DoD's $1.36B Cyber Command RDT&E Contract Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,575,470 ($13.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-12-01
End Date: 2025-12-01
Contract Duration: 731 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RDT&E
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $13.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: RDT&E Key points: 1. Significant RDT&E investment in cyber capabilities. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized entity. 3. Potential for high-value research and development. 4. Concentrated spending in Maryland. 5. Long-term contract duration (2 years).
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $1.36 billion is substantial for RDT&E services. Without comparable contract data for similar cyber RDT&E efforts, assessing pricing reasonableness is difficult. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC. This approach may be justified by unique capabilities or prior performance, but it limits price discovery and competitive pressure.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these specialized cyber RDT&E services.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Cyber Command's research and development capabilities. Supports advanced cyber defense and offense technologies. Potential for breakthroughs in cybersecurity. Concentrates federal spending within Maryland.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- High contract value
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Specialized RDT&E services
- Long-term contract
- Supports critical national security mission
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) sector, specifically focusing on advanced computer-related services for cyber operations. Federal spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority and national security.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, a large research institution. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award, limiting opportunities for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically U.S. Cyber Command, is responsible for overseeing this contract. The CPFF structure necessitates robust oversight to manage costs and ensure deliverables meet objectives. The duration of the contract suggests ongoing oversight will be required.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Cyber Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost overruns.
- High contract value requires diligent oversight.
- Lack of transparency on specific RDT&E objectives.
- Potential for contractor lock-in due to specialized nature.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $13.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. RDT&E
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. Cyber Command).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-12-01. End: 2025-12-01.
What specific cyber capabilities or technologies does this RDT&E contract aim to develop, and how do they align with current and future threats?
The contract focuses on Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) for U.S. Cyber Command. While specific details are likely classified, it is intended to advance cyber defense and offense technologies. This includes developing new tools, techniques, and strategies to counter evolving cyber threats, maintain network resilience, and enhance operational effectiveness in cyberspace.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the government receives fair value and that costs are controlled under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?
While sole-source awards limit competitive benchmarking, the government likely relies on extensive negotiation, historical cost data (if available), and robust technical evaluations to establish a fair fixed fee. Strict oversight, regular audits, and performance metrics are crucial for managing costs and ensuring the contractor remains within the agreed-upon budget and delivers on objectives.
How will the effectiveness of the RDT&E outcomes be measured, and what is the process for transitioning developed technologies into operational use?
Effectiveness is typically measured through rigorous testing and evaluation phases outlined in the contract. This includes performance benchmarks, operational utility assessments, and validation against specific mission requirements. Transitioning technologies involves a formal process of integration, training, and deployment into U.S. Cyber Command's operational systems, often managed through follow-on contracts or task orders.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: HB000123R1013
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: $13,575,470
Exercised Options: $13,575,470
Current Obligation: $13,575,470
Actual Outlays: $1,619,905
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $191,927
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HB000124D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-12-01
Current End Date: 2025-12-01
Potential End Date: 2026-12-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-02
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