DoD Awards $54.3M for Deep Space Radar Concept Prototypes to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $54,286,897 ($54.3M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-12-21
End Date: 2021-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,014 days
Daily Burn Rate: $53.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEEP SPACE ADVANCE RADAR CONCEPT PROTOTYPES
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $54.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: DEEP SPACE ADVANCE RADAR CONCEPT PROTOTYPES Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced radar technology for deep space applications. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized research institution. 3. Potential for groundbreaking advancements in space surveillance and defense. 4. Focus on R&D in physical sciences, indicating early-stage development.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for R&D can lead to cost overruns. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This was a sole-source award, limiting price discovery and competition. The justification likely centers on the unique capabilities of the awardee.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity for specialized research, with potential for high-value technological outcomes but less assurance of cost efficiency.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced space domain awareness. Supports scientific research and development in critical defense areas. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian space exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type can increase costs.
- Long performance period for R&D.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Addresses a critical national security need.
- Focus on cutting-edge technology development.
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 often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to established service contracts.
Small Business Impact
No direct indication of small business involvement in this sole-source award. Future subcontracting opportunities may exist but are not guaranteed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is critical for sole-source R&D contracts to ensure progress aligns with objectives and costs remain controlled. The Department of the Air Force is responsible for monitoring this award.
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 contract type
- Long performance period
- High R&D risk
- Lack of small business participation noted
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 $54.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. DEEP SPACE ADVANCE RADAR CONCEPT PROTOTYPES
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 $54.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-12-21. End: 2021-09-30.
What is the specific technological advantage gained by awarding this contract sole-source?
The sole-source award suggests that The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory possesses unique, specialized expertise and facilities essential for the Deep Space Advance Radar Concept Prototypes. This likely includes proprietary knowledge, advanced research infrastructure, or a proven track record in highly niche areas of radar technology and deep space applications that cannot be readily replicated by other entities, thereby justifying the lack of open competition.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type for this R&D effort?
The primary risks of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract in R&D include potential cost overruns, as the government bears the cost of all allowable expenses. While the fixed fee provides some incentive for the contractor to control costs, the contractor may not be as motivated to achieve efficiencies as they would be under a fixed-price contract. This structure can also lead to scope creep if not managed tightly, increasing the overall expenditure.
How will the effectiveness of the developed radar prototypes be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a series of rigorous testing and validation phases outlined in the contract's statement of work. This would involve performance benchmarks against specific deep space target detection and tracking requirements, environmental testing to ensure functionality under various conditions, and potentially operational demonstrations. Independent verification and validation by the Department of Defense or designated agencies will be crucial to confirm the prototypes meet the intended mission 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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
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: $56,781,135
Exercised Options: $54,381,135
Current Obligation: $54,286,897
Actual Outlays: $8,461,941
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA881918D0009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-12-21
Current End Date: 2021-09-30
Potential End Date: 2021-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-04
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