DARPA awards $22.9M for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,914,691 ($22.9M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-06-03
End Date: 2025-01-15
Contract Duration: 226 days
Daily Burn Rate: $101.4K/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 $22.9 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, highly specialized research institution, suggesting a focus on unique capabilities. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control while allowing for flexibility in research scope. 3. Performance period is relatively short (226 days), indicating a focused project or a phase within a larger research effort. 4. The research falls under NAICS code 541715, encompassing a broad range of scientific and technical R&D. 5. Geographic location of the contractor is Maryland, a hub for defense and research activities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific deliverables or comparable projects. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost is not fixed upfront, making direct price comparisons difficult. However, the fixed fee component provides some level of cost certainty for the government. The award amount of $22.9 million for a research and development effort of this nature and duration appears within a reasonable range for specialized scientific services.
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. This typically occurs when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, expertise, or intellectual property essential for the project. The lack of competition means the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could drive down prices or offer alternative technical approaches.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to competed contracts, as the government does not have the leverage of multiple offers to ensure the best value.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically DARPA, which will receive advanced research and development services. The services delivered will contribute to scientific and technological advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is primarily centered in Maryland, where the contractor is located, potentially supporting local research talent. Workforce implications include the utilization of highly skilled researchers and technical staff at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may limit opportunities for other research institutions and potentially increase costs.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require careful monitoring to ensure costs remain reasonable and within scope.
- The short performance period might indicate a need for rapid development or a specific, time-sensitive research objective.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution like Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory suggests a high likelihood of technical expertise and quality research.
- DARPA's involvement indicates a focus on cutting-edge research with potential for significant technological breakthroughs.
- The fixed fee component provides a degree of cost predictability for the government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically NAICS 541715. This sector is characterized by innovation and the pursuit of new knowledge and applications. The market for R&D services is highly specialized, often involving academic institutions, dedicated research organizations, and specialized private firms. Spending in this area by agencies like DARPA is crucial for maintaining technological superiority and addressing future national security challenges. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of R&D projects, but significant government investment is typical for advanced research initiatives.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not competed and does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The award is to a large, well-established research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data, suggesting limited direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, oversight would focus on monitoring expenditures, ensuring adherence to the research scope, and verifying the achievement of milestones. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- DARPA Research Programs
- Department of Defense R&D Contracts
- University Research Support Services
- Physical Sciences Research
- Engineering Sciences Research
- Life Sciences Research
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee requires diligent cost oversight.
- Short performance period may indicate high-pressure timeline or phased approach.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, darpa, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, scientific-research, engineering-research, life-sciences-research, maryland, delivery-order
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.9 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 $22.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-06-03. End: 2025-01-15.
What is the specific research focus or objective of this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES' under NAICS code 541715, which covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. However, the specific research objectives, project goals, or technical areas of focus are not detailed in the summary data. DARPA typically funds high-risk, high-reward research aimed at developing transformative technologies for national security. Without further documentation, the precise scientific or engineering challenges being addressed remain unspecified.
How does the $22.9 million award compare to typical DARPA research contracts in this domain?
The $22.9 million award for a research and development effort of approximately 7.5 months (June 2024 to January 2025) is substantial but not unusual for DARPA. DARPA's funding portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from foundational research grants to large-scale technology development programs. Contracts can range from a few million dollars for exploratory research to tens or even hundreds of millions for major program initiatives. Given the specialized nature of R&D and the reputation of the contractor, this award appears to be within the expected range for a significant DARPA-funded project in the physical, engineering, or life sciences.
What are the key risks associated with a sole-source Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?
A primary risk of a sole-source award is the potential for reduced price competition, which could lead to higher costs for the government compared to a fully competed contract. For Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, the risk lies in managing the 'cost plus' aspect; while the fee is fixed, the government bears the cost of performing the work. If the contractor's costs escalate unexpectedly due to unforeseen technical challenges or inefficiencies, the total contract value could increase significantly. Effective oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks by ensuring costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable, and that the research stays within its defined scope and objectives.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory with DARPA?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL) has a long and extensive history of supporting DARPA and other government agencies with advanced research and development. JHU APL is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) and is renowned for its expertise across a wide spectrum of scientific and engineering disciplines, particularly in areas relevant to national security. They have consistently been awarded significant contracts by DARPA for complex research projects, demonstrating a strong track record of technical capability, project execution, and delivering innovative solutions. Their deep institutional knowledge and specialized facilities make them a frequent and trusted partner for DARPA's ambitious research endeavors.
What are the implications of the short performance period (226 days) for this research?
A short performance period of 226 days (approximately 7.5 months) for a $22.9 million research contract suggests a highly focused objective or a specific phase within a larger research program. It could indicate a need for rapid prototyping, a feasibility study, the development of a specific component, or the completion of a critical research milestone within a tight timeframe. This compressed schedule may require intensive effort from the research team and potentially limit the scope of exploration compared to longer-term projects. It also implies that subsequent phases or follow-on work may be anticipated if the initial objectives are met successfully.
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: $22,914,691
Exercised Options: $22,914,691
Current Obligation: $22,914,691
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $4,225,732
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: 2024-06-03
Current End Date: 2025-01-15
Potential End Date: 2025-01-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-12-06
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