DoD awards $11.28M for Space Security R&D to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,283,200 ($11.3M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-04-16
End Date: 2029-04-15
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE A BROAD RANGE OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE TO ACCOMPLISH TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADVISORY SERVICES TO ASSIST THE SPACE SECURITY AND DEFENSE PROGRAM AREAS.
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE A BROAD RANGE OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE TO ACCOMPLISH TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADVISORY SERVICES TO ASSIST THE SPACE SECURITY AND DEFENSE PROGRAM AREAS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on technical support and advisory services for Space Security and Defense. 2. The award is a Delivery Order under an existing contract. 3. The primary sector is Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. No small business participation is indicated.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
This is a delivery order, so direct pricing comparison is difficult without the base contract details. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value.
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 may not yield the best value for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: Lack of competition for this significant award raises concerns about potential overspending and suboptimal resource allocation.
Public Impact
Supports critical Space Security and Defense programs. Leverages specialized expertise from a well-known research institution. Long-term engagement (4 years) suggests ongoing need for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
Positive Signals
- Award to established research institution
- Supports critical defense area
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but requires rigorous oversight to ensure efficiency.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Efforts should be made to ensure small businesses have opportunities in future related procurements.
Oversight & Accountability
As a delivery order under an existing contract, oversight should focus on the execution of this specific order and adherence to the terms of the base contract. Monitoring cost performance is key.
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.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for insufficient oversight on delivery order execution.
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 $11.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE A BROAD RANGE OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE TO ACCOMPLISH TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADVISORY SERVICES TO ASSIST THE SPACE SECURITY AND DEFENSE PROGRAM AREAS.
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 $11.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-16. End: 2029-04-15.
What was the justification for not competing this significant R&D contract?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary data, or urgent needs that cannot be met through a competitive process. Without further details on the base contract's justification, it's difficult to assess if this was the most appropriate approach for acquiring these specialized R&D services.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to ensure cost control and value for money?
Effective management of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires robust oversight of incurred costs, regular performance reviews, and clear communication with the contractor. The agency must ensure that the fixed fee remains appropriate given the scope of work and that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract.
What are the specific deliverables and expected outcomes for these technical support and advisory services?
Understanding the specific technical support and advisory services, along with their measurable outcomes, is crucial for assessing the contract's effectiveness. The agency should have clear performance metrics and milestones defined to track progress and ensure the services contribute meaningfully to the Space Security and Defense Program Areas.
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, 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: $47,999,847
Exercised Options: $23,670,506
Current Obligation: $11,283,200
Actual Outlays: $969,326
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA881924DB002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-16
Current End Date: 2029-04-15
Potential End Date: 2029-04-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-30
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