DoD's Columbia Class Testing Program Awarded $781.7M to JHU APL for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,816,944 ($7.8M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-11
End Date: 2026-09-10
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: COLUMBIA CLASS TESTING PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $7.8 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: COLUMBIA CLASS TESTING PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. JHU APL, a key research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type carries inherent cost overrun risks. 4. Spending is concentrated in the R&D sector, specifically for naval defense.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts in R&D is challenging due to the inherent uncertainty in research outcomes.
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 compared to a competitive environment. The justification for sole-source is not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a significant R&D award raises concerns about the efficient use of taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Advanced research for the Columbia Class submarine program ensures technological superiority. Investment in specialized R&D supports national security objectives. The program's success is critical for future naval defense capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price scrutiny.
- CPFF contract type can incentivize cost increases.
- Lack of detailed justification for sole-source award.
Positive Signals
- Award to a highly reputable research institution (JHU APL).
- Focus on critical national security program (Columbia Class).
Sector Analysis
This award falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Government R&D spending benchmarks vary widely by agency and research area, but significant investments are typical for major defense programs.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC and does not appear to involve small business participation as prime contractors. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this sole-source, CPFF contract will be critical to ensure cost control and adherence to research objectives. The Department of the Navy's contracting office is responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures.
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
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on sole-source justification
- High dollar value award
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $7.8 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. COLUMBIA CLASS TESTING PROGRAM
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 $7.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-11. End: 2026-09-10.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or critical national security needs that cannot be met by other sources. Without the specific justification document, it's impossible to detail the rationale. To ensure fair pricing, the government should conduct thorough cost and price analyses, potentially involving independent cost estimates and negotiation with the contractor.
How will the Department of Defense mitigate the risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, particularly regarding potential cost overruns?
Mitigation strategies for CPFF contracts include robust oversight, detailed performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and strict adherence to the contract's scope. The government should actively monitor expenditures against the fixed fee and the estimated cost, ensuring that any deviations are justified and managed. Clear communication channels and proactive issue resolution are also crucial.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this R&D program, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure program effectiveness?
Key performance indicators for R&D programs are often tied to milestones, technical objectives, and deliverables. For the Columbia Class Testing Program, KPIs might include successful completion of specific research phases, validation of new technologies, and timely delivery of research reports. Effectiveness will be measured by how well these R&D outcomes contribute to the overall success and technological advancement of the Columbia Class submarine program.
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: $9,982,432
Exercised Options: $9,982,432
Current Obligation: $7,816,944
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $283,804
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: 2023-09-11
Current End Date: 2026-09-10
Potential End Date: 2026-09-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-06
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