DoD's $48.3M R&D Contract for Air Warfare Systems Awarded to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,309,657 ($48.3M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-10-01
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,399 days
Daily Burn Rate: $34.5K/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 $48.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: AIR WARFARE SYSTEMS Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced air warfare research and development. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized research institution. 3. Potential for groundbreaking technological advancements in defense. 4. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns for similar R&D efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded sole-source, indicating a belief that only The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC could perform the work. This limits price discovery and competition, potentially leading to higher costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being directed to a single entity without competitive bidding, raising questions about cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Advancements in air warfare technology could enhance national security. Investment in R&D supports scientific and technological progress. Potential for dual-use technologies benefiting both defense and civilian sectors. Long-term contract duration suggests a sustained focus on critical research areas.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost escalation risks.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown hinders value assessment.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Focus on critical R&D for national security.
- Potential for significant technological innovation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to a small business. The specialized nature of the research likely necessitates large, established research institutions.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and that the research progresses efficiently towards its objectives.
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
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Limited transparency in cost structure
- Potential for cost overruns
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 $48.3 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 $48.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-10-01. End: 2026-07-31.
How does the fixed fee compare to the expected effort and outcomes for this specialized R&D?
Assessing the reasonableness of the fixed fee without a detailed breakdown of anticipated research costs, personnel hours, and specific deliverables is challenging. A comparison to similar sole-source R&D contracts awarded to institutions of comparable expertise would be necessary to determine if the fee aligns with industry standards and the projected value of the research outcomes.
What are the specific risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure in this context?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. If costs escalate beyond initial projections, the government bears the burden. For R&D, where outcomes can be uncertain, this structure might incentivize less cost-conscious behavior if not rigorously monitored, potentially leading to higher overall expenditure than anticipated.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and impact of the research conducted under this sole-source award?
Effectiveness is typically ensured through stringent performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and milestone achievements defined in the contract. For a sole-source award, the government must rely heavily on the contractor's expertise and integrity, necessitating robust program management and technical oversight to validate research progress and ensure alignment with strategic air warfare objectives.
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: $54,983,931
Exercised Options: $54,983,931
Current Obligation: $48,309,657
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $267,795
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: 2022-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2026-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
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