NASA's $400M IMAP contract awarded to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $400,021,412 ($400.0M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-07-21
End Date: 2028-01-31
Contract Duration: 2,385 days
Daily Burn Rate: $167.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INTERSTELLAR MAPPING AND ACCELERATION PROBE (IMAP) PHASE CD
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $400.0 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: INTERSTELLAR MAPPING AND ACCELERATION PROBE (IMAP) PHASE CD Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a significant research and development effort in space exploration. 2. The contract duration spans over six years, indicating a long-term commitment to the project. 3. The chosen contract type, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, suggests a focus on managing costs while incentivizing contractor efficiency. 4. The project is situated in Maryland, potentially impacting the local economy and workforce. 5. The specific NAICS code points to a focus on physical and engineering sciences research. 6. The absence of small business set-asides warrants further investigation into subcontracting opportunities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns and comparisons to similar deep-space research and development projects. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure aims to control costs, but the ultimate expenditure will depend on the actual costs incurred by the contractor. Further analysis would require comparing the contractor's historical performance on similar projects and the specific deliverables outlined in the contract.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, expertise, or intellectual property essential for the project's success. While it can ensure specialized knowledge is leveraged, it limits the potential for price competition and may result in higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings that could arise from a competitive bidding process. The government relies on negotiation to ensure a fair price, but the absence of alternative proposals removes a key mechanism for driving down costs.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which will receive critical research and development for the IMAP mission. The contract supports the advancement of scientific understanding in space exploration and astrophysics. The project's location in Maryland may lead to job creation and economic activity within the state. Highly specialized scientific and engineering personnel will be engaged in cutting-edge research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
- Cost-plus contract types can incentivize spending if not carefully managed.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value.
- Lack of explicit small business set-aside may limit opportunities for smaller firms.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (JHU APL) suggests strong technical capability.
- Focus on a critical scientific mission (IMAP) aligns with national space exploration goals.
- Fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the government.
- Long-term nature allows for deep expertise development and project continuity.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace industry, a significant part of this sector, involves substantial government investment in exploration, defense, and scientific advancement. Comparable spending benchmarks would include other large-scale NASA R&D contracts for space missions, satellite development, and scientific instrumentation, which often involve multi-year commitments and significant funding.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The sole-source nature of the award further suggests that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited or at the discretion of the prime contractor. While JHU APL may engage small businesses, the absence of a formal set-aside means there is no guaranteed allocation, potentially impacting the participation of smaller, innovative firms in this significant R&D effort.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by NASA, likely through program managers and contracting officers responsible for monitoring progress, costs, and adherence to contract terms. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates close financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency will depend on NASA's reporting practices and any public disclosures related to the IMAP mission's progress and expenditures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Science Mission Directorate
- NASA Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate
- Space Science and Technology Research
- Astrophysics Research Programs
- Deep Space Missions
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition.
- Cost-plus contract type requires robust cost oversight.
- Long-term nature of contract necessitates sustained performance monitoring.
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, space-exploration, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, maryland, aerospace, scientific-research, large-contract, jhu-apl
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $400.0 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. INTERSTELLAR MAPPING AND ACCELERATION PROBE (IMAP) PHASE CD
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $400.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-07-21. End: 2028-01-31.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC on similar NASA R&D contracts?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) has a long and distinguished history of supporting NASA's scientific and exploration missions. They have been instrumental in numerous successful space missions, including the New Horizons mission to Pluto, the Parker Solar Probe, and the James Webb Space Telescope's Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam). Their extensive experience in designing, building, and operating complex spacecraft and scientific instruments, coupled with their strong research capabilities in astrophysics and planetary science, positions them as a highly capable contractor for the IMAP mission. JHU APL's consistent delivery of high-quality scientific data and mission success on previous projects suggests a strong track record relevant to this contract's objectives.
How does the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) compare to other large-scale NASA R&D contracts?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work may evolve or is not precisely defined at the outset, as is often the case with advanced scientific missions like IMAP. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure aims to provide the government with cost certainty regarding the contractor's profit while incentivizing the contractor to control costs to maximize their fee within the fixed amount. Compared to other R&D contracts, CPFF balances flexibility with cost control. Firm-Fixed-Price contracts offer more cost certainty but are less suitable for R&D with undefined elements. Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF) contracts offer stronger incentives for cost savings but can be more complex to administer. NASA frequently utilizes CPFF for complex, long-duration R&D projects where precise cost estimation is difficult.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source R&D contract?
The primary risks associated with this sole-source R&D contract stem from the lack of competition and the nature of R&D. Firstly, the sole-source award means there was no competitive bidding process, which could potentially lead to a higher price than if multiple vendors had competed. The government relies heavily on negotiation to ensure fair pricing, but the absence of alternative proposals removes a key market mechanism for cost discovery. Secondly, R&D inherently carries technical risks; the scientific objectives may prove more challenging to achieve than anticipated, or unforeseen technical hurdles could arise, impacting timelines and costs. The CPFF structure, while flexible, also carries a risk of cost overruns if not rigorously managed, as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs incurred. Finally, reliance on a single contractor, even a highly capable one like JHU APL, introduces program risk if unforeseen issues arise with the contractor's performance or capacity.
How effective is the IMAP mission likely to be given the contractor and contract type?
The effectiveness of the IMAP mission is likely to be high, given the selection of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) as the contractor. JHU APL has a proven track record in managing complex space science missions and possesses deep expertise in the relevant scientific fields. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while not offering the same cost certainty as a fixed-price contract, provides the flexibility needed for R&D projects where scientific discovery and technological development are paramount. This flexibility allows the project team to adapt to new findings and overcome unforeseen challenges, which is crucial for groundbreaking scientific endeavors. NASA's oversight, combined with JHU APL's established capabilities, suggests a strong likelihood of achieving the mission's scientific objectives, although cost management will require diligent attention.
What are the historical spending patterns for similar NASA R&D contracts for space science missions?
Historical spending patterns for similar NASA R&D contracts for space science missions reveal significant, long-term investments. These contracts often span multiple years, with total values ranging from tens of millions to several hundred million dollars, depending on the mission's complexity, scope, and technological requirements. For instance, missions involving deep-space probes, advanced telescopes, or complex instrument development typically incur substantial costs for design, fabrication, testing, launch services, and mission operations. Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) and Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) are common contract types, reflecting the inherent uncertainties in R&D. Spending often escalates during the design, fabrication, and testing phases, with significant outlays required for specialized components and personnel. NASA's budget allocations for such missions are planned years in advance, indicating a consistent commitment to advancing space science through substantial R&D investments.
What is the potential impact of the $400 million contract value on the R&D sector in Maryland?
A contract of this magnitude, $400 million, awarded to an institution like The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) located in Maryland, can have a substantial positive impact on the state's R&D sector. It signifies significant investment in advanced scientific research and technological development, potentially leading to job creation for highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians within Maryland. Furthermore, such a large contract can stimulate economic activity through procurement from local suppliers and subcontractors, fostering growth in related industries. It also enhances Maryland's reputation as a hub for aerospace and scientific innovation, potentially attracting further investment and talent to the region. The long duration of the contract ensures sustained economic benefits and workforce development opportunities within the state's high-tech ecosystem.
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 › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11100 JOHNS HOPKINS RD, LAUREL, MD, 20723
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $409,437,957
Exercised Options: $407,714,363
Current Obligation: $400,021,412
Actual Outlays: $389,098,301
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 120
Total Subaward Amount: $113,401,886
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80MSFC20D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-07-21
Current End Date: 2028-01-31
Potential End Date: 2028-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-30
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