DoD awards $51.3M for Studies and Analyses Support to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $51,318,221 ($51.3M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-20
End Date: 2026-09-19
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $46.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: STUDIES AND ANALYSES SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $51.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: STUDIES AND ANALYSES SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized research and analysis. 2. Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and innovation. 3. Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. 4. Focus on technical services suggests high-value, complex tasks.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar CPFF contracts for specialized R&D services is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The award was not competed, indicating a sole-source justification. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces the government's ability to secure the best value through competitive bidding.
Taxpayer Impact: Without competition, taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution for these critical studies and analyses.
Public Impact
Essential research and development support for the Department of Defense. Contract awarded to a single, highly specialized entity. Long-term commitment through 2026, indicating ongoing needs. Potential impact on future defense strategies and technological advancements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of competition
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (JHU APL)
- Support for critical DoD functions
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, a broad category often involving specialized expertise. Benchmarks for similar sole-source R&D contracts are highly variable.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any specific set-asides or subcontracting goals for small businesses. The nature of the work likely requires highly specialized capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to manage the CPFF structure and ensure the contractor delivers on objectives without scope creep, given the sole-source nature of the award.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Washington Headquarters Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs.
- CPFF contract type poses risk of cost overruns.
- Potential for contractor to lack incentive for efficiency.
- Limited transparency on sole-source justification.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $51.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. STUDIES AND ANALYSES 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 $51.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-20. End: 2026-09-19.
What is the specific justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, critical urgency, or lack of viable alternatives. Without detailed documentation, it's difficult to assess if competitive strategies were thoroughly explored. This lack of transparency raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible value and fostered innovation.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient resource utilization?
Effective management of a CPFF contract requires robust oversight, clear performance metrics, and regular audits. The government must actively monitor expenditures, validate costs, and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the defined scope. Proactive risk management and transparent communication with the contractor are essential to control costs.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?
Success measurement for studies and analyses support hinges on clearly defined deliverables, adherence to timelines, and the quality and impact of the findings. KPIs should focus on the technical accuracy of reports, the actionable insights provided, and the contribution to informed decision-making within the DoD. Regular reviews of progress against these metrics are vital.
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
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: $51,942,853
Exercised Options: $51,942,853
Current Obligation: $51,318,221
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $1,166,756
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: 2023-09-20
Current End Date: 2026-09-19
Potential End Date: 2026-09-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-08
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