DoD's Missile Defense Agency awards $7.7M R&D contract to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,722,845 ($7.7M)
Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-05-12
End Date: 2027-05-12
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.7 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in missile defense technology. 2. Sole-source award to a specific research institution. 3. Long-term contract duration of 5 years. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work and deliverables.
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 competition, raising concerns about whether the best value was obtained.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for the research and development services.
Public Impact
Advancement in critical missile defense capabilities. Potential for technological breakthroughs with national security implications. Investment in specialized research expertise at Georgia Tech.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost risk.
- Long duration may not reflect evolving needs.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical national security mission.
- Leverages specialized research institution.
- Long-term commitment to R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and national security, but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
This award does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is a direct award to a large research corporation. Opportunities for small business subcontracting are not evident from the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is meeting all milestones and that costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency in reporting is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on specific research goals
- No apparent small business involvement
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ga, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $7.7 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
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 (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $7.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-05-12. End: 2027-05-12.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how do they align with current missile defense priorities?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the specific objectives are not detailed, the context of the Missile Defense Agency suggests research into advanced materials, sensor technologies, or theoretical modeling relevant to intercepting ballistic missiles. Alignment with priorities would depend on the agency's strategic roadmap for future defense capabilities.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or the unavailability of alternative sources. For this contract, Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. likely possesses unique expertise or facilities essential for the specific R&D required by the Missile Defense Agency. Fair and reasonable pricing would ideally be determined through detailed cost analysis, comparison to historical data for similar specialized research, and negotiation.
How will the effectiveness of the research outcomes be measured, and what mechanisms are in place to transition successful R&D into operational systems?
Effectiveness is typically measured through milestone achievements, technical reviews, and the successful demonstration of prototypes or concepts. The Missile Defense Agency would likely have program managers and technical experts overseeing the contract. Transitioning R&D into operational systems involves a separate, often competitive, process where mature technologies are integrated into existing or new defense platforms.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: HQ085421R0001
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: $8,983,476
Exercised Options: $8,983,476
Current Obligation: $7,722,845
Actual Outlays: $2,927,314
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ085421D0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-05-12
Current End Date: 2027-05-12
Potential End Date: 2027-05-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-03
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