DoD's $109M R&D contract for advanced radars awarded to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,944,101 ($10.9M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-08-20
End Date: 2027-08-19
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ADVANCED RADARS
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.9 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: ADVANCED RADARS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical research and development in advanced radar systems. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized research institution raises questions about competition. 3. Long duration (1094 days) suggests a complex, multi-phase research effort. 4. Performance is benchmarked against similar R&D efforts in defense technology. 5. The contract's value is significant within the defense R&D sector. 6. Risk indicators include potential for cost overruns in fixed-fee contracts and limited market research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $109.4 million for R&D in advanced radar systems is substantial. Benchmarking against similar, complex R&D efforts is challenging due to the specialized nature of the work. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, while common for R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not meticulously managed. Without more detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to independently developed technologies, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC. This indicates that the agency determined only this specific entity possessed the unique capabilities or knowledge required for this advanced research. While sole-source awards can be justified for highly specialized R&D, they bypass the competitive process, potentially limiting price discovery and the opportunity for other innovative firms to contribute.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers do not benefit from the cost savings that can arise from a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to higher overall expenditure for the government.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, which will receive advancements in radar technology crucial for national security. The contract supports cutting-edge research and development in physical sciences and engineering. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is located. This contract supports highly skilled research scientists and engineers, contributing to the specialized workforce in defense R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- Lack of competition may stifle innovation from other potential contractors.
- The specialized nature of R&D makes performance metrics and oversight complex.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution like Johns Hopkins APL suggests a high likelihood of technical expertise.
- Focus on advanced radar technology addresses critical defense needs.
- Long contract duration allows for in-depth research and development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on advanced radar systems. The market for defense-related R&D is characterized by high specialization and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of advanced technology development, but overall federal R&D spending in defense is in the tens of billions annually. This contract represents a focused investment within that larger landscape.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to a large, established research institution like Johns Hopkins APL typically means prime contract work is performed by the institution itself or its direct employees, rather than being distributed through a network of smaller firms.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Navy, likely through program managers and contracting officers responsible for R&D. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature and the classified or sensitive aspects of advanced radar research. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Advanced Sensor Development Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development
- Naval Technology Advancement Initiatives
- Electronic Warfare Systems Research
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit cost efficiency.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure carries risk of cost escalation.
- Lack of public detail on specific R&D goals hinders transparency.
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, research-and-development, advanced-radars, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, johns-hopkins-university-applied-physics-laboratory-llc, maryland, naics-541715, defense-contract, long-duration-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.9 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. ADVANCED RADARS
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 $10.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-20. End: 2027-08-19.
What is the specific technological advancement sought in this advanced radar R&D contract?
The provided data does not specify the exact technological advancement sought. The contract falls under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).' This broad category suggests the research could encompass areas like improved signal processing, enhanced detection capabilities, novel antenna designs, or integration with other defense systems. Further details would likely be found in the contract's statement of work, which is not publicly available in this dataset. The focus on 'ADVANCED RADARS' implies a push beyond current capabilities to address evolving threats or operational requirements.
How does the $109.4 million cost compare to similar R&D contracts for advanced radar systems?
Directly comparing the $109.4 million cost to similar R&D contracts for advanced radar systems is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of classified or specialized defense R&D procurements. However, for complex, multi-year research initiatives in cutting-edge defense technology, this figure is within a plausible range. The sole-source nature of this award, however, means that the price was not subjected to competitive benchmarking, which could have potentially driven down costs. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type also means that the final cost could fluctuate based on effort expended, making a fixed comparison difficult until project completion.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for advanced R&D?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract for advanced R&D are twofold. Firstly, the sole-source nature eliminates competitive pressure, potentially leading to less favorable pricing for the government and reduced incentive for the contractor to optimize costs. Secondly, the CPFF structure, while allowing flexibility for R&D where costs can be unpredictable, carries the risk of cost overruns. The contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. If the R&D effort requires more resources than initially anticipated, the total cost to the government can increase significantly, even though the contractor's profit margin (the fixed fee) remains constant. Robust oversight and clear definition of allowable costs are crucial to mitigate these risks.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC in defense R&D?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU APL) has a long and distinguished track record in defense research and development, particularly for the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy. It operates as a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), a designation that signifies its deep technical expertise, objective analysis capabilities, and commitment to national security missions. JHU APL has been instrumental in developing numerous critical defense technologies, including advanced sensors, strategic systems, and cybersecurity solutions. Their consistent performance and specialized knowledge often lead to sole-source or preferred contractor status for highly complex and sensitive R&D projects, as seen in this advanced radar contract.
How does this contract align with the Department of the Navy's strategic priorities in radar technology?
This contract directly aligns with the Department of the Navy's strategic priorities by investing in the advancement of radar technology. Modern naval operations rely heavily on sophisticated radar systems for surveillance, navigation, targeting, and electronic warfare. As threats evolve and the electromagnetic spectrum becomes more contested, the Navy requires next-generation radar capabilities to maintain its technological edge. Research and development in areas like multi-function arrays, low-probability-of-intercept radar, and advanced signal processing are crucial for future fleet readiness. Awarding this contract to JHU APL, a known leader in defense R&D, suggests the Navy is pursuing high-impact advancements critical to its long-term operational effectiveness and national security mission.
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: $23,178,933
Exercised Options: $23,178,933
Current Obligation: $10,944,101
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: 2024-08-20
Current End Date: 2027-08-19
Potential End Date: 2027-08-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-16
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