DoD awards Georgia Tech $5.9M for High Power Microware R&D, a sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,900,000 ($5.9M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-12-12

End Date: 2026-12-11

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DEFENSE, RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (DRES&TD) HIGH POWER MICROWARE AND DISTRIBUTED APERTURE SUPPORT (HPMDAS)

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.9 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: DEFENSE, RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (DRES&TD) HIGH POWER MICROWARE AND DISTRIBUTED APERTURE SUPPORT (HPMDAS) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development in advanced microwave technologies. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential value for money. 3. Duration of one year suggests a focused, potentially milestone-driven research effort. 4. Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can incentivize cost overruns if not closely managed. 5. The specific NAICS code indicates a focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. 6. Geographic location in Georgia may leverage regional expertise in defense R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $5.9 million for a one-year R&D effort requires careful benchmarking against similar sole-source awards for specialized research. Without competitive bidding, it is difficult to definitively assess if this represents optimal value for money. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while common for R&D where costs are uncertain, necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified. Comparisons to other DoD R&D contracts in similar technology areas would be crucial for a comprehensive value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically justified when only one source possesses the necessary specialized capabilities, technology, or security clearances. However, the lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions or secure potentially lower pricing through a bidding process. The justification for this sole-source award would need to be thoroughly reviewed to ensure it aligns with federal procurement regulations.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government does not benefit from the price competition that typically drives down costs in open solicitations.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from advancements in high power microwave technology, potentially enhancing national security capabilities. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp will deliver specialized research and development services. The geographic impact is primarily within Georgia, potentially fostering local scientific and technical expertise. The contract supports highly skilled researchers and engineers in the field of advanced physics and engineering.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires stringent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
Lack of competition may limit the exploration of innovative alternative solutions.
The specific technical scope requires specialized expertise, potentially limiting the pool of qualified contractors.

Positive Signals

Award to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp leverages a known entity with potential expertise in the required R&D area.
Focus on advanced microwave technology addresses a critical and evolving defense need.
The contract duration allows for focused research and development within a defined timeframe.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Defense Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physics and engineering for high-power microwave applications. This is a highly specialized area within the broader scientific R&D market, often characterized by significant government investment due to its strategic importance. The market for such specialized R&D is typically dominated by a few key research institutions and defense contractors with unique capabilities. Benchmarking would involve comparing this award to other sole-source or competitively awarded R&D contracts in directed energy, radar, or advanced electromagnetics.

Small Business Impact

As a sole-source award, this contract does not appear to include specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific R&D effort are likely limited unless they are subcontractors to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Army, with specific program managers responsible for monitoring progress, costs, and adherence to the Statement of Work. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is essential to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency will depend on the agency's reporting practices and any public disclosures related to the research outcomes. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
Directed Energy Research
Advanced Electromagnetic Systems
Microwave Technology Development
University-Affiliated Research Centers

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
CPFF contract type requires robust cost oversight.
Potential for limited market exploration due to sole-source nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.9 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. DEFENSE, RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (DRES&TD) HIGH POWER MICROWARE AND DISTRIBUTED APERTURE SUPPORT (HPMDAS)

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 $5.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-12. End: 2026-12-11.

What is the specific technical objective of the High Power Microware and Distributed Aperture Support (HPMDAS) program?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'DEFENSE, RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (DRES&TD) HIGH POWER MICROWARE AND DISTRIBUTED APERTURE SUPPORT (HPMDAS)'. While the exact technical objectives are not detailed, the name suggests a focus on developing or enhancing capabilities related to high-power microwave generation, transmission, or application, potentially involving distributed aperture systems for improved performance or coverage. This could encompass areas like advanced radar, electronic warfare, or directed energy systems. Further details would likely be found in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or technical exhibits.

How does the $5.9 million award compare to typical R&D spending for similar technologies within the DoD?

Benchmarking this $5.9 million award requires comparing it to other R&D contracts for high-power microwave or distributed aperture technologies. Given the specialized nature of this field, R&D contracts can vary significantly in cost based on scope, duration, and the maturity of the technology. A one-year contract of this value suggests a focused research effort, possibly in the early to mid-stages of development. Without access to a broader dataset of comparable DoD R&D awards in this specific niche, it's challenging to definitively state if $5.9 million is high or low. However, for specialized R&D, this figure is not unusually large, but the sole-source nature warrants scrutiny regarding value.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?

The primary risks associated with a CPFF contract for R&D, like this one, revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a defined profit margin, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred. If not managed diligently, this can lead to cost overruns, as the contractor may have less incentive to control expenses compared to a fixed-price contract. The government bears the risk of cost increases beyond initial estimates. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

What is the track record of Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp in securing and executing similar DoD R&D contracts?

Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp (GTARC) is a well-established entity affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology, known for its extensive work in research and development, often in support of government agencies, including the DoD. GTARC has a history of managing complex research projects across various scientific and engineering disciplines. While specific details of their past performance on HPMDAS-like contracts are not provided here, their general reputation and affiliation suggest a strong capability in undertaking such specialized R&D efforts. A deeper dive into their contract history, performance reviews, and specific expertise in high-power microwaves would be necessary for a complete assessment.

What are the potential implications of this contract being sole-source for future technology development in this area?

A sole-source award, while potentially efficient for acquiring specific, unique capabilities, can have implications for future technology development. It may signal that the government perceives a limited number of entities possessing the necessary expertise, potentially stifling broader innovation or competition in the long run. If other organizations are capable but were not solicited, they may be discouraged from investing in developing similar capabilities. Conversely, it could indicate a strategic decision to partner with a leading institution to accelerate development in a critical area, potentially setting a benchmark for future advancements. The long-term impact depends on whether this partnership fosters further innovation or creates a dependency.

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: $63,505,001

Exercised Options: $5,900,000

Current Obligation: $5,900,000

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