DoD awards $69.5M C4ISR contract to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp for NSWC Panama City
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $69,458,687 ($69.5M)
Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-07-09
End Date: 2026-07-08
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $38.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, DEVELOPMENT, AND INTEGRATION FOR NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, PANAMA CITY DIVISION
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $69.5 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, DEVELOPMENT, AND INTEGRATION FOR NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, PANAMA CITY DIVISION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced C4ISR systems engineering and integration. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp is the sole awardee. 3. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. This award represents a significant investment in naval warfare capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $69.5M appears reasonable for complex C4ISR systems development and integration over a 5-year period. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts for advanced defense systems would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the specific award mechanism (Delivery Order) implies it might be part of a larger IDIQ or similar vehicle.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for critical defense research and development, aiming to enhance national security capabilities.
Public Impact
Enhances naval warfare capabilities through advanced C4ISR systems. Supports technological advancement in defense research and development. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other sectors. Ensures the U.S. Navy maintains a technological edge.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole awardee raises questions about broader market engagement.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical C4ISR systems development.
- Long-term contract provides stability for R&D efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee is not a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, is responsible for oversight. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) necessitates diligent monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and adherence to scope.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract.
- Limited visibility into specific technological advancements.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical systems.
- Need for robust oversight to ensure performance and value.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, ga, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $69.5 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. COMMAND, CONTROL, COMMUNICATIONS, COMPUTERS, INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, DEVELOPMENT, AND INTEGRATION FOR NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER, PANAMA CITY DIVISION
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 $69.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-07-09. End: 2026-07-08.
What specific C4ISR capabilities are being developed, and how do they align with current and future naval threats?
The contract details are broad, focusing on 'systems engineering, development, and integration.' Specific capabilities are not publicly disclosed but likely encompass advanced communication, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies crucial for modern naval operations. Alignment with threats would be part of the DoD's strategic planning, ensuring these systems address evolving challenges.
What is the justification for awarding this significant contract to a single entity, Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp?
While awarded under full and open competition, the specific award mechanism (Delivery Order) suggests this might be a task order under a pre-existing contract vehicle. The justification for a single award would typically relate to the unique capabilities, specialized expertise, or prior performance of Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp in the highly technical field of C4ISR systems, making them the most qualified source for this specific requirement.
How will the effectiveness of the developed C4ISR systems be measured and validated to ensure taxpayer value?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and evaluation protocols defined by the Naval Surface Warfare Center. This would include performance metrics, operational assessments, and potentially field trials to ensure the systems meet specified requirements and contribute to mission success. Validation ensures that the significant investment translates into tangible improvements in naval operational 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 Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
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: $90,825,152
Exercised Options: $90,825,152
Current Obligation: $69,458,687
Actual Outlays: $1,867,241
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 20
Total Subaward Amount: $26,054,994
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: 2021-07-09
Current End Date: 2026-07-08
Potential End Date: 2026-07-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-29
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