DoD's $4.55M R&D contract for supersonic weapon networks awarded to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,551,374 ($4.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-07-22
End Date: 2026-07-21
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SUPERSONIC WEAPON NETWORK COLLABORATIVE AND AUTONOMOUS (NCA) PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $4.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: SUPERSONIC WEAPON NETWORK COLLABORATIVE AND AUTONOMOUS (NCA) PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research and development in physical and engineering sciences. 2. Awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a broad search for qualified bidders. 3. The contract duration of 729 days indicates a medium-term research project. 4. The specific NAICS code (541715) points to a specialized area of scientific research. 5. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) is common for R&D where costs are uncertain. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this contract. 7. The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to similar highly specialized research efforts. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost is subject to actual expenses incurred, plus a predetermined profit. While the total award amount is $4.55 million, the actual expenditure could vary. Without comparable contracts for supersonic weapon network development, assessing whether this represents excellent value is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. However, the number of bids received is not specified, which is crucial for fully assessing the strength of the competition. A high number of bids would typically be a stronger indicator of robust competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining the best possible solution and price through a wide range of potential providers.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, in its pursuit of advanced supersonic weapon capabilities. The contract supports research and development activities aimed at creating new technologies for weapon systems. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is located. This contract likely involves highly skilled scientists, engineers, and researchers, contributing to the specialized workforce in defense R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed.
- The specialized nature of R&D makes direct cost comparisons difficult, potentially obscuring inefficiencies.
- Lack of specific details on the number of bidders limits the assessment of competitive pressure on pricing.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing the pool of potential innovators.
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has a strong track record in defense research.
- The contract addresses a critical national security need for advanced weapon systems.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to advanced weapon systems. The market for defense R&D is highly specialized, with significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of supersonic weapon network development, but overall DoD R&D spending is in the billions annually. This contract represents a small but critical investment in future military capabilities.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor is there an indication of specific subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. This suggests that the primary contractor, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, will likely handle the majority of the work internally or with larger partners. The impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award appears minimal based on the available information.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed reporting of costs and progress. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting systems, though specific details of the research may be classified. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Advanced Weapons Systems Research
- Hypersonic Technology Development
- Autonomous Systems Research
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- Air Force Science and Technology Investments
Risk Flags
- Cost uncertainty inherent in R&D contracts.
- Potential for scope creep in complex research projects.
- Dependence on specialized contractor expertise.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, air-force, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, maryland, weapon-systems, autonomous-systems, supersonic-technology, scientific-research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $4.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. SUPERSONIC WEAPON NETWORK COLLABORATIVE AND AUTONOMOUS (NCA) PROGRAM
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 $4.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-07-22. End: 2026-07-21.
What is the specific technological objective of the SUPERSONIC WEAPON NETWORK NCA PROGRAM?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' under the 'SUPERSONIC WEAPON NETWORK COLLABORATIVE AND AUTONOMOUS (NCA) PROGRAM.' While the exact technological objectives are not detailed, the program name suggests a focus on developing networked systems for supersonic weapons that can operate collaboratively and autonomously. This likely involves research into areas such as advanced aerodynamics, propulsion, guidance, control systems, communication networks, and artificial intelligence for tactical decision-making in high-speed flight environments. The goal is to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of future supersonic weapon platforms through integrated and intelligent network operations.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence the risk and reward for both the government and the contractor in this R&D project?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is commonly used for research and development projects where the scope of work and associated costs are not precisely definable at the outset. For the government, the primary risk is that the final cost may exceed initial estimates, as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred. However, the 'fixed fee' component ensures the contractor's profit margin is predetermined and does not increase with higher costs, providing some cost control. The reward for the government is access to specialized R&D capabilities from entities like Johns Hopkins APL. For the contractor, the CPFF structure offers a reduced financial risk compared to fixed-price contracts, as costs are covered. The reward is the guaranteed fixed fee, plus reimbursement of expenses, incentivizing the contractor to perform the work diligently to achieve the project's objectives and earn their fee.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC in similar defense R&D contracts?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) has a long and distinguished track record in supporting the Department of Defense and other government agencies with advanced research and development. They are a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) known for its expertise in a wide array of scientific and engineering disciplines, including defense systems, space exploration, and national security. JHU APL has been instrumental in developing numerous critical technologies and systems for the U.S. military, often working on complex, cutting-edge projects. Their extensive experience in areas like advanced materials, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and complex system integration makes them a highly credible and capable contractor for programs like the SUPERSONIC WEAPON NETWORK NCA PROGRAM.
Given the 'full and open competition' award, what does the absence of specific bidder numbers suggest about the competitive landscape for this type of specialized R&D?
The 'full and open competition' designation indicates that the solicitation was broadly advertised, allowing any responsible source to submit a proposal. However, the absence of specific bidder numbers in the provided data makes it difficult to definitively assess the intensity of the competition. For highly specialized R&D contracts, the pool of qualified bidders might be inherently limited due to the unique expertise, facilities, and security clearances required. Therefore, even with full and open competition, receiving only a few proposals might still represent a robust competition within that niche market. Conversely, if many technically capable entities exist but few bid, it could suggest issues with the solicitation, the perceived value, or the complexity of the proposal process. Without knowing the number of bids, it's hard to conclude whether the government secured the best possible value through competitive pressure.
What are the potential implications of this contract for future advancements in supersonic and autonomous weapon technologies?
This contract is likely to contribute significantly to the future of supersonic and autonomous weapon technologies. By funding research into 'Collaborative and Autonomous' networks for supersonic weapons, the Department of the Air Force is investing in the foundational technologies that could enable next-generation military capabilities. Success in this program could lead to weapons systems that are faster, more adaptable, and capable of operating with reduced human oversight in complex, contested environments. This could enhance strategic deterrence, improve battlefield effectiveness, and potentially reduce risks to human personnel. The research may yield breakthroughs in areas like swarm tactics, real-time threat assessment, and adaptive mission planning, shaping the future operational concepts for air and missile defense.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
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: $4,998,538
Exercised Options: $4,998,538
Current Obligation: $4,551,374
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $78,241
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865123DA002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-07-22
Current End Date: 2026-07-21
Potential End Date: 2026-07-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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