DoD's $7.1M R&D Contract for Technical Expertise Awarded to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,135,331 ($7.1M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-11-25
End Date: 2026-11-24
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL, ACQUISITION, AND PROGRAM EXPERTISE, INCLUDING TECHNICAL PARTICIPATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT TEAM IN INTEGRATED PRODUCT TEAMS (IPTS) AND TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS.
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.1 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL, ACQUISITION, AND PROGRAM EXPERTISE, INCLUDING TECHNICAL PARTICIPATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT TEAM IN INTEGRATED PRODUCT TEAMS (IPTS) AND TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS. Key points: 1. This contract focuses on providing crucial technical, acquisition, and program expertise to the Department of the Air Force. 2. The awardee, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, is a well-established research institution. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The R&D sector is critical for national security and technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type allows for flexibility but carries inherent risk of cost escalation. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The 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: Taxpayer funds are committed without competitive bidding, potentially leading to a higher overall cost than if multiple vendors had competed.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development efforts within the Department of Defense. Leverages specialized expertise from a leading research institution. Ensures continued technical support for complex acquisition programs. Potential for innovation and advancement in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
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 areas
- Long-term engagement for program support
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is vital for maintaining technological superiority but requires careful oversight due to its often experimental nature.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not competed and awarded to a large, established institution, indicating no direct benefit or opportunity for small businesses in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and that costs are managed effectively throughout the contract duration.
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 competitive bidding
- Potential for cost overruns with CPFF
- Limited transparency on specific R&D outcomes
- Reliance on a single source for critical expertise
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 $7.1 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL, ACQUISITION, AND PROGRAM EXPERTISE, INCLUDING TECHNICAL PARTICIPATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT TEAM IN INTEGRATED PRODUCT TEAMS (IPTS) AND TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS.
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 $7.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-11-25. End: 2026-11-24.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or circumstances. To ensure fair pricing, the government should conduct a thorough cost analysis of the proposed fixed fee and direct costs, comparing them against historical data and industry benchmarks for similar services provided by institutions like Johns Hopkins APL.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will the government measure the effectiveness of the technical expertise provided?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through the successful completion of technical milestones, the quality of deliverables (e.g., reports, analyses, recommendations), and the timely contribution to integrated product teams and working groups. KPIs could include adherence to project timelines, successful resolution of technical challenges, and positive feedback from government program managers on the value of the expertise provided.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money?
Mitigation strategies for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts include robust government oversight of expenditures, regular reviews of contractor performance and costs, and clear definition of the fixed fee based on a detailed understanding of the work scope. The government should also establish ceilings for allowable costs and closely monitor the contractor's efficiency to ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the effort expended.
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: $11,324,738
Exercised Options: $11,324,738
Current Obligation: $7,135,331
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $1,100,084
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: 2024-11-25
Current End Date: 2026-11-24
Potential End Date: 2026-11-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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