DARPA awards $2.6M to JHU/APL for R&D support, extending existing UARC relationship
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,600,000 ($2.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2026-01-12
End Date: 2027-01-11
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DARPA RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES UNDER JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY (JHU/APL) UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTER (UARC)
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: DARPA RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES UNDER JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY (JHU/APL) UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTER (UARC) Key points: 1. Contract supports critical R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. JHU/APL is a long-standing University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). 3. No competition raises questions about price discovery and potential value. 4. Spending falls within the broad R&D sector, with specific benchmarks varying.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without detailed cost breakdowns, but the fixed fee component aims to control profit margins.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, relying on the established relationship with JHU/APL as a UARC. This limits price discovery and may not yield the best value compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are allocated without competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had bid.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research critical to national security and technological advancement. Leverages the specialized capabilities of a UARC, known for complex R&D. Lack of competition means less transparency on how the $2.6M is allocated. Long-term relationship with JHU/APL suggests continuity in critical research areas.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Limited transparency on cost breakdown
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D mission
- Utilizes established UARC expertise
- Clear contract duration
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under NAICS code 541715, Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is substantial, but benchmarks for UARC support services are highly specialized and context-dependent.
Small Business Impact
This contract is awarded to a large University Affiliated Research Center (JHU/APL) and does not appear to involve small business participation. The nature of UARC work often requires large, integrated research teams.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial given the sole-source nature and Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. DARPA will need to ensure rigorous monitoring of costs and performance to maintain accountability and achieve program objectives.
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
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on specific research tasks
- No small business subcontracting requirement 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 $2.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. DARPA RESEARCH SUPPORT SERVICES UNDER JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY (JHU/APL) UNIVERSITY AFFILIATED RESEARCH CENTER (UARC)
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 $2.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-01-12. End: 2027-01-11.
What is the specific research JHU/APL will conduct under this contract, and how does it align with DARPA's strategic goals?
The contract specifies 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the exact projects are not detailed, JHU/APL's role as a UARC suggests support for DARPA's cutting-edge, high-risk/high-reward research initiatives. Alignment would be assessed through DARPA's program objectives and the specific research tasks outlined in the SOW.
How does DARPA ensure fair pricing and prevent cost overruns with a sole-source Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract awarded to a UARC?
DARPA relies on established UARC agreements and historical cost data for pricing. For Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, the fixed fee is negotiated upfront, providing a ceiling on profit. Rigorous oversight, regular audits, and detailed performance monitoring are essential to manage costs and ensure the contractor operates efficiently within the agreed-upon parameters.
What is the long-term strategic value of maintaining a sole-source relationship with JHU/APL for DARPA's R&D needs?
The long-term value lies in JHU/APL's unique capabilities, established infrastructure, and deep institutional knowledge, which are critical for tackling complex, often classified, research challenges. This UARC model allows for rapid response and sustained focus on DARPA's mission without the overhead of competitive procurements for every task, fostering a trusted partnership.
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 › AGRICULTURE 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: $7,952,004
Exercised Options: $7,952,004
Current Obligation: $2,600,000
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: 2026-01-12
Current End Date: 2027-01-11
Potential End Date: 2027-01-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-09
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