DoD awards $33.4M R&D contract to JHU Applied Physics Lab for strike performance testing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,352,575 ($33.4M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-04-23
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,255 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CONVENTIONAL PROMPT STRIKE PERFORMANCE/TEST & EVALUATION
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $33.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: CONVENTIONAL PROMPT STRIKE PERFORMANCE/TEST & EVALUATION Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical R&D for conventional prompt strike capabilities. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized research institution. 3. Significant taxpayer investment in advanced defense technology development. 4. Potential for long-term strategic advantage through enhanced strike performance.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract structure allows for flexibility in R&D while providing a defined profit margin. Benchmarking against similar specialized R&D contracts is difficult due to the unique nature of the work, but the award appears reasonable given the contractor's expertise.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded sole-source, likely due to the unique capabilities and established expertise of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC in this highly specialized R&D area. This limits price discovery through competition but ensures access to critical knowledge.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards advanced research and development, aiming for technological superiority. While competition is absent, the investment is justified by the strategic importance of the project.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced weapons system research. Supports cutting-edge scientific and engineering advancements. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting other sectors. Invests in specialized workforce development within the R&D community.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus contract may incentivize higher spending.
- Long performance period increases potential for cost overruns.
Positive Signals
- Award to a leading research institution ensures high-quality R&D.
- Focus on critical defense capability development.
- Contract aligns with national defense priorities.
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, with significant government investment often directed towards specialized institutions like JHU APL for advanced projects.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to small businesses. The specialized nature of the research and the contractor's unique expertise likely precluded small business participation in this specific instance.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy, is responsible for oversight. Given the sole-source nature and R&D focus, oversight will likely concentrate on technical progress, adherence to research milestones, and responsible cost management.
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
- Long contract duration
- Highly specialized R&D area
- 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 $33.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. CONVENTIONAL PROMPT STRIKE PERFORMANCE/TEST & EVALUATION
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 $33.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-04-23. End: 2023-09-30.
What is the projected long-term impact of this R&D on conventional prompt strike capabilities?
This R&D is expected to significantly advance the effectiveness and reliability of conventional prompt strike systems. By focusing on performance and testing, the project aims to refine existing technologies and potentially develop novel approaches, ensuring the U.S. maintains a critical deterrent capability and strategic advantage in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source R&D contract of this magnitude?
The primary risks include a lack of competitive pressure on pricing and innovation, potentially leading to higher costs than a competed contract. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in and reduced incentive for cost efficiency. Ensuring robust oversight and clear performance metrics is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D investment be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will be measured through rigorous testing and evaluation protocols defined in the contract, focusing on achieving specific performance benchmarks for conventional prompt strike capabilities. Milestones, deliverables, and final test results will be reviewed by the Department of the Navy. Independent technical reviews and validation of research outcomes against stated objectives will also be employed.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
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: $35,510,757
Exercised Options: $35,510,757
Current Obligation: $33,352,575
Actual Outlays: $522,886
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $2,214,123
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: 2020-04-23
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-10-09
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