DoD's $6.76M Integrated Fire Control Contract Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,764,441 ($6.8M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-01-31
End Date: 2027-01-30
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/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 $6.8 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: INTEGRATED FIRE CONTROL Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. JHU Applied Physics Laboratory LLC is the sole awardee, indicating a non-competitive process. 3. The award is for a Delivery Order under a larger contract, with a duration of 1095 days. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for R&D can be less predictable in terms of final cost. Benchmarking is difficult without knowing the specific deliverables and scope of work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces the incentive for the contractor to offer the most competitive price.
Taxpayer Impact: Without competition, taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value for the funds allocated to this research and development effort.
Public Impact
Advanced defense technology development may be impacted. Potential for specialized research capabilities to be advanced. Taxpayer funds are directed towards a specific research entity without competitive bidding.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical R&D area
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically within physical, engineering, and life sciences. Government spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement but requires careful oversight to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award, as it appears to be a sole-source contract with a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the fixed fee is appropriate and that the research objectives are met efficiently and effectively.
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 competitive bidding
- Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee
- Limited transparency on specific research goals
- No small business participation evident
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 $6.8 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 $6.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-01-31. End: 2027-01-30.
What specific research objectives are being pursued under this contract, and how do they align with national defense priorities?
The contract is for 'INTEGRATED FIRE CONTROL' research and development. While the specific objectives are not detailed, this likely pertains to advanced systems for target acquisition, tracking, and engagement. Alignment with defense priorities would depend on the Navy's current strategic needs for enhancing combat effectiveness and survivability through improved fire control technologies.
What justification was provided for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or urgent needs that only a specific entity can fulfill. For this contract, the justification would need to demonstrate why The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC is uniquely qualified. Fair and reasonable pricing would be assessed through cost analysis of the proposed budget and the fixed fee.
How will the effectiveness and impact of the research conducted under this contract be measured and evaluated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through milestone achievements, technical reports, prototype demonstrations, and adherence to the research plan outlined in the contract. The fixed fee structure implies that the contractor is incentivized to complete the defined scope of work. The Department of the Navy will be responsible for evaluating the research outcomes against the contract's objectives and determining its impact on future capabilities.
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: $9,887,695
Exercised Options: $9,887,695
Current Obligation: $6,764,441
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: 2024-01-31
Current End Date: 2027-01-30
Potential End Date: 2027-01-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-05
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