DoD awards $41.4M to Johns Hopkins APL for ASW Sensor Development & System Engineering
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $41,385,125 ($41.4M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-09-27
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,829 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ASW SENSOR DEVELOPMENT&SYSTEM ENGINEERING
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $41.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: ASW SENSOR DEVELOPMENT&SYSTEM ENGINEERING Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced ASW technology. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized research institution. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests complex, ongoing R&D. 4. Potential for technological advancements in naval defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, citing the unique capabilities of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs compared to a competitive award.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competition for this specialized research and development.
Public Impact
Enhances U.S. Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Supports advanced research and development in a critical defense area. Contributes to technological superiority in naval operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Specialized expertise
- Critical defense capability development
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological advantage, but often involves high costs and inherent risks due to the exploratory nature of the work.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to small businesses, as it was a sole-source award to a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates close monitoring of expenditures to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively for the intended research.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
- Specialized R&D carries inherent technical risks.
- Lack of small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $41.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. ASW SENSOR DEVELOPMENT&SYSTEM ENGINEERING
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 (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $41.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-27. End: 2023-09-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and has it been reviewed for potential competition?
The justification for the sole-source award typically centers on the unique capabilities and specialized knowledge of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC in ASW sensor development. A thorough review should confirm that no other entity possesses the requisite expertise or facilities to perform this specific, highly technical work, thereby ensuring the government receives the best possible outcome for this critical national security requirement.
How will the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure be managed to mitigate potential cost overruns?
Effective management of a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract requires stringent oversight, detailed cost tracking, and regular performance reviews. The Navy must establish clear milestones and performance metrics, closely monitor all incurred costs against the estimated budget, and implement change control processes to prevent scope creep. Regular communication and collaboration between the contracting officer and the contractor are essential to ensure alignment and control.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this R&D contract, and how will success be measured?
Key performance indicators for this ASW sensor development contract would likely include successful prototype development, achievement of specific sensor performance metrics (e.g., detection range, accuracy, false alarm rates), successful system integration, and timely delivery of research findings. Success will be measured against predefined technical requirements and milestones outlined in the contract statement of work, ensuring the project meets its advanced technological objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE Johns Hopkins University
Address: 11100 JOHNS HOPKINS RD, LAUREL, MD, 20723
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $43,733,206
Exercised Options: $43,733,206
Current Obligation: $41,385,125
Actual Outlays: $6,283,582
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $384,525
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0002413D6400
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-27
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-04-03
More Contracts from THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
- Dragonfly Extended Phase B Mission Under 80msfc20d0004 Aerospace Research, Development and Engineering Support (ardes) II — $1.3B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Aerospace Research, Design, and Development Tasks for Nasa — $1.1B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Solar Probe Plus (SPP) Phase a Activities the Contractor Shall Perform the Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Contracting Officer. the Overall Scope of Work to BE Performed Will Support ALL of Nasa's Mission Directorates. These Efforts CAN BE Characterized AS Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support (ardes). the General Nature of the Tasks to BE Developed Will BE to Conduct Supporting Research and Advanced Technology Development Designed to Make Contributions to Space Science and Space Exploration and Assist Nasa in the Formulation and Execution of ITS Programs by Providing Nasa With Technical Advice, Studies, and Reports of Investigations. Efforts Undertaken by the Contractor, in the Performance of the Assigned Tasks, Which Include Technology Transfer, Partnering and Commercialization Activities, Shall Seek to Enhance the Value and Contribution of Technology to the Nation S Technological Competitiveness, Prosperity, Quality of Life, and Other National Priorities. Individual Task Orders Will Fall Within ONE of TWO Broad Categories: 1) Essential Research Capability of Space Systems Engineering, and Related Work in the Supporting Essential Research Capabilities of Systems Test and Evaluation, Information Technology, and Simulation, Modeling and Operations Analysis. Task Orders Within the Category of Essential Research Capabilities ARE Intended to Preserve the Nation S Capabilities to Perform Robotic Space Missions Over the Full Mission Life Cycle From Concept Formulation Through Mission Operations and Data Analysis. Nasa IS Contracting for Support in Several KEY Research, Engineering and Development Competencies That ARE Fundamental to the Performance of These Missions. 2) Other Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support. Task Orders Within the Category of Other Aerospace Research, Development and Engineering Support ARE Intended to Include a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program Responsibilities and Assignments. Regardless of Category, Task Orders MAY BE Issued Related to Autonomous Deep-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, Experiments, Instruments or Other Devices That MAY BE Carried AS Payloads on the Space Shuttle or on Other Spacecraft. Task Assignments Will Explicitly Describe a Broad Range of Hardware, Software, Systems Engineering, Scientific Analysis, and Management Efforts Including Program and Project Management and Administration — $894.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- SUN Earth Connection Living With a Star Program Letter Contract — $522.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (imap) Phase CD — $400.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)