DoD's $58.3M Tech Integration Follow-On Contract Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $58,331,813 ($58.3M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-06-15
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,202 days
Daily Burn Rate: $48.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION FOLLOW ON FY20 O&M
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $58.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION FOLLOW ON FY20 O&M Key points: 1. Significant contract value for R&D services. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition. 3. Long performance period (1202 days) warrants scrutiny. 4. Focus on R&D in physical sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this substantial contract may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for the research and development services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the sole-source nature of the award. The long duration of the contract could indicate complex or evolving research needs. The specific R&D focus is critical to understanding its public benefit.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a reputable research institution (JHU APL)
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense
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, especially in sole-source awards.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, which is not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates robust oversight from the Department of the Navy to ensure the contractor is performing effectively and costs are reasonable. Transparency in reporting is key.
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
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on specific R&D goals
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 $58.3 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION FOLLOW ON FY20 O&M
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 $58.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-06-15. End: 2023-09-30.
What specific technological advancements does this contract aim to achieve, and how do they align with national security priorities?
The contract focuses on 'TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION FOLLOW ON FY20 O&M' within R&D for the Department of the Navy. While the exact technological advancements are not detailed, such contracts typically support the development and integration of new capabilities to enhance national security. The alignment would depend on the specific research objectives and their direct contribution to the Navy's strategic goals and operational readiness.
Given the sole-source award and cost-plus fixed fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to ensure cost control and prevent contractor inefficiency?
With a sole-source, cost-plus fixed fee contract, robust government oversight is paramount. Mechanisms should include detailed cost monitoring, regular audits, performance metrics tied to fee, and clear definition of allowable costs. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) plays a crucial role in ensuring the contractor adheres to the contract terms and delivers value efficiently, justifying each expenditure.
How does the long performance period (over 3 years) impact the agility and relevance of the R&D outcomes in a rapidly evolving technological landscape?
A long performance period for R&D can be beneficial for complex, long-term research but also poses a risk of obsolescence or shifting priorities. Effective management requires built-in flexibility, regular reviews of research direction, and clear milestones to adapt to technological advancements. The Department of the Navy must ensure the R&D remains relevant and aligned with current and future needs throughout the contract's duration.
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: $58,822,451
Exercised Options: $58,822,451
Current Obligation: $58,331,813
Actual Outlays: $3,062,474
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 10
Total Subaward Amount: $1,715,267
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: 2020-06-15
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-10-28
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