DoD's $18M EEA Support RDTE Contract Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,953,583 ($18.0M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-03-23
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 3,083 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: EEA SUPPORT RDTE FUNDS
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.0 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: EEA SUPPORT RDTE FUNDS Key points: 1. Significant funding allocated for research and development in physical sciences. 2. Sole-source award to a single, established research institution. 3. Potential for high-impact technological advancements in missile defense. 4. Long contract duration suggests complex, ongoing research needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the total award value is substantial for R&D.
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 increases costs compared to a competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers, as there was no market pressure to drive down the price.
Public Impact
Advancements in missile defense technology could enhance national security. Research funding supports specialized scientific and engineering expertise. Long-term investment in critical defense capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost risk
- Long duration may indicate scope creep potential
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical national security area (Missile Defense)
- Significant investment in R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. The Missile Defense Agency's spending in this area is critical for maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, which is not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Missile Defense Agency is responsible for overseeing this contract. The long duration and sole-source nature warrant close monitoring to ensure efficient use of funds and achievement of research objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration (over 8 years)
- Lack of specific R&D deliverables in summary data
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.0 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. EEA SUPPORT RDTE FUNDS
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 (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-03-23. End: 2026-08-31.
What specific research objectives are being pursued under this contract, and how do they align with current missile defense needs?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' under the EEA Support umbrella for the Missile Defense Agency. Specific objectives are not detailed, but they likely involve advancing foundational scientific and engineering principles relevant to developing and improving missile defense systems, potentially including areas like advanced materials, sensor technology, or propulsion systems.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure remains efficient and avoids unnecessary expenditures?
While sole-source awards limit competitive pressure, robust oversight by the Missile Defense Agency is crucial. This includes detailed milestone tracking, regular performance reviews, and strict adherence to the fixed fee component. The agency must ensure that all costs incurred are reasonable, allocable, and necessary for the research objectives defined in the contract.
How will the outcomes of this extensive R&D effort be evaluated for their effectiveness in enhancing missile defense capabilities?
Effectiveness will likely be evaluated through a combination of technical reviews, prototype testing, and demonstrations aligned with specific missile defense program requirements. The Missile Defense Agency will assess whether the research yields tangible advancements, such as improved system performance, reduced vulnerabilities, or novel defense strategies, contributing to the overall mission readiness.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: HQ014717R0041
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: $19,387,517
Exercised Options: $19,387,517
Current Obligation: $17,953,583
Actual Outlays: $681,911
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ014718D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-03-23
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2026-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-05
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