DoD Awards $2.18M for Tactical Situational Awareness Capability to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,182,445 ($2.2M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-08-08
End Date: 2027-02-07
Contract Duration: 913 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TACTICAL SITUATIONAL AWARENESS CAPABILITY
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $2.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: TACTICAL SITUATIONAL AWARENESS CAPABILITY Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-established research institution. 2. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Potential for advanced situational awareness technology development. 4. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. Benchmarking is difficult without specific performance metrics and comparable contracts in this specialized R&D area.
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 may not ensure the government receives the best possible value or innovative solutions available in the market.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitively awarded contract.
Public Impact
Enhances military operational effectiveness through improved situational awareness. Supports advanced research and development in a critical defense sector. Potential for spillover benefits into civilian applications of awareness technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type carries inherent cost risk.
- R&D focus can have uncertain outcomes.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Addresses a critical defense need for situational awareness.
- Long-term contract duration allows for development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be highly variable and difficult to benchmark due to its specialized nature.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC and does not appear to include provisions for small business participation. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award for R&D, oversight will be critical to ensure the contractor remains within scope, manages costs effectively, and achieves the defined research objectives. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking are essential.
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 risks.
- Uncertainty of R&D outcomes.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited transparency on specific deliverables.
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 $2.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. TACTICAL SITUATIONAL AWARENESS CAPABILITY
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 $2.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-08. End: 2027-02-07.
What is the specific technological advancement expected from this R&D contract, and how does it align with current and future tactical needs?
The contract aims to develop a 'Tactical Situational Awareness Capability.' While the specific technological advancements are not detailed, the objective is to enhance the warfighter's understanding of the battlespace in real-time. This aligns with the DoD's continuous push for information dominance and improved decision-making capabilities, particularly in complex and dynamic operational environments.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure doesn't lead to excessive spending without commensurate progress?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure requires robust government oversight. Mechanisms likely include detailed cost tracking, regular audits, defined milestones with associated payments, and clear performance metrics. The contracting officer must actively manage the contract to prevent scope creep and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate for the effort.
How will the effectiveness of the developed situational awareness capability be measured and validated, especially considering the R&D nature of the contract?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a phased approach. Initial validation may involve laboratory testing and simulations. As the capability matures, it would progress to field trials and operational testing within relevant military exercises. Key performance indicators related to data accuracy, timeliness, user interface, and integration with existing systems will be crucial for validation.
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: $3,949,565
Exercised Options: $3,949,565
Current Obligation: $2,182,445
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $104,594
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: 2024-08-08
Current End Date: 2027-02-07
Potential End Date: 2027-02-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-02
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