DoD awards $21.5M R&D contract for Integrated Fire Control to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,457,077 ($21.5M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-08-03
End Date: 2026-08-02
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INTEGRATED FIRE CONTROL
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.5 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: INTEGRATED FIRE CONTROL Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. The contract is a cost-plus-fixed-fee type, indicating potential for cost overruns. 3. A 3-year duration suggests a focused research effort. 4. The award was not competed, raising questions about price discovery and value. 5. The contractor, Johns Hopkins APL, is a well-established research institution. 6. The specific NAICS code points to a specialized R&D area.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specialized R&D nature and lack of competition. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs than fixed-price agreements if not managed carefully. Without comparable contract data or a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing represents good value for money. The fixed fee component provides some cost control, but the overall cost is subject to the actual expenses incurred.
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 or when urgency dictates a direct award. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for market forces to drive down prices or encourage innovative solutions from a wider pool of potential bidders. This raises concerns about whether the government obtained the best possible price and terms.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the most competitive pricing due to the absence of a bidding process. The government did not leverage competition to ensure cost efficiency for this specific research and development effort.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Navy, which will receive advanced research and development in integrated fire control systems. This contract supports advancements in defense technology, potentially enhancing national security. The research is expected to be conducted in Maryland, contributing to the local R&D ecosystem. The contract may indirectly benefit the scientific and engineering workforce involved in specialized research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition and potential for cost savings.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure carries inherent risk of cost escalation if not closely monitored.
- Lack of public detail on specific deliverables makes performance assessment difficult.
- Specialized R&D focus may limit broader applicability or commercialization potential.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (Johns Hopkins APL) suggests a high likelihood of technical competence.
- The contract duration of 3 years allows for focused and potentially in-depth research.
- The specific R&D area (Integrated Fire Control) is critical for defense modernization.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense-related R&D is substantial, with significant government investment aimed at maintaining technological superiority. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more specific details on the R&D scope, but R&D contracts often represent a smaller portion of overall defense spending compared to procurement or services. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory is a major player in this space, often receiving significant funding for advanced research.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb: false'. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal. However, the prime contractor, Johns Hopkins APL, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized support, though this is not a stated requirement of the contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Department of the Navy, the awarding agency. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, rigorous financial oversight and auditing will be crucial to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency may be limited due to the sensitive nature of defense R&D. The Inspector General for the Department of Defense would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations related to potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- Navy Advanced Technology Development
- Integrated Defense Systems Contracts
- Applied Physics Laboratory Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can increase cost risk.
- Lack of detailed public information on scope and deliverables.
Tags
research-and-development, department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, integrated-fire-control, not-competed, cost-plus-fixed-fee, delivery-order, maryland, applied-physics-laboratory, scientific-research, engineering-research, defense-technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.5 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. INTEGRATED FIRE CONTROL
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 $21.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-03. End: 2026-08-02.
What is the specific technical scope and expected outcome of the 'Integrated Fire Control' research?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' under NAICS code 541715, with the specific project title being 'INTEGRATED FIRE CONTROL'. However, the exact technical scope, specific research objectives, and anticipated outcomes are not detailed in the provided summary. Integrated Fire Control Systems typically involve the command and control of weapon systems, integrating sensors, targeting, and firing mechanisms. The R&D effort likely aims to advance capabilities in areas such as target acquisition, tracking, engagement coordination, or system resilience. Further details would typically be found in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS), which are not included here.
How does the $21.5 million award compare to historical spending on similar Integrated Fire Control R&D by the Navy?
Comparing this $21.5 million award to historical spending on similar Integrated Fire Control R&D by the Navy requires access to historical contract databases and specific filtering for R&D efforts within this domain. Without such data, a direct comparison is not feasible. However, $21.5 million represents a significant investment for a single R&D contract, suggesting a project of considerable scope or complexity. The Navy, as a major maritime force, consistently invests in advanced fire control technologies to maintain its operational edge. The 'not competed' status also means this figure might represent a pre-negotiated value rather than a price determined through competitive bidding, making direct historical comparisons less indicative of market value.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this contract, and how will they be measured?
The provided contract data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or milestones for this Integrated Fire Control R&D contract. Typically, for R&D contracts, milestones are tied to research progress, successful experimentation, prototype development, or the delivery of technical reports and data. Performance measurement would likely involve regular progress reviews between the contractor (Johns Hopkins APL) and the contracting officer's representative (COR) from the Department of the Navy. The success of the contract would be evaluated based on the achievement of these defined milestones and the quality of the research outcomes as documented in deliverables outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC in delivering on similar defense R&D contracts?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) has a long and distinguished track record of performing complex research and development for the U.S. government, particularly the Department of Defense. They are a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) and are known for their expertise in a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, including defense systems, space science, and national security. JHU APL has consistently delivered on numerous high-profile and critical R&D programs. While specific performance metrics for past contracts are not detailed here, their status as an FFRDC and their continued receipt of significant government contracts suggest a history of successful performance and reliability in meeting technical and programmatic requirements.
Given the 'not competed' status, what is the justification for awarding this contract solely to JHU APL?
The justification for awarding a contract on a sole-source (not competed) basis typically falls under specific exceptions to full and open competition, as outlined in federal acquisition regulations. Common justifications include: (1) the unique capabilities or specialized knowledge of the contractor, (2) urgency of the requirement, (3) only one responsible source exists, or (4) for R&D purposes where a specific entity's expertise is critical and cannot be replicated. For JHU APL, a recognized FFRDC, the justification likely stems from their unique expertise, established infrastructure, and prior work in related defense technology areas, making them the only or most qualified entity to perform the specific R&D required for this Integrated Fire Control project efficiently and effectively.
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: $34,189,090
Exercised Options: $34,189,090
Current Obligation: $21,457,077
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: 2023-08-03
Current End Date: 2026-08-02
Potential End Date: 2026-08-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-03-14
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