DARPA awards $31.6M for research support services to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,572,522 ($31.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-10-11
End Date: 2026-10-10
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $43.3K/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 $31.6 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 potential for competitive pricing. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a critical sector for innovation. 3. The contract duration of approximately two years suggests a focused research effort. 4. Performance-based contract type indicates a focus on achieving specific outcomes. 5. The awardee has a strong track record in supporting complex research initiatives. 6. Geographic concentration in Maryland may indicate a regional focus for this research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and sole-source award. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of indirect costs. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing represents optimal value for money. However, the fixed fee component provides some cost control.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was solicited. This approach is typically used when a unique capability or specialized expertise is required, and competition is not feasible or practical. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was not utilized.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from the cost savings that can arise from a competitive bidding process. The government relies on negotiation and oversight to ensure a fair price in sole-source situations.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically DARPA, which will receive support for its research programs. Services delivered will likely involve advanced scientific research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment for researchers, scientists, and support staff at the contractor's facility.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
- Lack of transparency in the sole-source justification process.
Positive Signals
- Award to a well-established research institution with a proven track record.
- Focus on critical R&D areas aligned with national security objectives.
- Fixed fee component provides some level of cost predictability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is characterized by high innovation, specialized expertise, and often long development cycles. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of DARPA's mission and the specialized research areas it pursues. However, federal R&D spending is a significant portion of the overall budget, supporting advancements across various scientific disciplines.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The awardee, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, is a large research institution. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award, which could limit opportunities for smaller entities to participate in this specific research effort.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Accountability measures will likely be tied to the achievement of research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally limited for sole-source awards, but contract details and performance reports are typically available through federal procurement databases. 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
- Applied Physics Research
- Engineering and Life Sciences R&D
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type requires diligent oversight
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, darpa, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, maryland, applied-research, scientific-services, university-contractor, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $31.6 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 $31.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-10-11. End: 2026-10-10.
What is the specific research focus of this contract and how does it align with DARPA's strategic goals?
The contract is for 'DARPA RESEARCH PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES' and falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, which covers 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the specific research topics are not detailed in the provided data, DARPA's mission is to make pivotal early investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. Therefore, this contract likely supports research in advanced materials, novel sensing technologies, complex systems engineering, or other cutting-edge scientific and engineering fields that could provide a future technological advantage for the U.S. military. The alignment with strategic goals would be determined by DARPA's internal program objectives and priorities for the period of performance.
What is the historical spending pattern with The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC for similar services?
The provided data does not include historical spending patterns with The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC. To assess this, one would need to query federal procurement databases (like USASpending.gov or FPDS) for all contracts awarded to this entity, filter by similar NAICS codes (e.g., 541715) and contract types (e.g., Cost Plus Fixed Fee), and analyze the total value and duration of previous awards. This would reveal trends in their engagement with DARPA and other agencies for research support services, helping to contextualize the current $31.6 million award.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type influence cost control and potential for overruns?
A Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost. However, it also requires robust oversight from the government to ensure that all claimed costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. Potential for overruns exists if the scope of work expands significantly or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, leading to higher-than-anticipated allowable costs, even though the fee itself is fixed. Effective management and clear definition of the Statement of Work are crucial for mitigating risks associated with CPFF contracts.
What are the implications of awarding this contract on a sole-source basis for taxpayer value?
Awarding this contract on a sole-source basis means that competition was not sought, which generally limits the government's ability to achieve the lowest possible price through market forces. Taxpayer value can be diminished when competition is absent, as there is no direct comparison of bids to ensure the price is competitive. While sole-source awards are justified when a unique capability is required, they necessitate rigorous negotiation and oversight by the contracting agency to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. Without competitive pressure, the risk of paying a premium for the services increases, although the expertise of the selected contractor may justify the cost for specialized research.
What is the typical performance period for DARPA research support contracts of this nature?
The provided data indicates a performance period of 729 days (approximately two years) for this specific contract, with an effective start date of October 11, 2024, and an end date of October 10, 2026. DARPA research support contracts can vary significantly in duration depending on the complexity and scope of the research program. Shorter durations, like this one, often indicate focused, milestone-driven projects. Longer-term contracts may be used for foundational research or programs requiring sustained effort over several years. The two-year period here suggests a well-defined research objective or a phase within a larger, multi-phase program.
Are there any specific performance metrics or deliverables associated with this contract that can be assessed?
The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics or deliverables for this contract. However, as a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for research support services, it is highly probable that the contract includes a detailed Statement of Work (SOW) outlining the expected research objectives, tasks, milestones, and deliverables. Performance would be assessed against these defined criteria. DARPA typically requires regular progress reports, technical reviews, and final reports or prototypes, depending on the nature of the research. The effectiveness of the contract would be evaluated based on the contractor's ability to meet these defined performance standards and contribute to DARPA's research 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: $69,102,823
Exercised Options: $69,102,823
Current Obligation: $31,572,522
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $22,354,066
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: 2024-10-11
Current End Date: 2026-10-10
Potential End Date: 2026-10-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-30
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