DoD's Peregrine Program awards $1.92M to JHU APL for R&D, facing limited competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,202,240 ($19.2M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-01-29
End Date: 2027-01-28
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PEREGRINE PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $19.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: PEREGRINE PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract focuses on advanced R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Limited competition raises questions about optimal price discovery and potential cost efficiencies. 3. The fixed-fee structure provides some cost control but may limit contractor innovation incentives. 4. The sector is critical for national security and technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed closely. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed, indicating potential limitations in the solicitation process. This lack of competition may have resulted in a higher price than could have been achieved through a broader solicitation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized research, and the lack of competition raises concerns about the efficient use of these funds.
Public Impact
Investment in cutting-edge research with potential long-term national security benefits. Potential for technological breakthroughs that could impact various sectors. The specific research area is not detailed, limiting public understanding of the direct impact.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Limited transparency on specific research outcomes
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D for the Department of Defense
- Engages a reputable research institution (JHU APL)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a technological edge 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, a large research institution. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Navy awarded this contract. Oversight will be critical to ensure the fixed fee is appropriate and that the research objectives are met efficiently, especially given the limited competition.
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 public information on research scope and objectives
- No clear 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 $19.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. PEREGRINE 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 $19.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-01-29. End: 2027-01-28.
What is the specific research being conducted under the Peregrine Program, and how does it align with current defense priorities?
The specific research details are not publicly disclosed in the provided data. However, the NAICS code 541715 indicates Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). This suggests work in areas like advanced materials, complex systems engineering, or fundamental scientific exploration relevant to defense capabilities.
What justification was provided for not competing this contract, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?
The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED'. Justification for this is not provided. Given the limited competition and cost-plus fixed fee structure, robust oversight by the Department of the Navy is essential to validate costs and ensure the fixed fee adequately incentivizes performance without excessive profit.
What are the expected long-term outcomes or deliverables from this $1.92M investment in R&D?
The specific long-term outcomes are not detailed. As a research and development contract, deliverables likely include research reports, prototypes, feasibility studies, or foundational scientific knowledge. The value will be realized through the application of these outcomes to future defense technologies or strategies.
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: $26,211,087
Exercised Options: $26,211,087
Current Obligation: $19,202,240
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 10
Total Subaward Amount: $3,303,201
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: 2024-01-29
Current End Date: 2027-01-28
Potential End Date: 2027-01-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-27
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