DoD's $437M Hypervelocity Gun Program Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $43,697,640 ($43.7M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-02-25
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,678 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: HYPERVELOCITY GUN WEAPON SYSTEM PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $43.7 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: HYPERVELOCITY GUN WEAPON SYSTEM PROGRAM Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced weapon system R&D. 2. Sole-source award to a single research institution. 3. Potential for high technological advancement but limited competition. 4. Focus on R&D within physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is substantial, and without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this represents fair value.
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 potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for this research and development.
Public Impact
Advancement in military technology could enhance national security. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting civilian sectors. Significant taxpayer funding directed towards a single entity for R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- High R&D investment
Positive Signals
- Potential for technological breakthrough
- Award to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business participation, as it was awarded directly to a large research institution without competition.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the funds are used effectively and that the program meets its objectives without undue cost escalation.
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 and price discovery.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of transparency regarding specific program goals and metrics.
- Significant taxpayer investment without clear competitive benchmarking.
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 $43.7 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. HYPERVELOCITY GUN WEAPON SYSTEM 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 Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $43.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-02-25. End: 2023-09-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or critical national security needs that only one entity can fulfill. However, without detailed documentation, it's difficult to assess the thoroughness of the price negotiation process. Agencies should provide clear justifications and evidence of price reasonableness analysis, even in sole-source situations, to assure taxpayers of responsible spending.
What are the specific performance metrics and milestones for this hypervelocity gun program?
Specific performance metrics and milestones are crucial for tracking the progress and effectiveness of R&D programs, especially those with significant funding. Without defined benchmarks, it's challenging to evaluate whether the program is on track, achieving its technological goals, and delivering value for the investment. Regular reporting against these metrics is essential for accountability.
What is the projected long-term cost and potential return on investment for this weapon system program?
Understanding the long-term cost implications and potential return on investment is vital for any major defense program. This includes not only the initial R&D but also potential production, deployment, and maintenance costs. A clear assessment of the strategic benefits and technological advantages compared to alternative solutions is needed to justify the substantial taxpayer investment.
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: $48,298,425
Exercised Options: $48,298,425
Current Obligation: $43,697,640
Actual Outlays: $11,803,116
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $899,920
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: 2019-02-25
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-10-17
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