DoD's $12.89M R&D Contract for Air Warfare Systems Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,891,014 ($12.9M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-01-01
End Date: 2025-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.8K/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 $12.9 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. 2. Sole awardee, JHU Applied Physics Laboratory, suggests specialized expertise. 3. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type carries potential for cost overruns. 4. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to variability, but the fixed fee component provides some cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure on the contractor to offer the most cost-effective solution.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for the research and development services.
Public Impact
Advancement in critical defense technology. Potential for breakthroughs in air warfare capabilities. Impact on national security through enhanced defense systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical R&D area
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be highly variable and difficult to benchmark due to its innovative nature.
Small Business Impact
This award does not appear to involve small businesses, as the contractor is a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Air Force is responsible for oversight. The CPFF contract type necessitates robust monitoring to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.
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 limits competition.
- CPFF contract type poses cost overrun risk.
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to non-competition.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
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 $12.9 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 $12.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-01-01. End: 2025-12-31.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities or proprietary knowledge held by the contractor. To ensure fair pricing, the agency should conduct a thorough price analysis, comparing proposed costs to historical data, independent government estimates, or other relevant benchmarks. Robust contract surveillance is also critical to monitor costs and performance.
What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables for this R&D contract?
Specific performance metrics and deliverables are crucial for managing R&D contracts, especially CPFF types. These should clearly define expected outcomes, milestones, and reporting requirements. Without them, it's difficult to assess progress and the value being received for taxpayer funds. The agency must ensure these are well-defined and actively monitored.
How will the outcomes of this research contribute to future air warfare capabilities and operational effectiveness?
The ultimate effectiveness of this R&D contract hinges on its contribution to tangible improvements in air warfare capabilities. This requires a clear line of sight from the research objectives to potential operational benefits. Regular reviews should assess the project's alignment with strategic defense goals and its potential to enhance mission success and survivability.
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: $13,447,190
Exercised Options: $13,447,190
Current Obligation: $12,891,014
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $155,823
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: 2023-01-01
Current End Date: 2025-12-31
Potential End Date: 2025-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-19
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