Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab receives $41.7M for missile defense R&D, awarded sole-source
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $41,726,851 ($41.7M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-08-28
End Date: 2025-10-31
Contract Duration: 2,256 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ENGINEERING AND TECH SUPPORT RDTE FUNDS
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $41.7 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: ENGINEERING AND TECH SUPPORT RDTE FUNDS Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive pricing benefits. 2. Significant funding allocated for research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDTE). 3. Contract duration extends over 2256 days, indicating a long-term project. 4. Focus on missile defense technology suggests critical national security implications. 5. The contractor, a university-affiliated lab, has a strong track record in defense R&D. 6. Performance period spans multiple fiscal years, requiring sustained oversight.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $41.7 million for research and development is substantial. However, without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to benchmark the value for money effectively against market rates. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize cost control but also carries inherent risks if not closely monitored. Comparisons to similar sole-source R&D contracts in missile defense would be necessary for a more precise assessment.
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. The justification for sole-sourcing is typically based on the unique capabilities or specialized knowledge of a single contractor. In this case, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC likely possesses specific expertise critical to the missile defense mission. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from a range of proposals and potentially lower prices that a competitive process could yield.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective solution, as the absence of competition can lead to higher prices than might be achieved through open bidding.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Missile Defense Agency, which will receive advanced research and development. Services delivered include research, development, testing, and evaluation of missile defense technologies. The geographic impact is primarily national, focusing on U.S. defense capabilities. Workforce implications include highly skilled researchers and engineers at the contractor's facility.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract requires diligent oversight to manage costs and prevent overruns.
- Long contract duration (2256 days) necessitates sustained monitoring of performance and evolving requirements.
- The specialized nature of missile defense R&D may limit the pool of qualified contractors, contributing to sole-source awards.
Positive Signals
- The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC is a highly reputable institution with extensive experience in defense research.
- The contract addresses a critical national security need in missile defense.
- The fixed fee component of the contract provides some level of cost certainty for the government.
- The long duration allows for in-depth research and development of complex technologies.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced physical sciences and engineering related to missile defense. The market for specialized defense R&D is often characterized by a limited number of highly capable contractors, frequently leading to sole-source or limited competition awards. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale, sole-source R&D contracts awarded by the Department of Defense for similar critical defense systems.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The primary contractor is a large, well-established research institution. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this data. The focus on specialized R&D may limit opportunities for broad small business participation unless specific subcontracting goals are mandated and met.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Missile Defense Agency and the Department of Defense's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the achievement of research and development milestones outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally limited for sole-source R&D contracts due to their specialized nature and national security implications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Missile Defense Systems
- Advanced Research and Development
- Department of Defense Research Contracts
- University Research Partnerships
- National Security Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit cost savings.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee requires diligent oversight.
- Long contract duration necessitates sustained monitoring.
Tags
research-and-development, missile-defense, department-of-defense, johns-hopkins-university-applied-physics-laboratory, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, delivery-order, maryland, national-security, rdte
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $41.7 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. ENGINEERING AND TECH 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 $41.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-08-28. End: 2025-10-31.
What is the historical spending pattern for missile defense R&D at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC?
Analyzing historical spending data for The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the broader Department of Defense (DoD) is crucial for context. While specific figures for this exact contract are $41.7 million, understanding the aggregate value and trend of previous awards to JHUAPL for similar R&D efforts provides insight into the sustained investment in their capabilities. For instance, if JHUAPL has consistently received significant sole-source R&D funding from the MDA over the past decade, it suggests a long-standing reliance on their expertise. Conversely, a sudden increase or decrease in funding could signal shifts in program priorities or contractor performance. Benchmarking this $41.7 million against their prior awards helps assess whether this represents a typical, escalating, or de-escalating level of investment for comparable missile defense research initiatives.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar R&D efforts?
The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost. However, it also places the cost risk on the government. Compared to other R&D contract types like Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF), which offers performance-based incentives for cost, schedule, or technical targets, or Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts (less common for early R&D), CPFF offers a balance. FFP provides the most cost certainty for the government but is risky for contractors on uncertain R&D. CPIF can offer better value if well-structured. The choice of CPFF for this $41.7 million contract suggests the MDA prioritized flexibility and contractor engagement in a complex R&D environment, accepting the associated cost oversight requirements.
What specific missile defense technologies or systems is this contract intended to advance?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'ENGINEERING AND TECH SUPPORT RDTE FUNDS' under the 'Missile Defense Agency' and falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the specific technological focus isn't detailed in the raw data, the context of the Missile Defense Agency strongly suggests the R&D pertains to advanced capabilities for detecting, tracking, and intercepting ballistic and other threats. This could encompass areas such as sensor technology, interceptor design, command and control systems, artificial intelligence for threat assessment, or advanced materials for defense applications. The 'Research and Development' nature implies work on novel concepts, prototypes, and system enhancements rather than procurement of fielded systems.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones associated with this contract?
The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific milestones for this $41.7 million contract. However, for a Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (RDTE) contract awarded to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), KPIs would typically revolve around the successful completion of defined research objectives, prototype development, system integration, and performance testing. Milestones might include the delivery of research reports, successful demonstration of critical technologies, achievement of specific technical performance thresholds (e.g., accuracy, range, speed), and readiness for subsequent development or testing phases. The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee structure implies that progress against these milestones would be monitored to ensure the contractor earns its fee and to manage the overall project timeline and budget effectively.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC in delivering on similar sole-source R&D contracts?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHUAPL) has a well-established and extensive track record in conducting advanced research and development for the U.S. government, particularly within the Department of Defense and NASA. They are renowned for their work on complex, high-stakes projects, including significant contributions to missile defense systems, space exploration, and advanced technology development. JHUAPL often operates under sole-source or limited-competition contracts due to their unique expertise, facilities, and historical performance. Their history generally indicates successful delivery on challenging R&D programs. However, like any large research institution, specific contract performance can vary, and a detailed review of past MDA contracts with JHUAPL would be necessary to identify any specific instances of cost overruns, schedule delays, or performance issues, though their overall reputation is strong.
What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader missile defense industrial base?
This sole-source award to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC for $41.7 million in missile defense R&D primarily reinforces JHUAPL's position as a key research institution in this domain. While it directly benefits JHUAPL, its impact on the broader industrial base is nuanced. Sole-source awards, by definition, do not foster competition among multiple firms for this specific contract. However, JHUAPL often collaborates with or subcontracts to other companies, including small businesses, for specialized components or services. Therefore, this contract could indirectly stimulate activity within the defense industrial base by creating demand for specific technologies or expertise that JHUAPL procures. The long-term effect depends on whether the R&D leads to new systems that are then competitively procured or if JHUAPL continues to be the primary developer and integrator.
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: $45,304,963
Exercised Options: $45,304,963
Current Obligation: $41,726,851
Actual Outlays: $1,662,187
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $1,192,439
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: 2019-08-28
Current End Date: 2025-10-31
Potential End Date: 2025-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-14
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