DoD Awards $49M for SmallSat Support to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,192,513 ($49.2M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-09-20
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 2,902 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SMALLSAT SUPPORT TASK
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $49.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: SMALLSAT SUPPORT TASK Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competition. 2. The contract focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Long duration (2018-2026) suggests a sustained need for these services. 4. No small business participation indicated, potentially limiting broader economic impact.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
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 potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these research and development services.
Public Impact
Research and Development: Funds advanced scientific and engineering work for the Air Force. Long-Term Commitment: The contract spans nearly eight years, indicating a critical and ongoing need. Limited Visibility: As a sole-source award, public understanding of the specific deliverables and value is reduced.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of Competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee Structure
- No Small Business Participation
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense
- Long-term engagement suggests valuable, specialized expertise
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the R&D sector, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
The contract explicitly states no small business participation. This is a missed opportunity to leverage the innovation and capabilities of smaller businesses in the R&D space.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and the work performed meets objectives efficiently.
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 and price discovery.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent risk of cost escalation.
- Absence of small business participation.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- Lack of detailed public information on specific R&D scope.
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 $49.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. SMALLSAT SUPPORT TASK
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 $49.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-20. End: 2026-08-31.
What specific research and development activities are encompassed by this contract, and how do they align with current Air Force priorities?
The contract number NAICS 541715 indicates Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. While the specific tasks are not detailed here, the long duration and sole-source award to a prominent institution like JHU APL suggest highly specialized, potentially classified, or foundational research critical to Air Force strategic goals.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the fixed fee is justified and represents fair market value?
For sole-source contracts, especially Cost Plus Fixed Fee, the agency typically relies on pre-negotiated rates, historical data, and independent cost estimates. Robust internal review processes and potentially Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) involvement are crucial to validate the contractor's proposed costs and ensure the fixed fee adequately compensates for the effort without excessive profit.
How will the effectiveness and impact of the R&D performed under this contract be measured and evaluated by the Air Force?
Effectiveness is typically measured through milestone achievements, technical performance metrics, and the successful transition of research outcomes into operational capabilities or further development. The Air Force likely has program managers and technical experts responsible for ongoing monitoring, regular reviews, and final acceptance of deliverables, ensuring the R&D contributes to mission success.
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: $107,101,118
Exercised Options: $107,101,118
Current Obligation: $49,192,513
Actual Outlays: $1,813,670
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $47,630
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA945318D0018
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-20
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-17
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