DoD Awards $99.7M Contract for ALQ 161A DSU Reactivation to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $99,748,219 ($99.7M)
Contractor: Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-07-28
End Date: 2026-03-30
Contract Duration: 1,706 days
Daily Burn Rate: $58.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: ALQ 161A DSU BAND 8 REACTIVATION
Place of Performance
Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30318
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $99.7 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP for work described as: ALQ 161A DSU BAND 8 REACTIVATION Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical defense technology. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Long contract duration (over 4 years) requires ongoing oversight. 4. Focus on engineering services within the defense sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $99.7M for engineering services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar specialized defense engineering contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this large contract may result in taxpayers paying a premium for the services rendered.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational readiness of critical electronic warfare systems. Supports specialized engineering expertise within a research corporation. Potential for technological advancements in defense capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Supports critical defense system
- Leverages specialized research expertise
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically for defense applications. Spending in this area is often driven by national security needs, with benchmarks varying widely based on system complexity and criticality.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp, which is not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this contract warrants close oversight to ensure the government receives fair value and that the contractor meets all performance requirements within the agreed-upon cost-plus fixed fee structure.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, ga, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $99.7 million to GEORGIA TECH APPLIED RESEARCH CORP. ALQ 161A DSU BAND 8 REACTIVATION
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 $99.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-07-28. End: 2026-03-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, critical need, or lack of alternative sources. Agencies must still conduct market research and negotiate pricing to ensure it is fair and reasonable. Without this justification, the award raises concerns about potential overspending and missed opportunities for cost savings through competition.
What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables for this contract, and how will they be monitored?
Performance metrics and deliverables are crucial for a cost-plus fixed-fee contract to ensure accountability. The Department of the Air Force should have clearly defined milestones, quality standards, and reporting requirements. Regular progress reviews and independent verification of work completed are essential to manage costs and ensure the reactivation meets technical specifications.
What is the projected long-term cost implication of reactivating and maintaining the ALQ 161A DSU system?
The $99.7M contract addresses the immediate reactivation, but the long-term cost implications require further analysis. This includes ongoing maintenance, potential upgrades, and the system's overall lifecycle cost. Understanding these future expenses is vital for strategic budget planning and determining the most cost-effective approach to electronic warfare capabilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: FA852321R0006
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 926 DALNEY ST NW, 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: $99,748,219
Exercised Options: $99,748,219
Current Obligation: $99,748,219
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-07-28
Current End Date: 2026-03-30
Potential End Date: 2026-03-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-04
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