JHU Applied Physics Lab awarded $5.6M contract for SOCOM S&T NEXT GEN EFFECTS
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,577,707 ($5.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-06-12
End Date: 2026-06-28
Contract Duration: 746 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SOCOM S&T NEXT GEN EFFECTS
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $5.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: SOCOM S&T NEXT GEN EFFECTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, highly specialized research institution, suggesting unique capabilities required. 2. Focus on 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS' implies cutting-edge research and development with potential for significant technological advancement. 3. The 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' contract type indicates potential for cost overruns, requiring close monitoring. 4. A long performance period of over two years suggests a complex and multi-faceted research effort. 5. The award is a delivery order against a larger contract, implying a phased approach to R&D. 6. The specific NAICS code (541990) covers a broad range of professional, scientific, and technical services, but the contract's focus is highly specialized.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and focus on 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS'. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while common for R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation. Without comparable contracts for similar 'next generation effects' research, it's difficult to definitively assess if the $5.6 million represents excellent value. However, given the award to a well-regarded institution like JHU APL, the pricing is likely aligned with specialized research services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating that the U.S. Special Operations Command identified The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC as the only entity capable of performing the required research and development. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process, which typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government. The justification for a sole-source award would likely stem from unique intellectual property, specialized facilities, or a proven track record in a highly niche area.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can limit taxpayer benefit by foregoing potential cost savings that competition might yield. It also raises questions about whether alternative solutions or contractors were adequately considered.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the broader Department of Defense, who will receive advancements in technology and capabilities. The services delivered involve advanced research and development in areas critical to future military operations. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where JHU APL is located, but the technological advancements could have national security implications. Workforce implications include highly skilled scientists, engineers, and researchers at JHU APL.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition, potentially leading to higher costs than a competed contract.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely managed.
- The 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS' are inherently high-risk, with no guarantee of successful technological outcomes.
- The duration of the contract (over 2 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure progress and adherence to objectives.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (JHU APL) known for its advanced research capabilities.
- Focus on 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS' suggests a commitment to maintaining technological superiority for SOCOM.
- Delivery order against a larger contract may indicate a structured and phased approach to R&D.
- The contract supports critical national security objectives for special operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically focusing on research and development for defense applications. The market for specialized defense R&D is characterized by high barriers to entry, requiring significant expertise, facilities, and security clearances. Comparable spending in this niche area is difficult to pinpoint without more specific details on the 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS' but is generally a significant portion of the Department of Defense's overall R&D budget, which runs into the tens of billions annually.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not competed and does not appear to have a small business set-aside component. The nature of advanced R&D often requires specialized infrastructure and expertise typically found in larger research institutions or prime contractors. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data, though it's possible they could be engaged by JHU APL for specific components or services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) contracting and program management offices. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures against the fixed fee and ensure the government does not incur excessive costs. Transparency is limited by the sole-source nature and the classified or sensitive aspects of 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS' research. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.
Related Government Programs
- SOCOM Research and Development Programs
- Department of Defense Advanced Technology Initiatives
- Special Operations Forces Technology Development
- Next Generation Warfare Capabilities
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- High-risk R&D focus ('NEXT GEN EFFECTS')
Tags
defense, special-operations, research-and-development, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, maryland, johns-hopkins-university-applied-physics-laboratory, next-gen-effects, professional-scientific-and-technical-services, department-of-defense, u.s.-special-operations-command
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $5.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. SOCOM S&T NEXT GEN EFFECTS
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 (U.S. Special Operations Command).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $5.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-06-12. End: 2026-06-28.
What is the specific nature of the 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS' being researched under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the exact nature of the 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS'. This designation typically refers to advanced, potentially disruptive technologies or capabilities that are intended to provide a significant advantage in future operational environments. Such effects could range from novel sensor technologies, advanced materials, directed energy applications, sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities, or new methods of information dominance. The specific focus is likely classified or proprietary due to its strategic importance to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC with SOCOM and similar R&D contracts?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) has a long and distinguished history of supporting the Department of Defense and various intelligence agencies, including SOCOM, with advanced research and development. They are known for their expertise in a wide array of scientific and engineering disciplines, often tackling complex, mission-critical problems. JHU APL has a strong track record of delivering innovative solutions and has managed numerous large-scale, high-technology R&D programs. Their extensive experience suggests a high likelihood of successful execution for this contract, provided the objectives are clearly defined and achievable.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type compare to other R&D contract types in terms of risk and value?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is commonly used for research and development where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, making it difficult to estimate costs accurately. The government agrees to pay the contractor's actual costs plus a predetermined fixed fee, which represents the contractor's profit. While this allows for flexibility in R&D, it carries a higher risk of cost overruns for the government compared to fixed-price contracts. The value proposition hinges on the contractor's ability to innovate effectively within the estimated cost parameters and the government's robust oversight to manage expenditures. Other R&D contract types include Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), which offers shared cost savings or overruns, and Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) for well-defined R&D efforts.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for advanced R&D?
The primary risk of a sole-source award for advanced R&D is the potential lack of price competition, which can lead to higher costs for the government than if multiple vendors had competed. It also limits the government's exposure to a broader range of innovative approaches or alternative solutions that other qualified contractors might offer. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes raise concerns about fairness and transparency in the procurement process, although they are justified when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities essential for the mission. In this case, SOCOM likely determined that JHU APL's specialized expertise was indispensable for the 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS' research.
What historical spending patterns exist for SOCOM's R&D efforts in similar technology areas?
Historical spending patterns for SOCOM's R&D efforts in advanced technology areas are substantial, reflecting the command's need for cutting-edge capabilities. While specific figures for 'NEXT GEN EFFECTS' are not publicly detailed, SOCOM consistently invests in areas such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), special tactics, cyber warfare, and advanced materials. The overall Department of Defense R&D budget is in the tens of billions annually, and SOCOM's share, while smaller, is significant and focused on niche, high-impact technologies. Analyzing past SOCOM R&D contracts, particularly those awarded to institutions like JHU APL, would reveal trends in funding levels, contract types, and research focus areas over time.
What are the implications of the contract duration (746 days) on program management and oversight?
A contract duration of 746 days (approximately two years) for advanced R&D implies a complex, multi-phase project requiring sustained effort and potentially iterative development. This extended timeline necessitates robust program management to ensure milestones are met, research stays on track, and funding is utilized efficiently. For oversight, it means continuous monitoring of progress, regular technical reviews, and proactive identification and mitigation of risks. The longer duration also allows for adaptation to research findings and potential shifts in technological landscapes, but it demands consistent engagement from the contracting agency to ensure the ultimate objectives are achieved within the allocated timeframe and budget.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: H9222214R0027
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: $6,554,725
Exercised Options: $6,554,725
Current Obligation: $5,577,707
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $45,402
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: H9222215D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-06-12
Current End Date: 2026-06-28
Potential End Date: 2026-06-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-29
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