DoD's $29.4M R&D contract for Navy C4I systems awarded to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,385,310 ($29.4M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-12-29

End Date: 2018-12-28

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF DT-15-1156 "ANALYSIS AND IMPROVEMENT OF NAVY SHORE AND EXPEDITIONARY DEFENSE SYSTEMS PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTERS AND INTELLIGENCE (PEO/C4I)SHORE AND EXPEDITIONARY INTEGRATION (PMW 790)"

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92110

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.4 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF DT-15-1156 "ANALYSIS AND IMPROVEMENT OF NAVY SHORE AND EXPEDITIONARY DEFENSE SYSTEMS PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTERS AND INTELLIGENCE (PEO/C4I)SHORE AND EXPEDITIONARY INTEGRATION (PMW 790)" Key points: 1. Contract focused on research and development for Navy shore and expeditionary defense systems. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 1095 days indicates a medium-term project. 4. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. is the sole awardee for this specific delivery order. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can shift risk to the government. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541712 points to R&D in physical and engineering sciences.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific $29.4 million R&D contract is challenging without more granular data on the scope of work and deliverables. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that the government assumes some financial risk, as costs can exceed initial estimates, although the fixed fee provides a ceiling on contractor profit. Comparing this to similar R&D efforts within the Navy's PEO/C4I portfolio would provide better context for value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data does not specify the number of bidders, but the designation suggests a robust competitive environment was sought. This approach is generally intended to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition aims to leverage market forces to secure the best possible value for taxpayer funds by encouraging multiple companies to bid and offer their most competitive terms.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Navy's shore and expeditionary defense capabilities. The contract supports the development and improvement of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems. This R&D effort is crucial for enhancing the operational effectiveness and technological superiority of naval forces. The project's success could lead to advancements in military communication and data processing technologies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, shifting risk to the government.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's performance trajectory.
The sole awardee for this delivery order might limit broader market engagement for subsequent phases or related efforts.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a commitment to competitive sourcing.
Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. is a known entity in research and development, suggesting a level of expertise.
The contract aims to improve critical defense systems, aligning with national security objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences (excluding biotechnology). The $29.4 million value is moderate for R&D contracts within the defense sector, which often involve significant investment. This work supports the broader defense industrial base and innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas related to C4I systems critical for modern military operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp., may engage small businesses as subcontractors depending on their own procurement practices and the specific needs of the research project.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Defense's established acquisition and contract management processes. The Inspector General's office within the DoD would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed project-specific oversight mechanisms are not explicitly stated in this data.

Related Government Programs

Navy C4I Systems Modernization
Defense Research and Development Programs
Expeditionary Warfare Technology
Shore-Based Defense Systems
Command and Control Systems Research

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk for the government.
Limited public data on specific performance metrics makes objective assessment difficult.
Sole awardee for this delivery order may limit broader competitive opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.4 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. IGF::OT::IGF DT-15-1156 "ANALYSIS AND IMPROVEMENT OF NAVY SHORE AND EXPEDITIONARY DEFENSE SYSTEMS PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATION, COMPUTERS AND INTELLIGENCE (PEO/C4I)SHORE AND EXPEDITIONARY INTEGRATION (PMW 790)"

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 Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-12-29. End: 2018-12-28.

What is the track record of Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. with similar DoD contracts?

Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation (GTARC) has a significant history of performing research and development contracts for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. While specific details for this particular $29.4 million contract (awarded in late 2015) are limited in public databases, GTARC's broader portfolio often includes advanced research in areas such as aerospace, defense systems, cybersecurity, and information technology. Their work typically involves complex scientific and engineering challenges. A deeper dive into FPDS or agency-specific contract award databases would reveal the volume, value, and types of contracts GTARC has secured over time, allowing for a more precise assessment of their experience relevant to Navy C4I systems.

How does the $29.4 million value compare to other R&D contracts for Navy C4I systems?

The $29.4 million value of this contract is within a moderate range for research and development efforts focused on complex systems like Navy Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I). Larger, more comprehensive system development or integration programs can easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. Conversely, smaller, more focused research tasks or feasibility studies might be in the low millions. This contract, awarded in 2015 for a three-year period, likely represented a significant but not exceptionally large investment for a specific R&D initiative within the PEO/C4I portfolio. Benchmarking requires comparing it to contracts with similar scope, duration, and technological objectives within the same domain.

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

The primary risk associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, like the one awarded to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp., is that the government bears the risk of cost overruns. While the contractor's profit (the 'fixed fee') is predetermined, the total cost of performing the work can exceed initial estimates. If the project encounters unforeseen technical challenges, requires more resources than anticipated, or experiences scope creep without adequate adjustments, the government pays the actual costs incurred, plus the fixed fee. This can lead to the contract exceeding its initially budgeted amount. Effective oversight, clear definition of work, and robust cost tracking are crucial to mitigate these risks for the government.

How effective are R&D contracts like this in driving innovation for naval defense?

R&D contracts are fundamental to driving innovation in naval defense by funding the exploration of new technologies and concepts that may not be commercially viable or immediately applicable. This specific contract, focused on improving Navy shore and expeditionary C4I systems, aims to enhance critical operational capabilities. The success of such contracts in driving innovation depends heavily on the clarity of the research objectives, the expertise of the performing organization (Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. in this case), and the government's ability to transition successful research outcomes into practical applications. While R&D inherently involves uncertainty, these contracts provide the necessary resources and framework to push technological boundaries.

What does the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)' NAICS code imply for this contract?

The NAICS code 541712, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology),' indicates that the core activity of this contract involves scientific research and experimental development. This means the work is likely focused on discovering new knowledge, developing new products or processes, or significantly improving existing ones within the physical sciences (like physics, chemistry, materials science), engineering disciplines (like electrical, mechanical, systems engineering), or life sciences (excluding biotech). For this Navy C4I contract, it suggests the research could involve areas such as advanced signal processing, new communication protocols, novel sensor technologies, or improved data integration methods, all grounded in scientific principles and engineering methodologies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA807513R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Georgia Tech Research Corp (UEI: 097394084)

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), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,586,548

Exercised Options: $29,586,548

Current Obligation: $29,385,310

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 22

Total Subaward Amount: $12,929,296

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline