Army Awards $12.3M for Ground Combat System Technology R&D to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,270,098 ($12.3M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-12-23

End Date: 2026-06-04

Contract Duration: 1,624 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: THE PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT FOR THIS ACTION IS ENTITLED, "GROUND COMBAT SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY."

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.3 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: THE PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT FOR THIS ACTION IS ENTITLED, "GROUND COMBAT SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY." Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nano/biotech. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp is the sole awardee, indicating a non-competitive process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The award is for a significant duration, spanning over 1600 days, suggesting a long-term project.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while allowing for flexibility in R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns for similar R&D efforts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, meaning there was no open bidding process. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces the government's ability to secure the best possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution due to the lack of competition.

Public Impact

Advancements in ground combat system technology could enhance military capabilities. The significant investment in R&D signals a commitment to future defense innovation. The sole-source nature raises questions about the efficient use of taxpayer funds. Long-term R&D projects can yield substantial technological breakthroughs but also carry inherent risks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Lack of competition
Long project duration

Positive Signals

Focus on critical R&D area
Award to established research institution

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, is not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is performing efficiently and that costs are reasonable and allocable. The fixed fee component requires careful monitoring of performance against objectives.

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

Lack of competition may lead to higher costs.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost growth.
Performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed in the provided data.
Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.
Limited transparency on how the sole-source decision was justified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.3 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. THE PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT FOR THIS ACTION IS ENTITLED, "GROUND COMBAT SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY."

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 $12.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-12-23. End: 2026-06-04.

What specific technological advancements are expected from this Ground Combat System Technology R&D, and how will they translate into tangible improvements in defense capabilities?

The PWS focuses on 'Ground Combat System Technology' without detailing specific advancements. Expected outcomes likely include enhanced mobility, survivability, lethality, or C4ISR capabilities for future ground platforms. Tangible improvements would be measured by increased operational effectiveness, reduced soldier risk, and superior performance against evolving threats, though the direct link requires further definition in project milestones and deliverables.

Given the sole-source nature and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure fair pricing for the government?

While the PWS doesn't detail oversight mechanisms, typical controls for CPFF contracts include rigorous Earned Value Management (EVM), detailed cost reporting, regular audits, and milestone-based funding releases. The contracting officer must ensure the fixed fee is justified and that the contractor's cost accounting practices are sound to prevent excessive spending and ensure the government pays only for allowable, allocable, and reasonable costs.

How does this investment in ground combat system technology align with the Department of the Army's broader modernization strategy and future force requirements?

This R&D investment likely supports the Army's Future Command's objectives for modernizing ground combat platforms to maintain overmatch against adversaries. It aligns with strategic goals to develop next-generation capabilities, potentially focusing on areas like autonomous systems, advanced materials, directed energy, or improved soldier-machine interfaces, crucial for future operational success.

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: $13,028,657

Exercised Options: $12,270,098

Current Obligation: $12,270,098

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