DoD's $50M+ Air Force training contract awarded to Georgia Tech for advanced airlift tactics and electronic warfare

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,154,043 ($50.2M)

Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2016-01-11

End Date: 2021-01-10

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $27.5K/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 LABOR&MATERIAL DT 16-1169 "ADVANCED AIRLIFT TACTICS TRAINING CENTER (AATTC) DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS, ELECTRONIC WARFARE, TACTICS, INTEGRATION ENGINEERING, AND TRAINING"

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $50.2 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF LABOR&MATERIAL DT 16-1169 "ADVANCED AIRLIFT TACTICS TRAINING CENTER (AATTC) DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS, ELECTRONIC WARFARE, TACTICS, INTEGRATION ENGINEERING, AND TRAINING" Key points: 1. Contract provides critical training and integration engineering for defensive systems and electronic warfare. 2. Focus on advanced airlift tactics suggests a need for specialized, high-level operational preparedness. 3. The duration of the contract (5 years) indicates a long-term requirement for these specialized services. 4. Georgia Tech's role highlights the intersection of academic research and defense operational needs. 5. The contract's value places it as a significant investment in Air Force training capabilities. 6. Electronic warfare and defensive systems are key areas of modern military technological advancement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $50 million for a 5-year period suggests a substantial investment in specialized training. Benchmarking this against similar advanced training and R&D contracts for the Department of Defense is challenging due to the specific nature of 'advanced airlift tactics' and 'electronic warfare integration.' However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure implies that costs are monitored, but there is potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly. The fixed fee component provides some predictability for the contractor's profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 2,746 bids suggests a highly competitive environment, which is generally favorable for price discovery and achieving value for money. A large number of bids can lead to more innovative solutions and potentially lower prices as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: A robust competition with numerous bidders typically benefits taxpayers by driving down costs and encouraging efficient service delivery.

Public Impact

Air Force personnel will receive advanced training in critical areas like defensive systems and electronic warfare. The contract supports the development and integration of cutting-edge technologies for airlift operations. Geographic impact is likely concentrated around Air Force training bases, but the knowledge gained has national security implications. Workforce implications include specialized engineering and training roles, potentially drawing from both academic and defense sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not rigorously managed.
The complexity of electronic warfare and advanced tactics may present integration challenges.
Long-term contracts can sometimes reduce flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a broad market response.
Georgia Tech's expertise suggests a high level of technical capability and innovation.
The contract addresses critical national defense needs in electronic warfare and tactical training.
A significant number of bids (2,746) points to a healthy competitive market for these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense-related R&D and specialized training is substantial, driven by continuous technological advancements and evolving geopolitical threats. Comparable spending often involves large, multi-year contracts for system development, integration, and advanced simulation or training environments. Georgia Tech's Applied Research Corporation is a known entity in this space, often partnering with government agencies on complex technical challenges.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, the nature of advanced R&D and specialized training often involves significant subcontracting opportunities. It is crucial to assess whether small businesses are being leveraged for specific components or services within this large contract. Without specific subcontracting data, it's difficult to gauge the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, but large prime contractors are often incentivized or required to include small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Defense would also have jurisdiction for audits and investigations. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics and detailed cost breakdowns may be less publicly accessible due to security or proprietary concerns.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Training Programs
Electronic Warfare Systems Development
Advanced Simulation and Training
Defense Research and Development Contracts
Tactical Operations Support

Risk Flags

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed stringently.
Complexity of integrating advanced electronic warfare systems.
Ensuring training remains current with rapidly evolving threats.
Potential for long-term contract to become less adaptable to future technological shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $50.2 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. IGF::OT::IGF LABOR&MATERIAL DT 16-1169 "ADVANCED AIRLIFT TACTICS TRAINING CENTER (AATTC) DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS, ELECTRONIC WARFARE, TACTICS, INTEGRATION ENGINEERING, AND TRAINING"

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 $50.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-01-11. End: 2021-01-10.

What is Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp's track record with similar large-scale defense R&D and training contracts?

Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation (GTARC) has a well-established history of supporting government research and development initiatives, particularly within the Department of Defense. They frequently engage in complex projects requiring expertise in areas like aerospace engineering, electronic systems, and advanced simulation. While specific contract details are often sensitive, GTARC's involvement in projects related to advanced training, systems integration, and technological development for military applications is common. Their ability to secure significant contracts like this one suggests a strong track record of performance, technical capability, and successful collaboration with government agencies. Their work often involves translating cutting-edge research into practical applications for defense operations, aligning with the objectives of this specific contract.

How does the $50.15 million contract value compare to similar advanced airlift tactics and electronic warfare training programs?

Directly comparing the $50.15 million value is challenging due to the highly specialized nature of 'advanced airlift tactics' combined with 'defensive systems, electronic warfare, tactics, integration engineering, and training.' Contracts for advanced military training and R&D can vary significantly based on scope, duration, technology involved, and the specific branch of service. However, for a 5-year contract (1826 days) addressing complex, cutting-edge defense capabilities, this value appears within a reasonable range for significant R&D and specialized training efforts. Similar large-scale contracts might involve developing new simulation platforms, integrating advanced sensor suites, or providing comprehensive training curricula for new weapon systems, often running into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include the inherent complexity of integrating advanced electronic warfare systems with airlift tactics, potential cost overruns in a cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, and the challenge of keeping training relevant with rapidly evolving threats. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous project management, phased development and testing, clear performance metrics, and continuous technical oversight by the Air Force. The large number of bidders suggests that potential risks were assessed by multiple parties, and the chosen contractor, Georgia Tech, is expected to have robust internal risk management processes. The fixed fee component also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively to protect their profit margin.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring value for money for this specific contract?

The 'full and open competition' approach, evidenced by 2,746 bids, is highly likely to be effective in ensuring value for money. A large number of bidders typically fosters a competitive environment where contractors strive to offer the most compelling technical solution at the most competitive price. This broad competition increases the likelihood that the Air Force received proposals reflecting a wide range of capabilities and pricing structures. It also reduces the risk of contractor lock-in and provides a strong basis for negotiation. The sheer volume of bids suggests that the market was robust and that the government had a strong selection pool, maximizing the potential for a cost-effective outcome.

What are the potential long-term implications of this contract on the Air Force's operational capabilities?

This contract has significant potential to enhance the Air Force's operational capabilities by improving the effectiveness and survivability of airlift operations in contested environments. Advanced training in defensive systems and electronic warfare directly addresses modern threats, enabling aircrews to navigate and operate more safely and effectively. The integration engineering aspect ensures that new technologies are seamlessly incorporated into existing platforms and doctrines. Over the long term, this investment can lead to a more agile, resilient, and technologically superior airlift force, capable of meeting a wider range of mission requirements and maintaining air superiority in complex scenarios.

How does this contract align with broader trends in defense spending and technological development?

This contract aligns strongly with broader trends in defense spending, which increasingly focus on advanced technologies, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and sophisticated training solutions. As potential adversaries develop more advanced air defense systems and electronic countermeasures, the need for specialized training and integrated defensive capabilities becomes paramount. The significant investment reflects a strategic prioritization of maintaining technological superiority and operational readiness in these critical domains. The involvement of a research institution like Georgia Tech also highlights the trend of leveraging academic and private sector innovation to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation defense capabilities.

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

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: $50,747,921

Exercised Options: $50,747,921

Current Obligation: $50,154,043

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $215,081

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA807514D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline