Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory awarded $44.8M for MAVEN SUPPORT services by the Department of Defense
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,820,129 ($44.8M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-05-01
End Date: 2023-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,705 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: MAVEN SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20004
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $44.8 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: MAVEN SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, highly specialized research institution, suggesting unique capabilities. 2. Significant duration of the contract indicates a long-term need for the supported services. 3. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code points to a broad scope of potential activities. 4. No small business set-aside was utilized, indicating the primary contractor is not a small business. 5. The contract type 'COST NO FEE' implies that the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but does not receive a profit. 6. The award was a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract vehicle.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific deliverables or performance metrics. The 'COST NO FEE' structure suggests a focus on cost recovery rather than profit, which can sometimes lead to less aggressive cost management. However, given the specialized nature of the work likely performed by a university-affiliated lab, the pricing may reflect unique expertise and research infrastructure. Further analysis would require understanding the specific services rendered and comparing them to similar research support contracts, if available.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This typically occurs when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, intellectual property, or is the only responsible source capable of meeting the government's needs. The lack of competition means the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have driven down prices or spurred innovation from a wider range of providers.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit opportunities for other businesses to compete for government contracts and may result in higher costs for taxpayers due to the absence of competitive pressure.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, which receives specialized support services. Services likely encompass advanced research, development, and technical support critical to national security objectives. The geographic impact is centered in Washington D.C., where the contract is administered. Workforce implications include highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technical personnel employed by the contractor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
- Sole-source awards can limit opportunities for small and diverse businesses.
- The broad NAICS code makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature and scope of services without further detail.
- The 'COST NO FEE' contract type, while reimbursing costs, might not incentivize maximum efficiency.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution like Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory suggests access to high-caliber expertise.
- The long contract duration indicates a sustained and critical need for the services provided.
- The 'COST NO FEE' structure ensures that the contractor is not profiting from the contract, focusing on cost recovery.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category, which is a broad sector encompassing a wide array of specialized support. This sector is crucial for government agencies requiring expertise beyond standard commercial offerings, often involving research, analysis, and development. Spending in this area can be highly variable, depending on specific agency needs and national priorities. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the diverse nature of services within this NAICS code.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, is not a small business and the nature of the services required specialized capabilities not readily available or contracted through small business channels. The absence of small business involvement in this specific award means no direct benefit to the small business ecosystem through this particular contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Defense contracting officers and the Washington Headquarters Services. As a sole-source award, scrutiny might be higher to ensure the necessity and justification for not competing. Transparency is limited by the lack of a competitive bidding process. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development Services
- Professional and Technical Services
- Scientific Support Services
- Defense Research Support
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
- Broad NAICS code obscures specific service details.
- Cost-reimbursement structure requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Tags
department-of-defense, johns-hopkins-university-applied-physics-laboratory-llc, maven-support, all-other-professional-scientific-and-technical-services, cost-no-fee, sole-source, delivery-order, washington-dc, professional-services, scientific-services, technical-services, research-and-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $44.8 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. MAVEN SUPPORT
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 (Washington Headquarters Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $44.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-05-01. End: 2023-12-31.
What specific scientific and technical services are being provided under this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This is a broad category that can encompass a wide range of activities, including research and development, engineering services, scientific consulting, and technical support. Without more specific contract line item numbers (CLINs) or a detailed statement of work (SOW), the precise nature of the 'MAVEN SUPPORT' services remains undefined. However, given the contractor is The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, a renowned research institution, it is highly probable that the services involve advanced scientific research, complex data analysis, systems engineering, or specialized technical expertise critical to a Department of Defense program, potentially related to space or advanced technology initiatives.
How does the $44.8 million contract value compare to similar support services for the Department of Defense?
Comparing the $44.8 million value of this 'MAVEN SUPPORT' contract to similar Department of Defense (DoD) support services is challenging without knowing the specific nature of the services rendered. The NAICS code 541990 is very broad. However, for context, the DoD awards billions of dollars annually for a vast array of professional, scientific, and technical services. Contracts for specialized R&D, engineering, and technical support can range from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and criticality. Given this contract's duration (May 2019 - December 2023, approximately 3.5 years) and its sole-source nature to a specialized institution, the $44.8 million figure suggests a significant, ongoing requirement for unique expertise. It is not an exceptionally large sum in the context of the overall DoD budget for such services, but it represents a substantial investment for the specific support provided.
What are the key risks associated with a sole-source contract of this magnitude?
The primary risk associated with a sole-source contract of this magnitude is the potential for reduced value for money due to the absence of competition. Without competing bids, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price or to innovate aggressively. This can lead to higher costs for the government and, by extension, taxpayers. Another risk is vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on a single provider, making it difficult and costly to switch even if performance issues arise or better alternatives become available. Furthermore, sole-source awards can raise concerns about fairness and equal opportunity for other capable businesses that were not given a chance to compete. Robust oversight and justification are crucial to mitigate these risks.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC with federal contracts?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) has a long and extensive track record of successfully performing complex research, development, and engineering work for various U.S. federal agencies, particularly the Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA. They are known for their expertise in areas such as national security, space exploration, and advanced technology. JHU APL has consistently been awarded significant federal contracts over many years, often in highly specialized and critical domains. Their performance history generally reflects a high level of technical competence and reliability, making them a preferred partner for challenging government projects. While specific performance metrics for individual contracts are not publicly detailed here, their sustained engagement with federal agencies underscores a strong reputation for delivering on complex scientific and technical requirements.
How does the 'COST NO FEE' contract type impact contractor incentives and government oversight?
The 'COST NO FEE' (CNF) contract type is a type of cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but receives no fee or profit. This structure is typically used when the level of risk or uncertainty is high, or when the contractor is a non-profit organization (like a university) that does not operate for profit. For the contractor, the primary incentive is to recover all legitimate costs associated with the work. There is no direct financial incentive to minimize costs beyond what is necessary to complete the contract, as profit is not a factor. This places a greater emphasis on government oversight to ensure that costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. The government must diligently monitor expenditures and performance to prevent cost overruns and ensure the efficient use of funds. While it ensures the contractor is compensated for their efforts, it shifts the focus from profit-driven efficiency to cost control through rigorous government oversight.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: HQ003419R0009
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
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: $83,613,380
Exercised Options: $83,613,380
Current Obligation: $44,820,129
Actual Outlays: $1,572,806
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $1,299,654
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ003419D0006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-05-01
Current End Date: 2023-12-31
Potential End Date: 2023-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-07
More Contracts from THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
- Dragonfly Extended Phase B Mission Under 80msfc20d0004 Aerospace Research, Development and Engineering Support (ardes) II — $1.3B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Aerospace Research, Design, and Development Tasks for Nasa — $1.1B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Solar Probe Plus (SPP) Phase a Activities the Contractor Shall Perform the Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Contracting Officer. the Overall Scope of Work to BE Performed Will Support ALL of Nasa's Mission Directorates. These Efforts CAN BE Characterized AS Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support (ardes). the General Nature of the Tasks to BE Developed Will BE to Conduct Supporting Research and Advanced Technology Development Designed to Make Contributions to Space Science and Space Exploration and Assist Nasa in the Formulation and Execution of ITS Programs by Providing Nasa With Technical Advice, Studies, and Reports of Investigations. Efforts Undertaken by the Contractor, in the Performance of the Assigned Tasks, Which Include Technology Transfer, Partnering and Commercialization Activities, Shall Seek to Enhance the Value and Contribution of Technology to the Nation S Technological Competitiveness, Prosperity, Quality of Life, and Other National Priorities. Individual Task Orders Will Fall Within ONE of TWO Broad Categories: 1) Essential Research Capability of Space Systems Engineering, and Related Work in the Supporting Essential Research Capabilities of Systems Test and Evaluation, Information Technology, and Simulation, Modeling and Operations Analysis. Task Orders Within the Category of Essential Research Capabilities ARE Intended to Preserve the Nation S Capabilities to Perform Robotic Space Missions Over the Full Mission Life Cycle From Concept Formulation Through Mission Operations and Data Analysis. Nasa IS Contracting for Support in Several KEY Research, Engineering and Development Competencies That ARE Fundamental to the Performance of These Missions. 2) Other Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support. Task Orders Within the Category of Other Aerospace Research, Development and Engineering Support ARE Intended to Include a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program Responsibilities and Assignments. Regardless of Category, Task Orders MAY BE Issued Related to Autonomous Deep-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, Experiments, Instruments or Other Devices That MAY BE Carried AS Payloads on the Space Shuttle or on Other Spacecraft. Task Assignments Will Explicitly Describe a Broad Range of Hardware, Software, Systems Engineering, Scientific Analysis, and Management Efforts Including Program and Project Management and Administration — $894.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- SUN Earth Connection Living With a Star Program Letter Contract — $522.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (imap) Phase CD — $400.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)