DHS awards $12.4M for technical support to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,383,487 ($12.4M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2004-09-27
End Date: 2007-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR CONTAINER SECURITY AND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $12.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR CONTAINER SECURITY AND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-known research institution. 2. Focus on critical container security and chemical/biological defense. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing need. 4. No small business participation noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $12.4M over three years is substantial for specialized technical support. Benchmarking is difficult without specific service details, but the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure warrants scrutiny for potential cost overruns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC. This limits price discovery and may not leverage competitive market forces for cost savings.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity without competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher costs than a competed contract.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through specialized technical expertise. Supports critical infrastructure protection against chemical and biological threats. Ensures continuity of essential research and development services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- No small business involvement
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution
- Addresses critical national security needs
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically supporting defense and security initiatives. Spending in this sector is often driven by specialized expertise and national priorities, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The contract explicitly states no small business participation. This suggests the specialized nature of the work may not lend itself to subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, or they were not actively sought.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Homeland Security to ensure the contractor delivers on all requirements and that costs remain justified throughout the contract period.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-homeland-security, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $12.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR CONTAINER SECURITY AND CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL PROGRAM
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 Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $12.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-09-27. End: 2007-12-31.
What specific technical capabilities does Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory provide under this contract that justify a sole-source award?
The contract likely leverages APL's unique, long-standing expertise in areas such as advanced sensor development, threat assessment, and system integration for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) defense and container security. Their established research infrastructure and specialized personnel may be difficult to replicate or find competitively.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure mitigate risks for the government in this sole-source scenario?
While cost-plus contracts can increase risk, the fixed-fee component provides the government with a defined profit margin for the contractor. Effective oversight, clear performance metrics, and regular audits are crucial to manage costs and ensure value, especially given the lack of competition.
What is the long-term strategic value of this contract for the Department of Homeland Security's mission?
This contract provides sustained technical expertise critical for evolving threats in container security and biological defense. It ensures the government maintains access to specialized knowledge and research capabilities necessary for safeguarding national borders and public safety against complex, potentially catastrophic risks.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE Johns Hopkins University
Address: JOHNS HOPKINS RD 11100, LAUREL, MD, 20723
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $12,383,487
Exercised Options: $12,383,487
Current Obligation: $12,383,487
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-09-27
Current End Date: 2007-12-31
Potential End Date: 2007-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-01
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