DoD's DARPA Awards $5.3M Research Contract to JHU Applied Physics Lab for Physical Sciences R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,313,207 ($5.3M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-01-01
End Date: 2027-11-07
Contract Duration: 1,406 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/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 $5.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. JHU Applied Physics Laboratory LLC is the sole awardee, indicating a non-competitive process. 3. The award is a Delivery Order under a larger contract, suggesting ongoing programmatic support. 4. The total value is $5.3 million over a period of approximately 3.8 years. 5. The sector is R&D, specifically within the physical sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type is common for R&D, but requires careful monitoring of indirect costs and fee application. Without comparable contracts for similar specialized R&D services, a precise pricing assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, likely due to the specialized nature of DARPA's research and the unique capabilities of the JHU Applied Physics Laboratory. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs compared to a competitive award.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity without competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.
Public Impact
Supports advanced scientific research critical for national security. The awardee, JHU APL, is a well-established research institution with a history of government contracting. Funding is allocated for R&D, potentially leading to future technological advancements. The contract duration extends over several years, indicating a long-term research objective.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed properly
Positive Signals
- Awardee has a strong track record in R&D
- Supports critical defense research objectives
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties in research.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is a large, non-small business entity. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific award, which is common for highly specialized research contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to ensure the fixed fee is appropriate and that costs are reasonable and allocable under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. Monitoring progress against research milestones is also key.
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
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on specific research deliverables
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 $5.3 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 $5.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-01-01. End: 2027-11-07.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how does it align with DARPA's mission to foster transformative technologies?
Sole-source awards are typically justified by unique capabilities, critical timelines, or the need for continuity with prior research. For DARPA, this often involves highly specialized expertise or proprietary knowledge held by a specific entity, like JHU APL, which is essential for advancing cutting-edge research that aligns with their mission to prevent technological surprise for the U.S.
How will the performance of JHU APL be monitored to ensure effective utilization of funds and achievement of research objectives?
Performance monitoring will likely involve regular technical reviews, milestone tracking, and financial reporting. DARPA program managers will assess progress against defined research goals, evaluate the quality of scientific output, and ensure adherence to the contract's cost and schedule parameters. This ensures taxpayer funds are used effectively for advancing critical R&D.
What are the potential long-term implications of this sole-source award on future competition for similar R&D services?
A sole-source award, while necessary for specific projects, can limit future competition if it establishes a de facto monopoly or discourages other entities from developing comparable capabilities. However, for highly specialized R&D, it can also foster deep collaboration and accelerate innovation, potentially leading to breakthroughs that benefit national security and justify the initial investment.
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: $9,183,515
Exercised Options: $9,183,515
Current Obligation: $5,313,207
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $216,952
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: 2024-01-01
Current End Date: 2027-11-07
Potential End Date: 2027-11-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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