DoD's $14.7M Air Warfare Systems Contract Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,696,895 ($14.7M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-03-15
End Date: 2027-03-14
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AIR WARFARE SYSTEMS
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.7 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: AIR WARFARE SYSTEMS Key points: 1. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. JHU Applied Physics Laboratory LLC is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration is 5 years, indicating a long-term commitment. 4. The award is for Air Warfare Systems, a critical defense sector. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type, while common for R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts in the Air Warfare Systems sector is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning there was no open competition. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a $14.7M contract raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price for these R&D services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. The long-term nature of the contract suggests a significant investment in specific research areas. The focus on Air Warfare Systems indicates a strategic priority for national defense. The award to a single entity could limit the broader innovation ecosystem.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution (JHU APL).
- Focus on critical Air Warfare Systems R&D.
- Long contract duration provides stability for research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences category. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money, especially in defense applications.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication of small business participation in this sole-source award. Efforts should be made to ensure small businesses have opportunities in future related procurements or subcontracts.
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 mechanisms in place to monitor progress and expenditures.
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 (CPFF).
- No small business set-aside.
- Long contract duration.
- Limited transparency on specific R&D scope.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.7 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. AIR WARFARE SYSTEMS
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 $14.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-03-15. End: 2027-03-14.
What specific research and development activities are encompassed by this $14.7M contract, and how do they align with current Air Force priorities?
The contract is broadly categorized under 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' for Air Warfare Systems. Specific activities would likely include advanced materials, sensor development, simulation, or aerodynamic research critical to future air combat capabilities. Alignment with Air Force priorities would be detailed in internal planning documents, focusing on maintaining technological superiority in air power.
Given the sole-source award, what justification was provided to ensure this was the most effective and efficient method for acquiring these R&D services?
Sole-source justifications typically cite unique capabilities, critical national security needs, or the unavailability of other sources. For JHU APL, this might relate to their specialized expertise, existing program knowledge, or a specific technological breakthrough. The government must have documented why competition was not feasible or advantageous, ensuring the award was still in the best interest of the public despite the lack of bidding.
What mechanisms are in place to control costs and ensure value under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for this long-term R&D effort?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust government oversight. Mechanisms include detailed cost accounting standards, regular audits, performance metrics, and defined fee structures that incentivize efficiency. For this contract, the Air Force would monitor expenditures closely, review contractor proposals for cost reasonableness, and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate given the scope and risk. Milestone achievements could also be tied to fee adjustments.
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: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
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: $18,146,684
Exercised Options: $18,146,684
Current Obligation: $14,696,895
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA865620D0005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-03-15
Current End Date: 2027-03-14
Potential End Date: 2027-03-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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