DoD Awards $3.48M for BMD Systems Engineering Task Order to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,481,721 ($3.5M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-05-06
End Date: 2028-05-05
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM ALL TASKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TASK PLAN DATED 26 FEB 2025, ENTITLED"BMD SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, AND INTEGRATION - INTEGRATION AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE TASK PLAN"(ATTACHMENT1, SECTION J).
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $3.5 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM ALL TASKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TASK PLAN DATED 26 FEB 2025, ENTITLED"BMD SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, AND INTEGRATION - INTEGRATION AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE TASK PLAN"(ATTACHMENT1, SECTION J). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems engineering and integration. 2. JHU Applied Physics Laboratory, a long-standing research institution, is the contractor. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a previously awarded contract. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is the primary NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. Without more data on the fee structure and actual costs incurred, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the fixed fee component provides some incentive for cost control.
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 reduces competitive pressure, which could lead to higher costs for taxpayers. The rationale for sole-sourcing is not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if the contract had been competitively bid.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced missile defense capabilities. Supports ongoing research and development efforts in a critical defense sector. Potential for technological advancements in engineering and integration. Impacts the specific domain of missile defense systems and their operational effectiveness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical national security area
- Clear task plan provided
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on engineering and integration for missile defense systems. Spending in this area is crucial for national security but requires careful oversight due to its complexity and often specialized nature.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the contractor is a large research institution. This suggests that small businesses were not directly involved in this specific award, though they may be subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
As a delivery order under a larger contract, oversight may be embedded within the parent contract's framework. However, the sole-source nature necessitates robust oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective performance, especially given the CPFF structure.
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
- Sole-source award may not yield best value
- Limited transparency on fee determination
- No small business participation noted
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 $3.5 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM ALL TASKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TASK PLAN DATED 26 FEB 2025, ENTITLED"BMD SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, AND INTEGRATION - INTEGRATION AIR AND MISSILE DEFENSE TASK PLAN"(ATTACHMENT1, SECTION J).
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 $3.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-06. End: 2028-05-05.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the fixed fee determined to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding why competition was bypassed. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the government received the best possible value. The determination of the fixed fee in a CPFF contract is also key; it should reflect a reasonable profit margin for the work performed, balanced against the contractor's efficiency and cost management.
What are the specific performance metrics and deliverables for this task order, and how will their achievement be measured?
Understanding the specific performance metrics and deliverables is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of this contract. Clear, measurable objectives allow for objective assessment of the contractor's progress and the ultimate success of the BMD systems engineering and integration tasks. Without these, it's challenging to determine if the $3.48 million investment is yielding the desired technical and strategic outcomes.
How does the technical approach outlined in the task plan align with broader Missile Defense Agency objectives and current technological landscapes?
Assessing the alignment of the task plan with broader MDA objectives and current technology is crucial for understanding the strategic value and potential long-term impact of this contract. It ensures that the R&D efforts are not conducted in a vacuum but contribute meaningfully to the agency's mission and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
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: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › OTHER TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCAT SV
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, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Limited Liability Corporation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,239,703
Exercised Options: $12,239,703
Current Obligation: $3,481,721
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ085425D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-05-06
Current End Date: 2028-05-05
Potential End Date: 2028-05-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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