DoD's $44.3M Sensor Netting Contract Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,335,571 ($44.3M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-03-28
End Date: 2022-03-27
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $40.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BKH70 - SENSOR NETTING (FAMILY OF SYSTEMS)
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $44.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: BKH70 - SENSOR NETTING (FAMILY OF SYSTEMS) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on R&D for sensor netting systems. 2. JHU Applied Physics Laboratory LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The award is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. This represents a significant investment in advanced sensor technology for the Navy.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. The total award amount is $44.3M, with a base of $40.5M. Further details on the fixed fee are needed for a complete assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive process. The justification for sole-source is not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Without competition, taxpayers may be paying a premium for the sensor netting technology.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced sensor integration. Supports technological advancement in defense research. Potential for dual-use applications in civilian sectors. Impacts the research and development landscape for sensor technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price transparency.
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
- Lack of justification for sole-source award raises oversight concerns.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution (JHU APL).
- Focus on critical defense technology (sensor netting).
- Long-term contract duration suggests sustained need.
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 superiority but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money, especially in sole-source awards.
Small Business Impact
This award does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is a sole-source contract with a large research institution. Opportunities for small business subcontracting are not evident from the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the pricing is fair and reasonable and that the government is receiving the best value. A clear justification for the lack of competition is essential for accountability.
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
- Cost-plus contract type
- Lack of competition justification
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on pricing
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 $44.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. BKH70 - SENSOR NETTING (FAMILY OF SYSTEMS)
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 $44.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-03-28. End: 2022-03-27.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure a fair and reasonable price without competition?
The provided data does not include the justification for the sole-source award. Typically, such justifications are based on factors like unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of market availability. Without this information, it's impossible to assess the price discovery process or confirm if a fair and reasonable price was achieved. Further investigation into the contract file is recommended.
What are the key performance metrics and deliverables for this sensor netting system, and how will their successful completion be measured to ensure effective use of funds?
The data provided does not detail the specific performance metrics or deliverables for the sensor netting system. Effective oversight would require a clear statement of work, defined milestones, and objective criteria for acceptance. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates rigorous monitoring of progress against these undefined metrics to mitigate risks of cost overruns and ensure the intended technological advancements are realized.
Given the significant investment, what is the projected long-term impact of this sensor netting technology on the Department of Defense's operational capabilities and future research directions?
The contract's focus on R&D for sensor netting suggests a strategic intent to enhance the integration and effectiveness of various sensing platforms. This could lead to improved situational awareness, faster decision-making, and more efficient resource allocation. The long-term impact will depend on the successful development and deployment of the technology, potentially influencing future defense architectures and R&D investments in related fields.
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 › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
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, Limited Liability Corporation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $47,921,665
Exercised Options: $47,921,665
Current Obligation: $44,335,571
Actual Outlays: $6,507,112
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: 2019-03-28
Current End Date: 2022-03-27
Potential End Date: 2022-03-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-29
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