DoD invests over $21M in Georgia Tech for advanced drone swarming autonomy research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,206,331 ($21.2M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-12

End Date: 2028-09-03

Contract Duration: 1,452 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 999

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THIS EFFORT IS TO INVESTIGATE THE EXTENSION OF SWARMING AUTONOMY FROM EXPENDABLE, AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS) TO ENABLE HETEROGENEITY ACROSS SENSOR MODALITIES, AND SUPER SWARM SYSTEMS.

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.2 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: THIS EFFORT IS TO INVESTIGATE THE EXTENSION OF SWARMING AUTONOMY FROM EXPENDABLE, AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS) TO ENABLE HETEROGENEITY ACROSS SENSOR MODALITIES, AND SUPER SWARM SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Focuses on extending swarming autonomy to diverse sensor types and super swarm systems. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement. 3. Long duration suggests a complex, multi-year research and development effort. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical area for defense innovation. 5. Potential for significant advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities and coordinated operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $21.2 million over approximately four years for advanced R&D is within a reasonable range for specialized defense research. Benchmarking against similar contracts for complex autonomy systems is challenging due to the unique nature of swarming technology. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research while providing some cost control. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns and comparison to industry benchmarks for similar R&D efforts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple offerors had the opportunity to bid. This approach is generally favored for ensuring fair pricing and access to the best available technology. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition implies a robust process that likely drove competitive pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most advanced technology at the best possible price for this critical defense research.

Public Impact

The Department of the Navy benefits from advancements in drone swarming capabilities. Services delivered include cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Geographic impact is primarily within Georgia Tech's research facilities, with potential for broader defense applications. Workforce implications include highly skilled research scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
The long contract duration may present challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
The specific technical challenges of achieving 'super swarm' capabilities are significant and carry inherent research risks.

Positive Signals

Focus on advanced autonomy is a strategic investment for future defense capabilities.
Georgia Tech's established reputation in research suggests a strong likelihood of technical success.
Full and open competition increases the probability of accessing innovative solutions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced autonomous systems for unmanned aerial vehicles. The market for defense R&D is highly specialized, with significant investment driven by national security priorities. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of swarming autonomy, but overall DoD spending on R&D for AI and unmanned systems is substantial and growing.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation is not a primary focus, as the awardee is Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, a large research institution. There is no explicit small business set-aside mentioned. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but are not detailed in the provided information. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely indirect, through potential future technology spin-offs or partnerships.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of the Navy contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is typically maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of research progress may be subject to security classifications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Research
Artificial Intelligence in Defense
Autonomous Systems Development
Advanced Robotics Research
Department of Defense Research and Development Programs

Risk Flags

Technical Risk: Complexity of achieving advanced swarming autonomy.
Programmatic Risk: Long duration may lead to obsolescence or shifting priorities.
Cost Control Risk: Potential for cost growth in cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.2 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. THIS EFFORT IS TO INVESTIGATE THE EXTENSION OF SWARMING AUTONOMY FROM EXPENDABLE, AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS) TO ENABLE HETEROGENEITY ACROSS SENSOR MODALITIES, AND SUPER SWARM SYSTEMS.

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 Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-12. End: 2028-09-03.

What is Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp's track record with similar DoD contracts?

Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp (GTARC) has a significant history of performing research and development for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. While specific details on past swarm autonomy contracts are not provided, GTARC is a well-established entity known for its expertise in aerospace engineering, artificial intelligence, and complex systems research. Their extensive experience in managing large-scale, technically challenging R&D projects suggests a strong capability to execute this contract. A deeper dive into their contract history would reveal the scale and success of previous related endeavors, including their performance metrics and any past issues encountered.

How does the $21.2 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts in drone autonomy?

The $21.2 million contract value for advanced drone swarming autonomy research over approximately four years is substantial but not necessarily out of line for cutting-edge defense R&D. Similar complex projects involving AI, robotics, and autonomous systems can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on scope, duration, and technological maturity. This specific contract focuses on advanced concepts like 'super swarm' systems and heterogeneity across sensor modalities, indicating a high level of technical sophistication. Benchmarking requires comparing it to contracts for developing novel AI algorithms, multi-agent coordination systems, and advanced unmanned vehicle control, which are often in a similar investment bracket.

What are the primary risks associated with this research and development contract?

The primary risks associated with this contract are technical and programmatic. Technically, achieving true 'swarming autonomy' that is robust, scalable, and adaptable across diverse sensor modalities presents significant challenges in artificial intelligence, communication, and control systems. The concept of 'super swarm' systems implies even greater complexity. Programmatically, the long duration (nearly four years) increases the risk of technological obsolescence or shifts in defense priorities. Furthermore, cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, while allowing flexibility, carry the inherent risk of cost growth if research proves more difficult or expensive than initially estimated. Successful mitigation will depend on rigorous project management, iterative development, and adaptive research strategies.

How might the outcomes of this research impact future defense capabilities?

The outcomes of this research have the potential to significantly transform future defense capabilities. Advanced swarming autonomy could enable coordinated, multi-drone operations that overwhelm adversary defenses, conduct complex surveillance missions, or provide persistent battlefield awareness with reduced risk to human operators. Heterogeneity across sensor modalities means swarms could integrate data from various sources (e.g., optical, infrared, electronic warfare) for a more comprehensive understanding of the battlespace. 'Super swarm' systems could imply unprecedented levels of coordination and mission execution. These advancements could lead to more resilient, adaptable, and cost-effective unmanned force structures.

What is the historical spending trend for R&D in autonomous systems within the Department of Defense?

The Department of Defense has consistently increased its investment in Research and Development (R&D) for autonomous systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), over the past decade. Driven by lessons learned in recent conflicts and the desire to maintain technological superiority, funding for AI, robotics, and autonomous platforms has seen significant growth. This trend reflects a strategic shift towards leveraging unmanned systems for a wide range of missions, from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to combat operations. The specific focus on swarming autonomy and advanced coordination aligns with broader DoD initiatives aimed at developing networked, intelligent systems capable of operating collaboratively.

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: BASIC RESEARCH

Solicitation ID: N0001424SB001

Offers Received: 999

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)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $84,733,366

Exercised Options: $63,917,840

Current Obligation: $21,206,331

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline