DoD Awards $60.2M for SSBN Security Tech R&D to JHU APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $60,213,314 ($60.2M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-01-31
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,338 days
Daily Burn Rate: $45.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: S3119-SSBN SECURITY TECHNOLOGY
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $60.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: S3119-SSBN SECURITY TECHNOLOGY Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced research and development for critical national security assets. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized entity suggests unique capabilities required. 3. Long-term contract duration indicates a complex, multi-year research effort. 4. Focus on physical and engineering sciences aligns with advanced defense technology needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific task details, but the award amount is substantial for R&D.
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 increases costs compared to a competitive process. The justification for sole-source is critical for assessing value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity for specialized research, with potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.
Public Impact
Enhances national security through advanced technology development for submarines. Supports specialized scientific research and development capabilities. Potential for technological advancements with broad defense applications. Long-term funding commitment for a critical defense program.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Specialized R&D focus
- Critical national security application
- Established research institution
Sector Analysis
This award falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The Department of Defense is a major investor in this sector, particularly for advanced defense capabilities. Benchmarks are difficult without specific project details, but R&D spending can vary widely.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, which is not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure cost control and effective execution of research objectives. Regular reviews of progress and expenditures are essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competition, potentially increasing costs.
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns.
- Long contract duration may obscure performance issues over time.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
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 $60.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. S3119-SSBN SECURITY TECHNOLOGY
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 $60.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-01-31. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the specific justification for the sole-source award, and what unique capabilities does JHU APL possess for this SSBN security technology?
The justification for a sole-source award typically centers on the unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or proprietary technology held by a single entity. For SSBN security technology, this could involve highly classified research, specific intellectual property, or a long-standing, proven track record with the platform. Understanding these specifics is crucial for validating the necessity of bypassing competitive bidding and ensuring the government isn't paying a premium for non-unique services.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate potential cost overruns given the long duration and R&D nature of the contract?
Managing a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, especially for long-term R&D, requires robust oversight. The government must establish clear milestones, performance metrics, and regular audits to monitor expenditures against the fixed fee. Incentive clauses tied to cost savings or early completion, if applicable, can also help. Continuous communication and transparent reporting from the contractor are vital to identify and address potential cost escalations proactively.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this R&D contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure effectiveness and value for taxpayer investment?
Effectiveness will be measured through defined research milestones, successful prototype development, validation of security enhancements, and adherence to technical specifications. KPIs might include the successful demonstration of new security protocols, the integration of developed technologies into existing systems, or the achievement of specific performance targets related to threat detection or mitigation. Regular technical reviews and independent assessments will be critical to verify the contractor's progress and the ultimate value derived from the investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and 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, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Limited Liability Corporation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $67,738,413
Exercised Options: $67,738,413
Current Obligation: $60,213,314
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 35
Total Subaward Amount: $4,002,575
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0002422D6404
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-01-31
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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