DoD Awards $5.4M Cyber Command Contract to JHU Applied Physics Lab for Other Computer Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,409,039 ($5.4M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-07-22
End Date: 2026-07-21
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SEASONEDTYCOON STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) DATED 10 JUNE 2024
Place of Performance
Location: UPPER MARLBORO, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20775
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $5.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: SEASONEDTYCOON STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) DATED 10 JUNE 2024 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-established research institution. 2. Focus on 'Other Computer Related Services' suggests a broad scope. 3. Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure may incentivize cost escalation. 4. Cyber Command's mission implies high-stakes, sensitive work.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, which can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the overall value depends heavily on the efficiency of the contractor.
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 competition, potentially leading to a higher price than if multiple vendors had bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these services.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Cyber Command's capabilities in critical cybersecurity operations. Supports national security by ensuring advanced computer services for defense. Potential for technological advancements in cyber defense through research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (JHU APL) suggests technical expertise.
- Contract duration of two years provides stability for critical services.
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector, particularly within defense, is characterized by rapid innovation and specialized needs. Benchmarks for 'Other Computer Related Services' are difficult to establish due to the broad NAICS code, but cybersecurity services often command premium pricing due to expertise and security requirements.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is awarded directly to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and that the contractor is performing efficiently. Robust performance metrics and regular reviews are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Cyber Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- CPFF contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
- No small business participation.
- Broad NAICS code may obscure specific service costs.
- High-stakes nature of Cyber Command work implies significant potential impact of service failures.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $5.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. SEASONEDTYCOON STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) DATED 10 JUNE 2024
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 $5.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-07-22. End: 2026-07-21.
What specific services fall under 'Other Computer Related Services' for Cyber Command, and how do they align with JHU APL's unique capabilities?
The 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) category is broad and can encompass a wide range of IT support, consulting, and development not classified elsewhere. For Cyber Command, this likely includes specialized cyber analysis, software development for defense systems, network security research, and potentially advanced threat intelligence services. JHU APL's established role in defense research and development suggests they possess unique expertise in these highly technical and often classified areas, justifying a sole-source award if specific, advanced capabilities are required that only they can provide.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate risks of cost overruns and ensure fair pricing for taxpayers?
Effective management of a CPFF contract requires stringent oversight of direct costs and a well-defined fixed fee. The government must meticulously track all allowable costs incurred by JHU APL and ensure they align with the Statement of Work. Regular audits and performance reviews are essential to verify efficiency and prevent unnecessary spending. The fixed fee itself should be negotiated based on a thorough understanding of the effort required and JHU APL's historical performance, acting as a ceiling on the contractor's profit.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they measure the effectiveness of JHU APL's contribution to Cyber Command's mission?
Key performance indicators would likely focus on the successful delivery of specified cyber capabilities, adherence to project timelines, and the quality of research or developed systems. For Cyber Command, effectiveness could be measured by metrics related to threat detection rates, vulnerability mitigation, successful implementation of new cyber tools, or the accuracy and timeliness of intelligence provided. These KPIs must be clearly defined in the SOW and regularly assessed to ensure JHU APL is meeting the critical cybersecurity needs of the command.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
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: $23,050,988
Exercised Options: $8,410,682
Current Obligation: $5,409,039
Actual Outlays: $49,050
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: 2024-07-22
Current End Date: 2026-07-21
Potential End Date: 2029-07-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-15
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