DoD's $9.36M R&D Contract for ABS R&D Labor Awarded to Johns Hopkins University APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,361,616 ($9.4M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-12-23
End Date: 2026-09-21
Contract Duration: 1,368 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ABS R&D LABOR FOR DOG
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $9.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: ABS R&D LABOR FOR DOG Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced research and development within the physical sciences. 2. Sole awardee, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, suggests specialized expertise. 3. Contract duration of nearly four years indicates a long-term project. 4. Potential for groundbreaking advancements in missile defense technology. 5. High contract value warrants scrutiny of cost-effectiveness and competitive landscape.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers as competitive pressure is absent.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract, impacting taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Advancements in missile defense technology could enhance national security. Investment in R&D supports scientific innovation and potential future technological breakthroughs. The contract's focus on physical sciences may lead to broader applications beyond defense. Long-term commitment signals a strategic priority for the Department of Defense. Potential for job creation within the research and development sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Limited transparency on specific R&D deliverables
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical national security area (Missile Defense)
- Long-term project duration allows for in-depth research
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but often involves high costs and long development cycles, making competitive bidding essential for value.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to a large university-affiliated laboratory, with no indication of small business participation. This suggests limited opportunities for small businesses in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Given the sole-source nature and CPFF structure, robust oversight from the Department of Defense is critical 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
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for cost overruns with CPFF
- Limited transparency on specific R&D outcomes
- No clear small business participation
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $9.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. ABS R&D LABOR FOR DOG
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 $9.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-12-23. End: 2026-09-21.
What specific advancements are expected from this R&D effort, and how will they be measured?
The specific advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, as it's for Missile Defense Agency, expected outcomes likely relate to improved threat detection, tracking, or interception capabilities. Measurable outcomes would typically involve successful prototype demonstrations, validated simulation results, or the development of new theoretical models that directly contribute to enhancing missile defense systems.
What is the justification for awarding this contract sole-source, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award is not provided. Typically, this occurs when only one source possesses the unique capability or expertise required. Without competition, ensuring fair pricing is challenging. The government likely relied on historical pricing data, independent cost estimates, or negotiation with the contractor to establish a reasonable fixed fee within the CPFF structure.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure mitigate risks for both the government and the contractor in this specialized R&D context?
The CPFF structure aims to balance risk. The government bears the risk of cost overruns beyond the fixed fee, but the fee itself is negotiated and capped. The contractor is incentivized to control costs to maximize profit but is guaranteed a fixed fee regardless of final project cost. This structure is often used for R&D where precise cost estimation is difficult, providing a predictable profit margin for the contractor.
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: $10,734,674
Exercised Options: $10,734,674
Current Obligation: $9,361,616
Actual Outlays: $2,600,599
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: 2022-12-23
Current End Date: 2026-09-21
Potential End Date: 2026-09-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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