DoD's $102.5M Electronic Warfare R&D contract awarded to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $102,527,436 ($102.5M)
Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-09-16
End Date: 2025-09-20
Contract Duration: 1,830 days
Daily Burn Rate: $56.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ELECTRONIC WARFARE RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND TESTING
Place of Performance
Location: TUCSON, PIMA County, ARIZONA, 85706
State: Arizona Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $102.5 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: ELECTRONIC WARFARE RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND TESTING Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical electronic warfare capabilities, aligning with national security priorities. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. has a strong track record in advanced research and development. 3. The contract's duration of 1830 days suggests a long-term need for sustained R&D. 4. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight. 5. This award represents a significant investment in the future of defense technology. 6. The contract is categorized under R&D, indicating a focus on innovation and future capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $102.5 million over approximately five years appears reasonable for specialized electronic warfare research and development. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts in defense, this figure falls within expected ranges for complex, multi-year projects. The CPFF structure, while common for R&D where costs can be unpredictable, necessitates robust monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent overruns. Without specific cost breakdowns or comparable per-unit metrics for research tasks, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the award to a reputable research institution suggests a commitment to quality.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was utilized. This approach is generally favored as it allows the government to solicit proposals from the widest possible range of sources, potentially leading to better pricing and innovative solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage the development of superior technologies, ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, which will receive advanced electronic warfare research, analysis, and testing services. This contract supports the development of next-generation electronic warfare systems crucial for maintaining military superiority. The research conducted could have implications for national security and the defense industrial base. Work is expected to be performed in Arizona, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs in the region.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs plus a fixed fee.
- The long duration of the contract (1830 days) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued alignment with evolving defense needs and technological advancements.
- Specific performance metrics and deliverables are not detailed, making it challenging to objectively assess progress and contractor performance without further information.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp., an entity with a strong reputation and proven capabilities in advanced research and development.
- The contract was secured through full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair selection process.
- The focus on electronic warfare research addresses a critical and evolving area of defense technology, indicating strategic investment.
- The contract's value and duration suggest a significant commitment to developing advanced capabilities, potentially leading to substantial technological advancements.
Sector Analysis
The electronic warfare market is a critical segment within the broader defense technology sector, focused on developing and deploying systems that detect, jam, and deceive enemy radar and communication systems. This contract falls under Research and Development (R&D), specifically within the physical, engineering, and life sciences domain, aligning with the government's need for innovation in this area. The total addressable market for electronic warfare systems is substantial, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the increasing reliance on the electromagnetic spectrum for military operations. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale R&D contracts in defense often range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity and scope of the research.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false for this contract. This suggests that the prime contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting goals explicitly stated in the provided data. Consequently, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem through this specific award is likely minimal, unless Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of the Air Force, a component of the Department of Defense. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, rigorous financial oversight is crucial to monitor incurred costs and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate. Accountability measures would typically involve regular progress reports, performance reviews, and audits. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though detailed project specifics may be classified. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- Air Force Advanced Technology Development
- Electronic Warfare Systems Development
- Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Initiatives
Risk Flags
- Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF Contract Type)
- Technological Obsolescence Risk (Rapidly Evolving Field)
- Performance Measurement Challenges (R&D Specific)
Tags
department-of-defense, air-force, research-and-development, electronic-warfare, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, georgia-tech-applied-research-corp, arizona, large-contract, national-security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $102.5 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. ELECTRONIC WARFARE RESEARCH, ANALYSIS, AND TESTING
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 $102.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-16. End: 2025-09-20.
What is Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp.'s track record with similar government R&D contracts, particularly in electronic warfare?
Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. (GTARC) has a well-established history of successfully executing complex research and development projects for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific details on all past electronic warfare contracts are not publicly itemized in this summary, GTARC's broader portfolio includes significant work in areas such as aerospace engineering, sensor technology, and advanced materials, all of which are highly relevant to electronic warfare. Their designation as an 'Applied Research Corporation' implies a focus on translating fundamental research into practical applications, a key requirement for defense R&D. Past performance reviews and contract awards databases would provide more granular data on their specific experience and success rates in electronic warfare R&D, but their general reputation suggests a capable and experienced contractor.
How does the $102.5 million contract value compare to other electronic warfare R&D efforts within the DoD?
The $102.5 million contract value for electronic warfare R&D is substantial and falls within the typical range for significant, multi-year research initiatives within the Department of Defense. Large-scale R&D efforts in specialized fields like electronic warfare often require extensive resources for personnel, equipment, and testing over several years. For context, other DoD contracts for advanced technology development, system prototyping, or research into emerging threats can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. The specific nature of electronic warfare, which involves complex electromagnetic spectrum operations, necessitates advanced research that justifies this level of investment. Without access to a comprehensive database of all current EW R&D contracts, a precise comparative analysis is difficult, but this award appears to be a significant, yet not unprecedented, investment in this critical capability area.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially for R&D, is the potential for cost overruns. Since the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee, there can be less incentive to control expenses compared to fixed-price contracts. If costs escalate unexpectedly due to unforeseen technical challenges or scope creep, the total expenditure can exceed initial estimates. Mitigation strategies employed by the government include stringent oversight of incurred costs, detailed audits, clear definition of allowable costs, and robust performance monitoring. The fixed fee itself acts as a ceiling on the contractor's profit, and the government's ability to disallow costs provides a crucial control mechanism. Regular reviews and milestone assessments help ensure the project stays on track and within budget expectations.
What is the expected impact of this contract on the development of future electronic warfare capabilities for the Air Force?
This contract is expected to significantly advance the Air Force's future electronic warfare capabilities by funding critical research, analysis, and testing. Electronic warfare is a rapidly evolving domain, and continuous R&D is essential to stay ahead of adversaries. The work performed under this contract will likely focus on developing new technologies, improving existing systems, and understanding the complex electromagnetic spectrum environment. This could lead to advancements in areas such as improved radar jamming and deception, enhanced electronic support measures, more resilient communication systems, and novel approaches to electronic attack. Ultimately, the research aims to ensure that Air Force platforms maintain freedom of action in contested electromagnetic environments, a cornerstone of modern air superiority.
How has federal spending in the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' category (NAICS 541715) trended in recent years, and where does this contract fit?
Federal spending in the NAICS 541715 category, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' has generally shown a consistent upward trend over recent years, driven by national security imperatives, technological advancements, and a focus on innovation across various sectors. This category encompasses a broad range of scientific and engineering research. The $102.5 million contract for electronic warfare R&D represents a significant allocation within this category, specifically targeting a high-priority defense technology area. While this single contract is a substantial investment, it fits within the larger pattern of federal agencies, particularly the Department of Defense, dedicating substantial resources to R&D to maintain a technological edge. Analyzing historical spending data for this NAICS code would reveal the overall growth and the proportion allocated to defense-related research.
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: $102,530,355
Exercised Options: $102,530,355
Current Obligation: $102,527,436
Actual Outlays: $19,401,482
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $4,390,182
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: 2020-09-16
Current End Date: 2025-09-20
Potential End Date: 2025-09-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-16
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