DoD awards $7.3M for EW, avionics, and sensor systems engineering and testing to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,310,223 ($7.3M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-29

End Date: 2027-01-08

Contract Duration: 466 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ELECTROMAGNETIC WARFARE, AVIONICS, AND SENSOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TESTING FOR AIR NATIONAL GUARD AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND TEST CENTER.

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30332

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.3 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: ELECTROMAGNETIC WARFARE, AVIONICS, AND SENSOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TESTING FOR AIR NATIONAL GUARD AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND TEST CENTER. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical electromagnetic warfare, avionics, and sensor systems. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. selected for specialized engineering and testing services. 3. Performance period extends through January 2027, indicating a medium-term engagement. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which may allow for cost overruns. 5. This award represents a significant investment in advanced aerospace technology development. 6. The scope includes essential testing for the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.3 million for specialized engineering and testing services appears reasonable given the technical complexity and duration. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts for advanced aerospace systems suggests this pricing is within an expected range. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while common for R&D, warrants monitoring for cost efficiency to ensure value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and encourage innovation. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring the government receives competitive pricing and the best available technical solutions, minimizing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command will benefit from enhanced capabilities in electromagnetic warfare, avionics, and sensor systems. Services delivered include critical engineering, testing, and research to support advanced military aircraft. The geographic impact is primarily within Georgia, where the contractor is based, but the technology developed will have national defense implications. This contract supports highly skilled jobs in research and development within the aerospace and defense sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed closely.
The specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed, making it difficult to assess performance outcomes upfront.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Contractor is a research corporation, implying specialized expertise in the required technical domain.
Long-term performance period allows for thorough development and testing of complex systems.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace and defense industry is characterized by high R&D investment, complex technological requirements, and significant government procurement. Comparable spending in this sub-sector often involves substantial sums due to the cutting-edge nature of the work.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation is not a primary focus, as the award is not a small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the prime contractor will likely handle the majority of the work, potentially limiting opportunities for small businesses in this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures will be tied to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract terms, requiring detailed reporting on costs and progress. Transparency is expected through contract reporting mechanisms, with potential for Inspector General review if performance or cost issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Research Laboratory Contracts
Department of Defense Advanced Technology Development
Aerospace Systems Engineering Services
Electromagnetic Warfare Systems Procurement
Avionics Modernization Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type may lead to cost overruns.
Limited public information on specific performance metrics.
Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.3 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. ELECTROMAGNETIC WARFARE, AVIONICS, AND SENSOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TESTING FOR AIR NATIONAL GUARD AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND TEST CENTER.

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 $7.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-29. End: 2027-01-08.

What is Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp.'s track record with similar Department of Defense contracts, particularly in electromagnetic warfare and avionics?

Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. (GTARC) has a substantial history of performing research and development for the Department of Defense, often in collaboration with Georgia Tech. Their expertise spans various engineering disciplines, including aerospace, electrical, and computer engineering. While specific contract details for electromagnetic warfare and avionics are not publicly itemized in this summary, GTARC's general profile suggests a strong capability in complex systems engineering and testing. Their involvement in advanced technology development for military applications is well-documented through various research grants and contracts. A deeper dive into their past performance reports and contract history with agencies like the Air Force would provide more granular insights into their specific successes and challenges in these technical areas.

How does the $7.3 million award compare to other contracts for similar EW, avionics, and sensor systems engineering and testing services?

The $7.3 million award for electromagnetic warfare, avionics, and sensor systems engineering and testing is a moderate-sized contract within the defense R&D sector. Contracts for similar, highly specialized services can range from a few million dollars for focused research tasks to hundreds of millions for large-scale development and integration programs. Given that this is a delivery order with a defined performance period ending in January 2027, it suggests a scope focused on specific engineering, testing, and potentially prototyping efforts rather than full-scale production or system-wide integration. Benchmarking against other R&D contracts for advanced aerospace components and systems indicates that this value is aligned with projects requiring specialized expertise and significant testing resources over a multi-year period.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for this type of R&D work?

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially for research and development, is the potential for cost overruns. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. If the project's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears the burden of these increased expenses. For R&D, where technical challenges and unforeseen issues are common, this can lead to the total contract value increasing beyond initial projections. Effective oversight, rigorous cost tracking, and clear definition of scope are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives value for its investment. The fixed fee component does provide some incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently to protect their profit margin.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the development of future Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command capabilities?

This contract is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command by ensuring their electromagnetic warfare, avionics, and sensor systems are state-of-the-art and rigorously tested. By investing in specialized engineering and testing, the DoD is aiming to improve situational awareness, electronic protection, and overall mission effectiveness for these critical reserve components. The outcomes of this R&D effort could lead to upgrades in existing platforms or inform the development of next-generation aircraft systems, providing these forces with a technological edge. Ultimately, this contract contributes to modernizing the air reserve components, ensuring they remain ready and capable of supporting national defense objectives.

How does this contract align with broader trends in defense spending on aerospace technology and R&D?

This contract aligns with a broader trend in defense spending that prioritizes investment in advanced aerospace technologies, particularly in areas like electronic warfare, cybersecurity, and sensor fusion. As potential adversaries continue to develop sophisticated capabilities, the U.S. military must maintain a technological advantage. R&D spending is crucial for this, focusing on innovation to counter emerging threats and enhance platform performance. Contracts like this one, which target specific, high-impact technological domains, reflect the DoD's strategic focus on modernization and maintaining readiness. The emphasis on engineering and testing underscores the importance of ensuring these advanced systems are reliable and effective before deployment.

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: $18,082,746

Exercised Options: $18,082,746

Current Obligation: $7,310,223

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