DoD's Air Force awards $91.3M RDT&E contract to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp for aviation electronic warfare
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $91,342,440 ($91.3M)
Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-08-13
End Date: 2024-08-12
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $50.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RDT&E SERVICES TO PROVIDE ANALYSIS, RESEARCH, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT OF AVIATION ELECTRONIC WARFARE
Place of Performance
Location: LEXINGTON PARK, SAINT MARYS County, MARYLAND, 20653
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $91.3 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: RDT&E SERVICES TO PROVIDE ANALYSIS, RESEARCH, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT OF AVIATION ELECTRONIC WARFARE Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical aviation electronic warfare analysis, research, and engineering. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, a known entity in R&D, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract duration of 1826 days suggests a long-term need for these specialized services. 4. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified contractors. 5. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility but requires careful cost oversight. 6. This award falls under the broader category of R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 7. The geographic focus appears to be Maryland, based on the award notice's state code.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
Benchmarking the value of this RDT&E contract is challenging without specific deliverables and comparable projects. However, the fixed fee component within a Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure suggests an attempt to control overall costs. The duration and scope indicate a significant investment in a specialized area, implying a perceived need for Georgia Tech's expertise. Further analysis would require comparing the proposed labor rates and overhead to industry standards for similar research and engineering services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple sources were solicited and considered. This approach is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The fact that only one award was made could indicate that Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp was the most qualified or offered the best value proposition among the bidders for this highly specialized RDT&E requirement.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment. It ensures that the government explores the market thoroughly, potentially uncovering cost savings and innovative solutions.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Air Force, which will receive advanced analysis, research, and engineering support for aviation electronic warfare. This contract supports the development and enhancement of critical defense capabilities related to electronic warfare, crucial for modern air operations. The services delivered will contribute to maintaining technological superiority in a sensitive and evolving domain. While specific geographic impacts are not detailed, the contract is associated with Maryland, suggesting potential local economic benefits through employment and subcontracting.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee.
- The specialized nature of electronic warfare R&D means that performance metrics and success criteria need to be clearly defined and rigorously monitored to ensure value for money.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust process to identify the best value.
- Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp is a reputable institution with a strong track record in research and development, suggesting a high likelihood of successful performance.
- The long contract duration implies a strategic investment in a critical capability, underscoring its importance to the Air Force.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aviation electronic warfare domain is a highly specialized niche within defense R&D, requiring advanced technical expertise. The market for such services is typically dominated by a few specialized research institutions and defense contractors. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within other large-scale RDT&E contracts awarded by the Department of Defense for similar advanced technology development.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized support, which would be detailed in their subcontracting plan if applicable.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Performance will be monitored against defined milestones and technical requirements. Transparency is typically maintained through contract reporting mechanisms and potential reviews by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or the Inspector General, particularly concerning cost and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development
- Aviation Systems R&D
- Electronic Warfare Systems
- Air Force Research Laboratory Contracts
- Applied Research and Engineering Services
Risk Flags
- Cost Control Risk (CPFF)
- Performance Definition Risk
- Technical Obsolescence Risk
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, research-and-development, aviation-electronic-warfare, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, georgia-tech-applied-research-corp, maryland, large-contract, rdt-and-e
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $91.3 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. RDT&E SERVICES TO PROVIDE ANALYSIS, RESEARCH, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT OF AVIATION ELECTRONIC WARFARE
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 $91.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-08-13. End: 2024-08-12.
What is Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp's track record with similar DoD contracts?
Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, often operating through the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), has a long and extensive history of performing research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) for the Department of Defense and various military branches. They are well-regarded for their expertise in areas such as electronic warfare, radar systems, cybersecurity, aerospace engineering, and advanced materials. GTRI has consistently secured significant contracts across these domains, demonstrating a strong capability to manage complex projects, deliver advanced technical solutions, and meet stringent government requirements. Their performance on previous contracts, often involving similar RDT&E services and cost-plus contract types, suggests a high probability of successful execution for this aviation electronic warfare award.
How does the $91.3 million value compare to similar aviation electronic warfare R&D contracts?
The $91.3 million value for this 5-year RDT&E contract for aviation electronic warfare support is substantial but falls within the expected range for large-scale, specialized defense research projects. Contracts in this domain often span multiple years and involve significant investment due to the complexity and evolving nature of electronic warfare technology. Comparable contracts awarded by the Air Force, Navy, or Army for advanced EW system development, research, or analysis can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Factors influencing the value include the scope of research, the number of technical disciplines involved, the required personnel expertise, and the duration of the effort. Without specific details on deliverables, a precise benchmark is difficult, but the awarded amount reflects a significant, long-term commitment to advancing aviation EW capabilities.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract?
The primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract revolve around cost control and performance oversight. In a CPFF structure, the contractor (Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. The risk for the government lies in potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates, even though the fee remains fixed. Effective management requires rigorous monitoring of incurred costs, ensuring they are reasonable, allocable, and allowable according to contract terms. Additionally, defining clear technical performance metrics and milestones is crucial to ensure the contractor delivers the intended research and engineering outcomes. Any ambiguity in scope or performance expectations could lead to disputes or suboptimal results, necessitating strong program management and technical oversight.
How effective is Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp likely to be in delivering aviation electronic warfare solutions?
Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, through its Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), possesses a strong reputation and extensive experience in advanced research and development, including electronic warfare. Their established infrastructure, highly skilled workforce of scientists and engineers, and proven track record with complex defense projects suggest a high likelihood of effective performance. They have demonstrated capabilities in areas directly relevant to aviation electronic warfare, such as signal processing, spectrum analysis, countermeasures, and system integration. The long-term nature of the contract also indicates a strategic partnership aimed at sustained development. Effectiveness will ultimately depend on the clarity of program objectives, the quality of collaboration between the government and the contractor, and the rigorous application of project management and technical oversight.
What are the historical spending patterns for aviation electronic warfare R&D by the Air Force?
The Air Force consistently allocates significant funding towards Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) for aviation electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. Historical spending patterns show a sustained investment in this area due to the critical nature of EW in maintaining air superiority and survivability. This includes funding for the development of new EW systems, upgrades to existing platforms, research into emerging threats and technologies, and advanced analysis and simulation. Spending can fluctuate based on evolving threat landscapes, technological advancements, and specific program priorities. Contracts like this one, awarded under full and open competition to specialized research institutions or defense contractors, are typical components of the Air Force's broader EW RDT&E strategy, reflecting a long-term commitment to technological superiority in this domain.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
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: $94,167,355
Exercised Options: $94,167,355
Current Obligation: $91,342,440
Actual Outlays: $15,603,987
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 21
Total Subaward Amount: $18,756,977
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA807518D0008
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-08-13
Current End Date: 2024-08-12
Potential End Date: 2024-08-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-25
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