JHU/APL Awarded $636M for USSF Systems Engineering and Integration
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,360,000 ($6.4M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-03-18
End Date: 2029-01-29
Contract Duration: 1,413 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: JHU/APL WILL SERVE AS THE SYSTEM PROGRAM INTEGRATOR AND PROVIDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, STUDIES, ANALYSIS, AND ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE USSF.
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: JHU/APL WILL SERVE AS THE SYSTEM PROGRAM INTEGRATOR AND PROVIDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, STUDIES, ANALYSIS, AND ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE USSF. Key points: 1. Significant contract for critical space force systems engineering. 2. JHU/APL is a sole-source provider for this specific integration role. 3. Long-term contract (2029) with substantial taxpayer investment. 4. Focus on R&D in physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $636M contract value is substantial for systems engineering and integration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D integration contracts is difficult without more specific scope details, but the duration and cost suggest a significant investment.
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 competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a $636M contract raises concerns about optimal taxpayer value. Oversight is crucial to ensure fair pricing and effective execution.
Public Impact
Ensures continued development and integration of critical USSF systems. Supports advanced research and engineering capabilities within JHU/APL. Long-term commitment of federal funds for space technology. Potential for innovation in space systems architecture.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- High contract value requires robust oversight.
- Long duration may not adapt to evolving technological needs.
Positive Signals
- JHU/APL's established expertise in systems integration.
- Critical role in supporting US Space Force operations.
- Focus on advanced R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is vital for technological advancement, but often involves high costs and long development cycles, making competition and oversight particularly important.
Small Business Impact
The contract is awarded to JHU/APL, a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award of significant value, this contract warrants close oversight from the Department of Defense and Department of the Air Force to ensure cost-effectiveness and adherence to program goals.
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 competitive pressure.
- High contract value requires diligent oversight.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single entity for critical integration.
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 $6.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. JHU/APL WILL SERVE AS THE SYSTEM PROGRAM INTEGRATOR AND PROVIDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, STUDIES, ANALYSIS, AND ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE USSF.
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 $6.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-03-18. End: 2029-01-29.
What specific systems or programs will JHU/APL be integrating, and how does this integration contribute to overall USSF mission effectiveness?
The contract focuses on JHU/APL serving as the System Program Integrator for the USSF, encompassing systems engineering, studies, analysis, and architectural development. This integration is crucial for ensuring the cohesive functioning and future development of various USSF assets and capabilities, directly impacting mission effectiveness by providing a unified and robust technological foundation.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the $636M cost is justified and represents fair market value for the services rendered?
While the data indicates a sole-source award, the government likely employs internal cost analysis, historical pricing data, and potentially independent cost estimates to justify the $636M. Robust contract management, including detailed performance metrics and regular reviews, is essential to ensure value and prevent cost overruns throughout the contract's duration.
How will the effectiveness of JHU/APL's systems engineering and architectural development be measured over the contract's nearly four-year period?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to milestones in systems engineering, successful architectural designs, timely completion of studies and analyses, and the overall integration quality of USSF systems. Regular progress reports, technical reviews, and adherence to defined architectural standards will be critical metrics.
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: $37,379,247
Exercised Options: $37,379,247
Current Obligation: $6,360,000
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: 2025-03-18
Current End Date: 2029-01-29
Potential End Date: 2029-01-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
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