DoD's $172M Advanced EMS Development Environment Contract Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,232,022 ($17.2M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-08-18
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 378 days
Daily Burn Rate: $45.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ADVANCED COMMON ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM (EMS) DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT (ACEDE)
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: ADVANCED COMMON ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM (EMS) DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT (ACEDE) Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced electromagnetic spectrum capabilities. 2. Sole source award to a highly specialized research institution. 3. Potential for high-impact technological advancements. 4. Focus on critical defense research and development.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. The fixed fee component provides some predictability, but the overall cost effectiveness depends heavily on the efficiency of the research and development process.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC. This approach may be justified by unique capabilities or prior work, but it limits price discovery and competitive innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity without competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher costs than a competed contract.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced EMS technology. Supports critical research and development efforts for the Air Force. Potential for dual-use technologies benefiting civilian sectors. Invests in specialized scientific expertise and infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may inflate costs.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can be prone to overruns.
- Sole-source awards limit transparency and innovation.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Focus on critical national security technology.
- Potential for significant technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically related to advanced research and development in electromagnetic spectrum technologies. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not appear to involve small business participation, as it is a sole-source award to a large, established research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical for the Department of the Air Force to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure effectively and ensure the research meets its objectives without undue cost escalation. The sole-source nature necessitates robust monitoring.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent cost overrun risks.
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to no competition.
- Potential for reduced innovation without competitive pressure.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. ADVANCED COMMON ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM (EMS) DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT (ACEDE)
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 $17.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-18. End: 2026-08-31.
What specific capabilities does JHU APL possess that justify a sole-source award for advanced EMS development?
The justification for a sole-source award typically rests on unique expertise, proprietary technology, or critical infrastructure that no other entity can replicate. For advanced EMS development, this could include specialized testing facilities, deep historical knowledge of complex systems, or a proven track record in highly classified or sensitive research areas that are essential for the Department of Defense's specific needs.
How will the Department of Defense ensure cost control and value for money in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract without competition?
Effective cost control in a sole-source CPFF contract relies on stringent oversight, detailed milestone tracking, and robust negotiation of the fixed fee. The DoD must establish clear performance metrics, regularly audit expenditures, and ensure that the contractor's efforts are efficient and aligned with project goals. Benchmarking against similar R&D efforts, where possible, can also provide some reference for value.
What are the potential risks associated with the lack of competition for this critical EMS development contract?
The primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for inflated costs due to the absence of competitive pressure. Other risks include a reduced incentive for innovation beyond the contracted scope, less transparency in pricing, and the possibility that alternative, potentially more cost-effective solutions from other vendors are not explored. This can ultimately impact the overall value and efficiency of taxpayer investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
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
Solicitation ID: FA868422B7012
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: $17,371,166
Exercised Options: $17,371,166
Current Obligation: $17,232,022
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 21
Total Subaward Amount: $5,826,574
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA868420D7000
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-08-18
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-12
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