DoD's DARPA Awards $15.6M to JHU APL for R&D Support Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,574,247 ($15.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-09-15
End Date: 2027-11-07
Contract Duration: 1,879 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. JHU APL, a long-standing research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans nearly four years, indicating a significant, ongoing need. 4. The award is a Delivery Order under a previously awarded contract. 5. The specific NAICS code suggests a focus on scientific research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, raising questions about price discovery and whether other qualified entities could have provided similar services at a better value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being allocated without a competitive process, potentially leading to higher costs than a competed contract.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development for national security. Leverages expertise of a well-established research institution. Long-term nature of the contract suggests sustained investment in specific R&D areas. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Award to reputable institution
- Supports critical R&D mission
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541715. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award, as it was a sole-source contract with a large, established institution.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award, oversight is critical to ensure the fixed fee is reasonable and that the contractor is meeting all performance requirements efficiently.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on justification
- No small business participation evident
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 $15.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES
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 (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-15. End: 2027-11-07.
What was the justification for the sole-source award, and were alternative competitive approaches considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, critical urgency, or a lack of other responsible sources. Without specific details on the justification, it's difficult to assess if alternative competitive approaches were adequately explored. A thorough review would examine the documented rationale and any market research conducted to ensure the government received the best possible value.
How is the 'fixed fee' component of this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract being monitored to ensure it remains reasonable?
Monitoring the fixed fee in a CPFF contract involves regular reviews of the contractor's performance, cost projections, and adherence to the statement of work. Agencies should ensure the fee is commensurate with the risk and effort involved and that mechanisms are in place to adjust if performance deviates significantly. Transparency in fee calculation and justification is key for accountability.
What specific R&D outcomes or milestones are expected from this contract, and how will their achievement be measured?
Measuring R&D outcomes can be challenging due to the inherent uncertainty in research. The contract should ideally outline specific, measurable milestones, deliverables, or performance metrics tied to the research objectives. Regular progress reports, technical reviews, and independent assessments would be crucial to track progress and ensure the research is aligned with DARPA's strategic goals.
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)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $23,479,116
Exercised Options: $20,605,986
Current Obligation: $15,574,247
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 12
Total Subaward Amount: $2,175,059
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HR001122D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-15
Current End Date: 2027-11-07
Potential End Date: 2027-11-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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