Army Awards $34.3M for Integrated Fires Technical Support to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,310,169 ($34.3M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-12-16

End Date: 2026-09-25

Contract Duration: 1,744 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ARMY INTEGRATED FIRES TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $34.3 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: ARMY INTEGRATED FIRES TECHNICAL SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a single entity for specialized R&D services. 2. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D, excluding nano/biotech. 3. Long-term contract duration (over 4 years) suggests ongoing critical support needs. 4. Lack of competition raises questions about potential cost efficiencies and innovation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific service details.

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 the incentive for the contractor to offer the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Without competitive bidding, taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value for the $34.3 million investment.

Public Impact

Supports critical Army research and development initiatives. Potential for advancements in integrated fires technology. Long-term engagement could foster specialized expertise within Georgia Tech. Lack of transparency in the procurement process.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Cost-plus contract type can inflate costs.
Lack of transparency in pricing.
Long duration without re-competition.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable research institution.
Supports critical defense technology development.
Potential for specialized expertise development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Federal spending in this sector is substantial, but specific benchmarks for 'integrated fires technical support' are not readily available.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded directly to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp and does not indicate any subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and effective service delivery. Oversight should focus on cost control and performance metrics.

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
Cost-plus contract type
Potential for cost overruns
Limited transparency
Long contract duration without re-competition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $34.3 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. ARMY INTEGRATED FIRES TECHNICAL 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 $34.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-12-16. End: 2026-09-25.

What specific technical support is being provided under this contract, and how does it align with current Army modernization priorities?

The contract is for 'Integrated Fires Technical Support,' which likely involves research, development, testing, and evaluation related to systems that coordinate various fire support assets. This could include command and control systems, sensor integration, and weapon platform interfaces, directly supporting the Army's modernization efforts in multi-domain operations and enhanced lethality.

Given the sole-source award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure cost reasonableness and prevent potential overpricing?

While sole-source awards bypass competitive bidding, the government should still employ robust cost analysis techniques. This includes reviewing the contractor's proposed costs, historical pricing, and potentially independent government cost estimates. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring of allowable costs to ensure they align with the contract's objectives.

What is the expected impact of this long-term technical support on the Army's future capabilities in integrated fires?

This sustained investment is expected to foster deep technical expertise and potentially lead to significant advancements in integrated fires capabilities. It allows for long-term research projects and iterative development, which are crucial for complex technological fields. The continuity of support should enable the Army to maintain and enhance its technological edge in this critical area.

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: $50,301,383

Exercised Options: $34,310,169

Current Obligation: $34,310,169

Actual Outlays: $246,036

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