DoD's PEO C3T awards $11.2M R&D contract to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,204,564 ($11.2M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-04-26

End Date: 2026-04-26

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS - TACTICAL (PEO C3T) APPLIED RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.2 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS - TACTICAL (PEO C3T) APPLIED RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a delivery order under an existing award. 4. No small business participation is indicated.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is $11.2M over a 5-year period.

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 leads to higher costs compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these R&D services.

Public Impact

Supports critical Command, Control, Communications, and Tactical (C3T) systems for the Army. Investments in R&D are crucial for maintaining technological superiority. Potential for advancements in defense technology that could have broader applications.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Supports critical PEO C3T mission.
Long-term R&D effort (5 years).
Awarded to a specialized research corporation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is vital for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This is a missed opportunity to leverage the innovation and capabilities of small businesses within the R&D sector.

Oversight & Accountability

As a sole-source award, oversight is critical to ensure the contractor is performing effectively and that costs are reasonable. The Department of the Army's Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications - Tactical (PEO C3T) is responsible for managing this contract.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Lack of small business participation
Potential for cost overruns without strong oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.2 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS - TACTICAL (PEO C3T) APPLIED RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT

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 Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-26. End: 2026-04-26.

What specific R&D advancements are expected from this contract, and how will they benefit the PEO C3T mission?

The contract aims to provide applied research, development, and engineering support for PEO C3T systems. Expected advancements likely include improvements in communication systems, tactical data links, and command and control capabilities, ultimately enhancing battlefield effectiveness and soldier safety. The specific deliverables and expected outcomes would be detailed in the contract's SOW.

Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure provides fair value?

For sole-source Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, robust government oversight is paramount. This includes detailed review of contractor's cost proposals, regular audits of incurred costs, and performance monitoring against milestones. The government should also conduct should-cost analyses and potentially negotiate fee structures that incentivize efficiency and cost control.

How does this R&D investment align with the Army's broader modernization priorities and technological roadmaps?

This contract directly supports the Army's modernization efforts by investing in the foundational research and development necessary for future C3T capabilities. Aligning with modernization priorities ensures that R&D investments are focused on addressing current and future operational challenges, maintaining a technological edge, and integrating new technologies into the force structure effectively.

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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

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)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,453,176

Exercised Options: $11,204,564

Current Obligation: $11,204,564

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W31P4Q18D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline