DoD's $6.6M R&D contract with Johns Hopkins APL for advanced research, awarded non-competitively
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,615,242 ($6.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-08-20
End Date: 2030-08-19
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: C-01 SCOPE OF WORK (MAY 2005) THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM THE WORK SPECIFIED IN THE STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES/ STATEMENT OF WORK (SOO/SOW) OR OTHER ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS IN SECTION J OF THIS CONTRACT.
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: C-01 SCOPE OF WORK (MAY 2005) THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM THE WORK SPECIFIED IN THE STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES/ STATEMENT OF WORK (SOO/SOW) OR OTHER ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS IN SECTION J OF THIS CONTRACT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for advanced research and development, aligning with the Missile Defense Agency's strategic goals. 2. The contract's value of $6.6 million over five years suggests a focused scope for specialized R&D. 3. A non-competitive award indicates a potential reliance on unique expertise or a lack of market alternatives. 4. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure incentivizes cost control while allowing for flexibility in research. 5. Performance is situated in Maryland, a hub for defense contracting and R&D activities. 6. The contract duration of 1825 days (5 years) allows for sustained research efforts.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging without detailed scope comparisons. However, the $6.6 million award over five years for specialized research suggests a moderate investment. The CPFF contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed carefully, but it also allows for the necessary flexibility in exploratory research. Without more information on the specific deliverables and comparable projects, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult.
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 among multiple vendors. This typically occurs when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or is the only source capable of meeting the requirement. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was not utilized, potentially leading to higher costs than a competitive process might yield.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not receive the best possible price due to the absence of competitive bidding. The justification for a sole-source award needs to be robust to ensure public funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and the Missile Defense Agency, receiving advanced research outcomes. The contract supports cutting-edge research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, where the contractor is located. The contract likely supports a highly specialized workforce within The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potentially reduces value for taxpayer dollars.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not rigorously monitored.
- The specific research scope is not detailed, making it difficult to assess the true necessity and potential impact.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC) known for R&D expertise.
- Contract duration allows for sustained, in-depth research critical for advanced defense capabilities.
- Focus on R&D aligns with the agency's mission to develop future defense technologies.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for advanced defense R&D is characterized by high specialization and often involves long-term, complex projects. The Missile Defense Agency, as a key player in national security, invests significantly in this area to maintain technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale, specialized R&D contracts awarded to research institutions or defense contractors.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The nature of advanced R&D often involves large, established research institutions. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award, as it targets specialized, high-level research capabilities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Defense and the Missile Defense Agency. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and fixed fees are earned appropriately. Transparency would be expected through regular reporting from the contractor on research progress and expenditures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Missile Defense Systems Research
- Advanced Technology Development
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- Applied Physics Research Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit cost efficiency.
- CPFF contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Specific research outcomes and their direct applicability to missile defense are not detailed.
Tags
department-of-defense, missile-defense-agency, research-and-development, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, university-affiliated-research-center, maryland, advanced-technology, long-term-research, defense-contracting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. C-01 SCOPE OF WORK (MAY 2005) THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM THE WORK SPECIFIED IN THE STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES/ STATEMENT OF WORK (SOO/SOW) OR OTHER ATTACHMENTS AND EXHIBITS IN SECTION J OF THIS CONTRACT.
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 $6.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-20. End: 2030-08-19.
What is the specific research objective of this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' under the Missile Defense Agency. However, the specific objective or Statement of Work (SOW) is not detailed in the provided snippet. Typically, such contracts aim to advance scientific understanding or develop new technologies relevant to missile defense systems. This could encompass areas like advanced materials, sensor technology, propulsion systems, or computational modeling for defense applications. Further details would be found in Section J of the contract, which includes the SOO/SOW.
How does the $6.6 million value compare to similar R&D contracts in missile defense?
Directly comparing the $6.6 million value is difficult without knowing the precise scope and duration of similar contracts. However, for a five-year R&D effort, this amount suggests a focused project rather than a broad, multi-faceted program. Large-scale R&D initiatives within defense can range from tens of millions to billions of dollars. This contract's value implies a specific, perhaps foundational, research task. Benchmarking would require identifying contracts with similar technical objectives and contractor types (e.g., university-affiliated labs) within the missile defense domain.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee R&D contract?
The primary risks with a sole-source, CPFF R&D contract include potential cost overruns and a lack of competitive pressure on pricing. Since the contract is not competed, the government relies on the contractor's proposed costs, which may not be the most economical. The CPFF structure, while allowing flexibility for R&D, can incentivize the contractor to incur costs to achieve the fixed fee, especially if oversight is not stringent. Furthermore, reliance on a single source introduces program risk if the contractor faces performance issues or internal challenges. The lack of alternative sources limits the government's options.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC in defense R&D?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) has a long and distinguished track record in defense research and development. It operates as a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) for the U.S. Department of Defense, focusing on critical national security challenges. JHU APL is known for its expertise in areas such as missile defense, space systems, undersea warfare, and cybersecurity. They have consistently delivered advanced technological solutions and scientific insights to various government agencies, including the DoD, NASA, and the Intelligence Community, making them a highly credible and experienced contractor for complex R&D efforts.
How does the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' NAICS code relate to missile defense?
The NAICS code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' is highly relevant to missile defense. Missile defense systems are complex technological endeavors that rely heavily on advancements in physics (e.g., aerodynamics, materials science), engineering (e.g., structural design, guidance systems, propulsion), and potentially life sciences (e.g., human factors in control systems, biological countermeasures). This broad R&D category allows the Missile Defense Agency to fund research into fundamental scientific principles and applied engineering solutions that could lead to next-generation interceptors, sensors, command and control systems, or countermeasures.
What are the implications of the contract ending in August 2030 for future missile defense capabilities?
The contract's end date of August 2030 suggests that the research outcomes are intended to contribute to medium-to-long-term advancements in missile defense capabilities. If the research is successful, it could inform the development and fielding of new technologies or system upgrades that will become operational within the next decade. The agency will likely begin planning for follow-on efforts or integrating the research findings into broader acquisition programs well before the contract expires to ensure a smooth transition and continued technological superiority in missile defense.
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
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: $83,867,774
Exercised Options: $83,867,774
Current Obligation: $6,615,242
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: 2025-08-20
Current End Date: 2030-08-19
Potential End Date: 2030-08-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-08
More Contracts from THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
- Dragonfly Extended Phase B Mission Under 80msfc20d0004 Aerospace Research, Development and Engineering Support (ardes) II — $1.3B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Aerospace Research, Design, and Development Tasks for Nasa — $1.1B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Solar Probe Plus (SPP) Phase a Activities the Contractor Shall Perform the Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Contracting Officer. the Overall Scope of Work to BE Performed Will Support ALL of Nasa's Mission Directorates. These Efforts CAN BE Characterized AS Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support (ardes). the General Nature of the Tasks to BE Developed Will BE to Conduct Supporting Research and Advanced Technology Development Designed to Make Contributions to Space Science and Space Exploration and Assist Nasa in the Formulation and Execution of ITS Programs by Providing Nasa With Technical Advice, Studies, and Reports of Investigations. Efforts Undertaken by the Contractor, in the Performance of the Assigned Tasks, Which Include Technology Transfer, Partnering and Commercialization Activities, Shall Seek to Enhance the Value and Contribution of Technology to the Nation S Technological Competitiveness, Prosperity, Quality of Life, and Other National Priorities. Individual Task Orders Will Fall Within ONE of TWO Broad Categories: 1) Essential Research Capability of Space Systems Engineering, and Related Work in the Supporting Essential Research Capabilities of Systems Test and Evaluation, Information Technology, and Simulation, Modeling and Operations Analysis. Task Orders Within the Category of Essential Research Capabilities ARE Intended to Preserve the Nation S Capabilities to Perform Robotic Space Missions Over the Full Mission Life Cycle From Concept Formulation Through Mission Operations and Data Analysis. Nasa IS Contracting for Support in Several KEY Research, Engineering and Development Competencies That ARE Fundamental to the Performance of These Missions. 2) Other Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support. Task Orders Within the Category of Other Aerospace Research, Development and Engineering Support ARE Intended to Include a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program Responsibilities and Assignments. Regardless of Category, Task Orders MAY BE Issued Related to Autonomous Deep-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, Experiments, Instruments or Other Devices That MAY BE Carried AS Payloads on the Space Shuttle or on Other Spacecraft. Task Assignments Will Explicitly Describe a Broad Range of Hardware, Software, Systems Engineering, Scientific Analysis, and Management Efforts Including Program and Project Management and Administration — $894.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- SUN Earth Connection Living With a Star Program Letter Contract — $522.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (imap) Phase CD — $400.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)