to potential cost overruns if the initial cost estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, requiring careful oversight and negotiation by the contracting agency to ensure value for money.

What is the typical track record of Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. in defense R&D contracts, particularly in electronic warfare?

Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. (GTARC) is a well-established entity affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology, known for its extensive involvement in research and development across various scientific and engineering disciplines, including significant contributions to defense. GTARC frequently secures contracts with government agencies, including the Department of Defense, for advanced research projects. While specific details on their electronic warfare portfolio are not provided here, their general reputation and history suggest a strong capability in complex R&D endeavors. A deeper analysis would involve reviewing their past performance on similar EW or related technology contracts, including client feedback and project outcomes.

How does the $12 million award compare to historical spending on similar electronic warfare R&D efforts by the Department of Defense?

Without specific historical data on comparable electronic warfare R&D efforts, it is challenging to definitively benchmark the $12 million award. The Department of Defense invests billions annually in R&D, and EW is a critical area. This $12 million award over five years represents an average of $2.4 million per year. This figure could be considered moderate to significant depending on the specific technological advancement targeted. Broader analyses of DoD EW spending often reveal larger program allocations for system procurement and sustainment, but R&D investments can vary widely based on the maturity and strategic importance of the technology being developed. A comprehensive comparison would require access to historical contract databases filtered by EW R&D and relevant NAICS codes.

What are the potential risks associated with a five-year R&D contract in a rapidly evolving field like electronic warfare?

A significant risk in a five-year R&D contract for electronic warfare is technological obsolescence. The field evolves rapidly, and technologies developed early in the contract may be outdated by its completion. Another risk is the difficulty in accurately defining requirements and milestones at the outset, potentially leading to scope creep or a misalignment between the research outcomes and current operational needs. Furthermore, the long duration increases the possibility of shifts in strategic priorities or budget constraints within the DoD, which could impact the project's continuation or funding. Effective risk mitigation would involve incorporating flexibility into the contract, regular reviews, and strong communication between the government and contractor.

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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 10TH ST, ATLANTA, GA, 30318

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $97,024,979

Exercised Options: $97,024,979

Current Obligation: $12,038,523

Actual Outlays: $441,587

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline