DoD's $23.6M R&D contract for weapon systems and C2 awarded to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,589,563 ($23.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-09-25
End Date: 2027-09-24
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: INITEGRATED FUN WEAPON SYSTEMS AND COMMAND AND CONTROL
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $23.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: INITEGRATED FUN WEAPON SYSTEMS AND COMMAND AND CONTROL Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competitive pricing. 2. Significant investment in research and development for advanced weapon systems. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests a need for sustained innovation. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D, excluding specific high-tech areas. 5. Geographic concentration of work in Maryland. 6. Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's value of $23.6 million for a 3-year duration for R&D in weapon systems and command and control is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the deliverables. Given the sole-source nature, there's a risk that the pricing may not reflect competitive market rates. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified by the scope of work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was considered. This approach is typically used when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities or when circumstances preclude full and open competition. The lack of multiple bidders means there was no direct price competition, potentially leading to higher costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. Without market comparison, it's challenging to ascertain if the negotiated price represents the best value.
Public Impact
The Department of Defense benefits from advanced research in integrated weapon systems and command and control. This contract supports the development of next-generation military capabilities. The primary geographic impact is in Maryland, where the contractor is located. The contract likely supports a specialized workforce in R&D roles within the applied physics laboratory.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition and potentially increases costs.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to control expenditures.
- Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep if not managed effectively.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (Johns Hopkins APL) known for R&D expertise.
- Focus on critical defense capabilities (weapon systems and C2).
- Potential for significant technological advancements benefiting national security.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for defense R&D is characterized by high specialization, long development cycles, and significant government investment. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the specific technological advancements sought, but R&D contracts for advanced defense systems often represent substantial investments.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. As a sole-source award to a large research institution, there are limited direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless specifically mandated or pursued by the prime contractor. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract will be critical. The Department of the Navy will need to closely monitor expenditures, ensure adherence to the scope of work, and validate the reasonableness of costs incurred. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and the progress of R&D efforts will be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud or significant mismanagement.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Research and Development Programs
- Advanced Weapon Systems Development
- Command and Control Systems Research
- Applied Physics Laboratory Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of detailed public justification for sole-source award
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-navy, research-and-development, weapon-systems, command-and-control, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, applied-physics-laboratory, maryland, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $23.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. INITEGRATED FUN WEAPON SYSTEMS AND COMMAND AND 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 $23.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-25. End: 2027-09-24.
What is the specific technological advancement or capability this contract aims to develop?
The contract data indicates the focus is on 'INTEGRATED FUN WEAPON SYSTEMS AND COMMAND AND CONTROL.' This suggests research and development efforts are directed towards creating or improving systems that integrate offensive capabilities with the systems used to manage and direct military operations. The specific nature of these advancements, such as novel sensor integration, enhanced targeting algorithms, or improved communication protocols within weapon platforms, would require access to the detailed SOW (Statement of Work) or technical exhibits associated with the contract. Without this granular detail, the exact technological leap remains unspecified beyond the broad categories.
How does the $23.6 million cost compare to similar R&D efforts in weapon systems and C2?
Benchmarking this $23.6 million contract against similar R&D efforts is challenging due to the sole-source nature and the broad description of 'integrated weapon systems and command and control.' Defense R&D spending can vary dramatically based on the maturity of the technology, the complexity of the systems, and the specific research objectives. Contracts for foundational research might be smaller, while those for developing prototypes or advanced systems could be significantly larger. Given the award to Johns Hopkins APL, a highly specialized institution, the cost might reflect the unique expertise and facilities required. However, without competitive bids or more detailed project scope, a direct value-for-money comparison is difficult.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D?
The primary risks associated with this contract structure are twofold. Firstly, the sole-source award eliminates competitive pressure, potentially leading to inflated costs and reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate efficiently. The government may not be securing the best possible price or solution. Secondly, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while providing flexibility for R&D where costs can be uncertain, carries inherent risks. The government bears the cost of all allowable expenses, and if not rigorously managed, costs can escalate beyond initial projections. The fixed fee provides the contractor with a guaranteed profit margin, which, combined with cost reimbursement, can reduce the incentive to control spending unless strong oversight is in place.
What is the track record of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC in delivering on similar defense R&D contracts?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL) has a long and distinguished history of supporting the Department of Defense and other government agencies with advanced research and development. They are widely recognized for their expertise in areas such as national security, space science, and systems engineering. JHU APL has consistently managed complex, high-stakes R&D programs, often involving cutting-edge technologies and critical defense applications. Their track record generally indicates a strong capability to deliver on technical requirements and manage large-scale research initiatives, though like any large organization, specific contract performance can vary.
What are the implications of the 3-year duration (1094 days) for this R&D effort?
A 3-year duration for an R&D contract in advanced weapon systems and command and control suggests a project that requires substantial time for research, experimentation, and potentially prototype development. This timeframe is typical for complex technological endeavors where innovation is not linear and requires iterative processes. It allows the contractor, JHU APL, to delve deeply into the research without the immediate pressure of short-term deliverables that might compromise thoroughness. However, it also necessitates robust program management to ensure progress is made consistently and that the project remains aligned with evolving defense needs over its lifespan.
How does the NAICS code 541715 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) inform the scope of this contract?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 signifies that this contract is for research and development activities conducted in the physical sciences (e.g., physics, chemistry), engineering (e.g., electrical, mechanical, systems), and life sciences (e.g., biology, medicine), excluding specific sub-fields like nanotechnology and biotechnology. This code helps categorize the contract within the broader federal spending landscape and indicates the type of scientific and technical expertise expected from the contractor. For this specific contract, it confirms the focus on applied research and experimental development within these core scientific and engineering disciplines, directly supporting the stated goal of advancing weapon systems and command and control 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: $47,370,085
Exercised Options: $47,370,085
Current Obligation: $23,589,563
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $102,077
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: 2024-09-25
Current End Date: 2027-09-24
Potential End Date: 2027-09-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-17
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