DARPA awards $29.8M for research and development to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,804,771 ($29.8M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 425 days
Daily Burn Rate: $70.1K/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 $29.8 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive price discovery. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a broad category with significant government investment. 3. The contract duration of 425 days suggests a focused, short-to-medium term research effort. 4. The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type may incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored. 5. The awardee, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, has a strong track record in government contracting. 6. The contract is for research and development, a sector often characterized by high innovation and inherent risk. 7. The geographic location of the contractor in Maryland is a common hub for defense and research activities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and comparison to similar R&D efforts. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful oversight to ensure value for money, as it can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts. However, for highly specialized research, this contract type may be necessary to attract expertise.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one bidder was solicited. This approach is typically used when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities or when urgency precludes a full and open competition. The lack of competition means that pricing was not tested against market alternatives, potentially leading to a higher cost for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not receive the most competitive pricing due to the absence of multiple bids. The justification for sole-source procurement needs to be robust to ensure funds are used efficiently.
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 advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to new technologies. The geographic impact is primarily centered in Maryland, where the contractor is located, but the research outcomes could have national or global implications. The contract supports highly skilled researchers and technical staff within the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
- Lack of transparency in the sole-source justification could obscure the necessity of this approach.
- Research and Development contracts inherently carry risks of not achieving desired outcomes within budget or timeline.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (JHU APL) suggests a high likelihood of technical competence.
- DARPA's mission focuses on high-impact research, indicating potential for significant technological advancements.
- The contract duration is defined, providing a clear scope and timeline for the research effort.
- The specific NAICS code (541715) indicates a focus on specialized scientific and technical research.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715, which covers R&D in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. This sector is characterized by innovation, intellectual property generation, and often involves long-term investments with uncertain outcomes. Government spending in this area is crucial for national security, technological advancement, and economic competitiveness. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the highly specialized nature of R&D, but DARPA is a significant investor in cutting-edge research across various scientific disciplines.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside, nor is there an indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. As a sole-source award to a large research institution, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal. However, the institution may engage small businesses as subcontractors if their specialized expertise is required for specific research tasks.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, rigorous financial and performance monitoring will be essential to ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and the progress of the research would enhance public accountability. Specific Inspector General jurisdiction would typically fall under the Department of Defense.
Related Government Programs
- DARPA Research Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development
- Applied Scientific Research Contracts
- University Research Partnerships
Risk Flags
- Sole-source procurement
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited price competition
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, darpa, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, university-affiliated-research-center, maryland, applied-physics-laboratory, scientific-research, defense-advanced-research-projects-agency
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $29.8 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 $29.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-03-01. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC with federal contracts, particularly with DARPA?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) has a long and extensive history of contracting with the U.S. federal government, including significant work with DARPA. JHU APL is a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) and is known for its deep technical expertise and its role in developing advanced technologies for national security. They have consistently secured large federal contracts, particularly in defense and research and development. Their track record generally indicates strong performance, successful project completion, and a high level of technical proficiency. Specific data on past DARPA contracts would reveal a pattern of collaboration on complex, cutting-edge research initiatives, often in areas aligned with DARPA's mission to foster transformative technologies.
How does the $29.8 million award compare to typical DARPA research and development contracts?
The $29.8 million award for DARPA Research Program Support Services is a substantial, but not exceptionally large, figure within DARPA's overall contract portfolio. DARPA funds a wide range of projects, from small, exploratory grants to multi-year, multi-million dollar programs. Contracts can range from a few million dollars to tens or even hundreds of millions for major initiatives. This award falls within the mid-to-upper range for a specific research program support service, suggesting a significant scope of work or a critical research area. It is important to note that DARPA often awards multiple contracts for different aspects of a larger research objective, so this figure represents one component of their broader R&D investment.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for R&D?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract for R&D are twofold. Firstly, the sole-source nature eliminates competitive pressure, meaning the government may not achieve the most cost-effective pricing. The selected contractor does not have to compete on price, and the government relies on their proposed costs and fee. Secondly, the CPFF structure, while allowing for flexibility in research that may encounter unforeseen challenges, carries the risk of cost overruns. The contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which can incentivize spending to increase the total cost, as the fee is a fixed percentage of the estimated cost. Effective oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks by scrutinizing costs and ensuring the research stays within scope and objectives.
What is the expected effectiveness of this contract in advancing DARPA's research objectives?
The expected effectiveness of this contract hinges on the specific research objectives it supports and the capabilities of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC. Given JHU APL's strong reputation in R&D and DARPA's mission to pursue transformative technologies, there is a reasonable expectation of progress. However, the effectiveness of R&D is inherently uncertain. The sole-source award means DARPA has pre-selected JHU APL, presumably based on unique qualifications or prior work. The CPFF structure allows for adaptation to research challenges, which can enhance effectiveness by enabling exploration of different avenues. Ultimately, effectiveness will be measured by the scientific and technical advancements achieved, their potential for transition to practical applications, and whether they meet DARPA's strategic goals.
How has federal spending in the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' sector (NAICS 541715) trended historically?
Federal spending in the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' sector (NAICS 541715) has historically been substantial and generally increasing, driven by national security, economic competitiveness, and public health priorities. Agencies like the Department of Defense (including DARPA), National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health are major contributors. While specific year-over-year trends can fluctuate based on budget appropriations and national priorities, the overall trajectory reflects a sustained commitment to scientific advancement. Factors such as technological competition, emerging threats, and the need for innovation in areas like AI, biotechnology, and advanced materials tend to drive consistent or growing investment in this broad R&D category.
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: $29,804,771
Exercised Options: $29,804,771
Current Obligation: $29,804,771
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $16,690,675
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: 2025-03-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-04
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