DoD's $32.6M JTRS Upgrade Contract Awarded to Georgia Tech for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,643,202 ($32.6M)
Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-02-07
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,148 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MULTI-FUNCTIONAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. (MIDS) JOINT TACTICAL RADIO SYSTEM (JTRS) UPGRADE
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $32.6 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: MULTI-FUNCTIONAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. (MIDS) JOINT TACTICAL RADIO SYSTEM (JTRS) UPGRADE Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development for a critical military communication system. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful oversight to manage expenses. 4. This award falls under the R&D sector, specifically physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the JTRS system.
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 increases costs for taxpayers as competitive pressures are absent.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher overall cost to taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.
Public Impact
Enhances critical military communication capabilities for the Air Force. Supports advanced research and development in a specialized technology area. Potential for long-term technological advancements in defense systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- CPFF contract type requires robust oversight to control costs.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awardee has specialized R&D expertise.
- Addresses a critical defense need for communication systems.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful management due to inherent uncertainties and specialized expertise.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses in this contract. Given the specialized nature of the work, it's possible that larger, specialized entities are better positioned to perform.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates strong oversight from the Department of the Air Force to ensure cost control and prevent potential overruns. Monitoring progress and adherence to the fixed fee is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- 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 small business participation
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ga, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $32.6 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. MULTI-FUNCTIONAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. (MIDS) JOINT TACTICAL RADIO SYSTEM (JTRS) UPGRADE
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 $32.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-02-07. End: 2026-03-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or proprietary technology held by the contractor. To ensure fair pricing, the government often conducts thorough cost analyses, reviews the contractor's proposed costs, and may negotiate profit margins. However, without competition, the benchmark for 'fair' pricing is less defined.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this R&D contract, and how will their achievement be measured?
Key performance indicators for R&D contracts often focus on milestones, technical progress, and successful demonstration of prototypes or functionalities. Measurement typically involves regular technical reviews, progress reports, and independent verification of achieved capabilities against defined requirements. The specific KPIs would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work.
What is the long-term strategy for the JTRS system beyond this upgrade, and how does this contract fit into that vision?
The long-term strategy for the JTRS system likely involves continuous modernization to adapt to evolving threats and technologies. This upgrade contract is a component of that strategy, aiming to enhance current capabilities. Future plans may include further upgrades, integration with other systems, or eventual replacement, depending on strategic defense priorities and technological advancements.
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: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: FA873022R0110
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 926 DALNEY ST NW, 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: $32,643,202
Exercised Options: $32,643,202
Current Obligation: $32,643,202
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $4,048,323
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA873021D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-02-07
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-16
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