DoD's $46.7M Sensor Netting Contract Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $46,693,466 ($46.7M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-06-10
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 842 days
Daily Burn Rate: $55.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: BKH75-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 $46.7 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: BKH75-SENSOR NETTING (FAMILY OF SYSTEMS) Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in sensor technology. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Contract duration of over two years suggests a complex, ongoing project. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D aligns with defense modernization needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not carefully managed. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable contracts.
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 reduces opportunities for competitive bidding and cost efficiencies.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for a sole-source R&D contract, where the full value and efficiency are harder to ascertain without competitive pressure.
Public Impact
Advancement in sensor technology could lead to improved defense capabilities. Potential for innovation in research and development within the physical sciences. Investment in a well-established research institution like JHU APL. Lack of competition may limit transparency for the public regarding cost-effectiveness.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Lack of detailed public information on deliverables.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Focus on critical R&D for national security.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, which is not typically considered 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 warrants scrutiny. Oversight should focus on ensuring the fixed fee is reasonable and that the project stays within scope and budget, given the lack of competitive pressure.
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.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to higher costs.
- Lack of transparency on specific R&D deliverables.
- Potential for cost overruns without competitive pressure.
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 $46.7 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. BKH75-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 $46.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-06-10. End: 2023-09-30.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this sensor netting R&D, and how do they align with current defense priorities?
The contract aims to advance sensor netting capabilities, likely for improved situational awareness, intelligence gathering, and command and control systems. These advancements are critical for modernizing defense infrastructure and maintaining a technological edge against adversaries. Specific expected outcomes would typically be detailed in the contract's statement of work, focusing on areas like sensor fusion, data processing, and network integration.
Given the sole-source award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure provides fair value and prevents cost overruns?
With a sole-source award and a cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, robust oversight is essential. The Department of Defense must implement stringent monitoring of JHU APL's expenditures, ensuring all costs are allowable and reasonable. Regular audits and performance reviews are critical to validate progress against milestones and to ensure the fixed fee remains justified throughout the contract's duration.
How will the effectiveness and impact of the developed sensor netting technology be measured and validated post-development?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through rigorous testing and evaluation phases, potentially involving simulations and field exercises. Validation will involve comparing performance metrics against predefined requirements and benchmarks. The ultimate impact will be assessed by how well the technology integrates into existing defense systems and enhances operational capabilities, contributing to mission success and national security objectives.
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
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: $46,693,466
Exercised Options: $46,693,466
Current Obligation: $46,693,466
Actual Outlays: $195,661
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 3
Total Subaward Amount: $148,823
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: 2021-06-10
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-04-10
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