DoD Awards $169.6M Engineering Services Contract to Georgia Tech for ALQ-161A Sustainment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,966,276 ($17.0M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-06-03

End Date: 2026-06-02

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ALQ-161A SUSTAINMENT STUDIES

Place of Performance

Location: WARNER ROBINS, HOUSTON County, GEORGIA, 31098

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.0 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: ALQ-161A SUSTAINMENT STUDIES Key points: 1. The contract focuses on engineering services for the ALQ-161A system. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp is the sole awardee. 3. The award is a Delivery Order under an existing contract. 4. The contract duration is 1460 days, ending in June 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount is $169.6 million, but the final cost is subject to performance and scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure to achieve the best value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.

Public Impact

Supports critical defense systems sustainment. Potential for long-term reliance on a single provider. Impacts the Air Force's budget for electronic warfare systems. Research and development capabilities of Georgia Tech are leveraged.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost risk.
Lack of transparency in pricing due to no-bid nature.

Positive Signals

Leverages specialized expertise of Georgia Tech.
Ensures sustainment of a critical defense asset.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services, a broad category often involving specialized technical expertise. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on defense needs and technological advancements.

Small Business Impact

This award went to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, which is not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a Delivery Order under an existing contract, suggesting some level of prior oversight. However, the sole-source nature warrants close monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Potential for cost overruns
Lack of competitive pricing pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.0 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. ALQ-161A SUSTAINMENT STUDIES

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 $17.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-03. End: 2026-06-02.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that cannot be met by other sources. Without further documentation, it's difficult to ascertain the specific reasons, but it implies Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp possesses specialized knowledge or resources critical for the ALQ-161A sustainment that other entities cannot readily provide.

What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for sustainment studies?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractors to increase costs to achieve a higher fixed fee, especially if the fee is a percentage of costs. For sustainment studies, where scope can be fluid, there's a risk of cost overruns if not meticulously managed and if the contractor doesn't maintain efficient operations. This can lead to the government paying more than anticipated.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the ALQ-161A system?

Sustainment studies are crucial for ensuring the long-term operational effectiveness of complex defense systems like the ALQ-161A. They identify maintenance needs, potential upgrades, obsolescence issues, and cost-saving measures. By investing in these studies, the Air Force aims to maintain the system's readiness, enhance its capabilities, and extend its service life, thereby contributing to overall mission effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: FA852322R0023

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: $24,382,968

Exercised Options: $16,966,276

Current Obligation: $16,966,276

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $11,672,688

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA852319D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline