DARPA awards $6.07M to Johns Hopkins APL for R&D support, facing limited competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,071,457 ($6.1M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-01-23
End Date: 2027-01-29
Contract Duration: 1,467 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.1K/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 $6.1 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized R&D support. 2. Sole-source award limits competitive pricing. 3. Potential for high-impact research outcomes. 4. Focus on advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable contracts.
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 leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development for national security. Leverages expertise of a leading research institution. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Limited transparency on specific R&D goals
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Supports advanced technology development
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight due to its specialized nature and often non-competitive awards.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is a large university-affiliated laboratory, and there is no indication of small business participation in this specific contract. Opportunities for small businesses may exist in subcontracting roles, but this is not explicitly stated.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award for R&D, oversight will be critical to ensure the funds are used effectively and that the research aligns with DARPA's objectives. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking are essential.
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
- Cost-plus contract type increases risk of overspending
- Potential for limited transparency in R&D progress
- No explicit 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 $6.1 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 $6.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-01-23. End: 2027-01-29.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will their success be measured?
The contract aims to provide research program support services to DARPA. Specific objectives are not detailed in the provided data. Success measurement would likely involve achieving defined research milestones, delivering prototypes or reports, and contributing to DARPA's broader mission goals. A detailed statement of work and performance metrics would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent potential overruns?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires robust oversight. DARPA should implement stringent financial controls, regular audits, and performance-based incentives. Clear communication channels and defined deliverables are crucial to manage costs effectively and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the work performed, mitigating the risks associated with non-competitive awards.
How does this contract align with DARPA's broader strategic goals and contribute to technological advancement?
This contract supports DARPA's mission to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. By contracting with a leading institution like Johns Hopkins APL, DARPA aims to leverage specialized expertise in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The specific alignment depends on the unstated research objectives, but it is intended to foster innovation and maintain a technological edge.
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: $7,277,346
Exercised Options: $7,277,346
Current Obligation: $6,071,457
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: 2023-01-23
Current End Date: 2027-01-29
Potential End Date: 2027-01-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-14
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