DoD Awards Georgia Tech $78.8M for Strategic Capability Office R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $78,793,225 ($78.8M)
Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-04-15
End Date: 2027-04-17
Contract Duration: 1,828 days
Daily Burn Rate: $43.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ENGINEERING AND ANALYSIS FOR THE STRATEGIC CAPABILITY OFFICE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $78.8 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: ENGINEERING AND ANALYSIS FOR THE STRATEGIC CAPABILITY OFFICE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced R&D for strategic capabilities. 2. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for high-impact technological advancements. 4. Sector focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for flexibility in R&D but can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. The total award amount is substantial for a single entity.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process to select the best offeror. However, it is a delivery order, implying it might be part of a larger IDIQ or contract vehicle.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research and development, with the expectation of future technological benefits and national security enhancements.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge research with potential national security implications. Invests in advanced technological development through a leading research institution. Could lead to breakthroughs in areas relevant to the Strategic Capability Office's mission.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus contracts can be prone to cost growth.
- Sole awardee may limit broader innovation ecosystem engagement.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Focus on strategic, high-impact R&D.
- Long-term contract duration allows for sustained effort.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The award amount is significant for this NAICS code, indicating a substantial project.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, is not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is overseeing this contract. The Air Force is the servicing agency. Oversight will be crucial for managing R&D costs and progress.
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
- Cost growth potential in CPFF contract.
- Limited visibility into specific R&D focus areas.
- Sole awardee may limit broader innovation.
- Long-term duration increases exposure to evolving threats/needs.
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 $78.8 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. ENGINEERING AND ANALYSIS FOR THE STRATEGIC CAPABILITY OFFICE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
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 $78.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-04-15. End: 2027-04-17.
What specific technological areas will this R&D focus on, and how do they align with the Strategic Capability Office's current priorities?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the specific focus areas are not detailed, the Strategic Capability Office (SCO) typically targets high-risk, high-reward technologies that could fundamentally change U.S. military capabilities. This R&D likely aims to explore novel concepts and prototypes that address future defense challenges.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for advanced R&D, and how will they be mitigated?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can pose risks of cost overruns if the scope of R&D is not well-defined or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust government oversight, clear milestone definitions, regular progress reviews, and strong contract management to ensure the contractor remains within budget while achieving research objectives. The fixed fee provides an incentive for efficiency.
How will the effectiveness and impact of the research outcomes be measured and evaluated by the Department of Defense?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of technical performance metrics, milestone achievement, and the successful demonstration of prototypes or concepts. The Department of Defense will evaluate the research's impact based on its potential to transition into future military systems, provide a strategic advantage, and address the SCO's mandate for transformative capabilities. Regular technical reviews and independent assessments will be key.
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: $118,698,133
Exercised Options: $118,698,133
Current Obligation: $78,793,225
Actual Outlays: $2,828,483
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $1,059,692
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: 2022-04-15
Current End Date: 2027-04-17
Potential End Date: 2027-04-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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