DoD awards $8.5M for 6G research to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,492,061 ($8.5M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-04-13
End Date: 2027-12-09
Contract Duration: 2,431 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 6TH GENERATION MULTI-FUNCTION ARRAY CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT, ANALYSIS, DESIGN, AND DISCOVERY (6G-MACDADDY)
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $8.5 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: 6TH GENERATION MULTI-FUNCTION ARRAY CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT, ANALYSIS, DESIGN, AND DISCOVERY (6G-MACDADDY) Key points: 1. This contract focuses on advanced research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. The award is a sole-source contract, indicating limited competition. 3. The primary risk is the lack of competitive bidding potentially impacting price. 4. The sector is Research and Development, a critical area for future technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Without competitive benchmarks, assessing the value for money is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, meaning the Department of Defense did not solicit offers from multiple sources. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about whether the government is receiving the best possible price for this research and development effort.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the sole-source nature of the award. The research could lead to significant advancements in 6G technology, benefiting national security. The long duration of the contract (over 6 years) suggests a complex and ongoing research effort.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of competitive bidding
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical future technology (6G)
Sector Analysis
This award falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC and does not appear to involve small business participation as a prime contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is performing efficiently and that costs are reasonable. The Department of Defense should have robust internal controls in place.
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
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost overruns with CPFF
- Limited transparency on sole-source justification
- Long contract duration without clear interim deliverables
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $8.5 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. 6TH GENERATION MULTI-FUNCTION ARRAY CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT, ANALYSIS, DESIGN, AND DISCOVERY (6G-MACDADDY)
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: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $8.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-13. End: 2027-12-09.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves a unique capability, a critical need that cannot be met by other sources, or a specific research requirement tied to a particular entity's expertise. Without further details, it's difficult to ascertain the precise reason, but it implies that The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC possesses specialized knowledge or resources essential for this 6G research.
What are the potential risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can incentivize contractors to incur costs, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. For R&D, this can be problematic if the scope is not well-defined, potentially leading to cost overruns. The government bears the risk of cost increases, while the contractor has less incentive to control expenses beyond achieving the fixed fee.
How will the effectiveness of this 6G research be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through milestones, deliverables, and technical reviews outlined in the contract. The Department of the Air Force should establish clear performance metrics and conduct regular assessments of the research progress and outcomes to ensure it aligns with the intended objectives and contributes to the development of 6G 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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: FA865021S1008
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11100 JOHNS HOPKINS RD, LAUREL, MD, 20723
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Limited Liability Corporation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,347,206
Exercised Options: $10,347,206
Current Obligation: $8,492,061
Actual Outlays: $980,478
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $59,750
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865021D1008
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-13
Current End Date: 2027-12-09
Potential End Date: 2027-12-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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