Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab awarded $28.8M for Electronic Warfare Engineering, research and development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,769,448 ($28.8M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-03-01
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,674 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ELECTRONIC WARFARE ENGINEEERING - BEW11
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $28.8 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: ELECTRONIC WARFARE ENGINEEERING - BEW11 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competitive pricing. 2. Significant investment in a specialized R&D area critical for national security. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing and complex research needs. 4. Performance is tied to a fixed fee structure, incentivizing efficient delivery. 5. The awardee has a strong track record in advanced research and development. 6. Focus on electronic warfare indicates a strategic priority for the Navy.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $28.8 million for Electronic Warfare Engineering over approximately 5.5 years appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized R&D services. However, without direct comparable contracts for similar scope and complexity, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a predetermined profit, which can be appropriate for R&D where costs are uncertain, but it also necessitates careful oversight to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns. Benchmarking against industry standards for similar research projects would provide a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or is the only responsible source capable of meeting the requirement. While it ensures access to specialized expertise, it limits the potential for price competition, which could lead to higher costs for the government compared to a fully competed contract. The lack of competition means the government did not benefit from a bidding process to drive down prices.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not have received the benefit of competitive pricing, potentially leading to a higher overall expenditure for the research and development services.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Navy, which will receive advanced electronic warfare engineering capabilities. Services delivered include research and development crucial for maintaining technological superiority in electronic warfare. The contract's impact is primarily within the defense sector, enhancing national security. Workforce implications include specialized engineering and research roles, likely concentrated in areas with high concentrations of R&D talent.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires robust government oversight to manage costs effectively.
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep if not managed diligently.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical EW capabilities poses a potential risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Award to a highly reputable research institution (JHU APL) suggests a high likelihood of technical success.
- Focus on electronic warfare aligns with critical national defense priorities.
- Fixed fee component provides some cost certainty for the government.
- The contractor's established expertise in this domain is a significant positive signal for project execution.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. This area is critical for defense innovation, particularly in electronic warfare (EW), which involves the use of the electromagnetic spectrum for offense and defense. The market for EW R&D is highly specialized, often dominated by a few key research institutions and defense contractors with deep expertise. Spending in this niche is driven by the need for continuous technological advancement to counter evolving threats. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of EW R&D, but significant government investment is typical in this strategic area.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss': false and 'sb': false. The awardee, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, is a large research institution. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific contract is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, rigorous financial and performance monitoring is expected to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee is earned through satisfactory performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of R&D progress may be subject to security classifications. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development
- Naval Electronic Warfare Programs
- Advanced Technology Development Contracts
- Applied Physics Research
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Long contract duration
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, electronic-warfare, applied-physics, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, maryland, large-business, r&d-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $28.8 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. ELECTRONIC WARFARE ENGINEEERING - BEW11
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 $28.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-03-01. End: 2023-09-30.
What is the historical spending pattern for Electronic Warfare Engineering by the Department of the Navy?
Historical spending on Electronic Warfare (EW) Engineering by the Department of the Navy has been substantial and consistent, reflecting the critical nature of EW capabilities for naval operations. While specific figures for 'Electronic Warfare Engineering' as a distinct category can fluctuate based on reporting and program definitions, the Navy consistently allocates significant resources to R&D and procurement related to EW systems, countermeasures, and spectrum management. This includes investments in areas like radar jamming, electronic support measures, electronic attack, and cyber warfare integration. Over the past decade, annual spending on EW-related activities has often been in the billions of dollars across the Navy's various branches and research commands. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL) has historically been a major recipient of such funding, underscoring its established role as a key research partner for the Navy in advanced defense technologies, including EW.
How does the performance of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC compare to other contractors in similar R&D fields?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) generally holds an excellent reputation and track record in complex research and development, particularly within defense-related fields like electronic warfare. As a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), JHU APL is known for its objective, independent research and development capabilities, often tackling highly challenging and classified projects for government sponsors, primarily the Department of Defense. Compared to other contractors in similar R&D fields, JHU APL is often distinguished by its deep scientific and engineering expertise, its ability to transition research into practical applications, and its long-standing relationships with agencies like the Navy. While other large defense contractors also perform significant R&D, JHU APL's UARC status often positions it for unique, mission-critical research that requires a high degree of scientific integrity and long-term commitment, often outside the typical competitive bidding process for standard development contracts.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source contract for electronic warfare engineering?
The primary risks associated with this sole-source contract for electronic warfare engineering center around the lack of competitive pressure. Firstly, there is a risk of 'price creep' or paying a premium, as the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have driven down costs. Secondly, sole-source awards can sometimes lead to complacency in performance or innovation, as the contractor faces no direct threat of losing the contract to a competitor. Thirdly, there's a dependency risk; if JHU APL encounters significant performance issues or is unable to meet evolving requirements, the government has limited immediate alternatives without a lengthy and complex re-solicitation process. Finally, without a competitive baseline, it can be more challenging for the government to benchmark the value and efficiency of the services received against potential market alternatives, requiring robust internal oversight and performance metrics.
How effective is the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type for managing R&D projects like this one?
The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is frequently used for research and development (R&D) projects where the scope of work and final costs are inherently uncertain at the outset. Its effectiveness lies in allowing the contractor to be reimbursed for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost incurred. For the government, it provides a mechanism to fund innovative projects where precise cost estimation is difficult. However, the effectiveness of CPFF hinges critically on robust government oversight. The government must diligently monitor costs, ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract, and verify that the contractor is making efficient use of resources. Without strong oversight, there is a risk of cost overruns and potential for the contractor to prioritize fee realization over optimal project outcomes.
What is the typical duration and value range for similar R&D contracts in electronic warfare?
Typical durations for R&D contracts in electronic warfare can vary significantly, ranging from short-term feasibility studies (months) to long-term, multi-year research programs (several years). Contracts like this one, with a duration of approximately 5.5 years (1674 days), are common for complex, foundational research and development efforts that require sustained effort and iterative development. The value range for such contracts also varies widely, depending on the specific technological focus, the maturity of the research, and the scope of work. While $28.8 million is a substantial amount, it falls within the expected range for significant R&D initiatives in advanced defense technologies. Larger, system-level development or integration contracts could easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. Conversely, smaller, more focused research tasks might be valued in the low millions. The key factors influencing value are the complexity, the required expertise, the number of personnel involved, and the expected deliverables.
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
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: $29,638,964
Exercised Options: $29,638,964
Current Obligation: $28,769,448
Actual Outlays: $2,065,259
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: 2019-03-01
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-06-26
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