DoD Awards $150.7M Contract to Johns Hopkins APL for Cyber Command Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,074,184 ($15.1M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-03-25
End Date: 2025-11-30
Contract Duration: 615 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: FOLLOW THE SOW AND THE SOW SURVEILLANCE PLAN
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.1 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: FOLLOW THE SOW AND THE SOW SURVEILLANCE PLAN Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-established research institution. 2. Focus on specialized cyber command services suggests limited competition. 3. Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize cost escalation. 4. Long-term contract duration (615 days) indicates ongoing need.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, while common for R&D, can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar specialized cyber services contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
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 reduces the government's ability to secure the best possible price through competitive bidding.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these specialized cyber services.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Cyber Command's capabilities. Supports national security through advanced cyber operations. Funds critical research and development in cybersecurity.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing
- Potential for cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Award to reputable institution
- Addresses critical national security need
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services,' a broad category often encompassing specialized IT support and R&D. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on technological advancements and national security priorities.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. The specialized nature of the services likely requires unique expertise not typically found in smaller firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract specifies adherence to the Statement of Work (SOW) and its surveillance plan, indicating a framework for oversight. However, the effectiveness of this oversight depends on diligent execution by the agency.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Cyber Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure poses cost control risks.
- Potential for scope creep without strict oversight.
- Long duration may not adapt to rapidly changing cyber threats.
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 $15.1 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. FOLLOW THE SOW AND THE SOW SURVEILLANCE PLAN
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 $15.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-03-25. End: 2025-11-30.
What specific cyber capabilities are being developed or supported under this contract?
The provided data does not detail the specific cyber capabilities. However, given the awardee (JHU APL) and the agency (U.S. Cyber Command), it likely involves advanced research, development, and operational support for cyber warfare, defense, and intelligence gathering.
What are the risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for cyber services?
The primary risks include a lack of competitive pressure leading to higher prices and potentially less innovation. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can incentivize the contractor to incur more costs to increase their fixed fee, requiring robust government oversight to manage expenditures effectively.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of U.S. Cyber Command?
By securing specialized services from a leading institution like JHU APL, the contract aims to bolster U.S. Cyber Command's technological edge and operational capacity. This support is crucial for maintaining national security in the evolving cyber domain.
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
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: $15,687,803
Exercised Options: $15,687,803
Current Obligation: $15,074,184
Actual Outlays: $1,444,559
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $1,498,523
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: 2024-03-25
Current End Date: 2025-11-30
Potential End Date: 2027-03-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-02
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