DoD Awards $108.9M for Next Generation Jammer R&D to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,888,737 ($10.9M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2024-08-05
End Date: 2027-09-04
Contract Duration: 1,125 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MNG10 NEXT GENERATION JAMMER
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: MNG10 NEXT GENERATION JAMMER Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced electronic warfare technology. 2. Sole source award to a highly specialized research institution. 3. Potential for technological advancement in a critical defense area. 4. Long-term contract duration suggests ongoing development needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized R&D nature.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The award was not competed, citing the specialized nature of the research. This limits price discovery and potentially increases costs compared to a competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity for specialized R&D, with limited transparency on cost-effectiveness due to the lack of competition.
Public Impact
Advancement in military electronic warfare capabilities. Potential for technological spin-offs benefiting civilian sectors. Investment in cutting-edge research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Critical technology development
- Award to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Defense R&D spending is a significant portion of the federal budget, with a focus on maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded directly to The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC and does not indicate any subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial given the cost-plus fixed fee structure and sole-source nature to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively for the intended R&D objectives.
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 R&D effectiveness
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving needs
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 $10.9 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. MNG10 NEXT GENERATION JAMMER
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: 2024-08-05. End: 2027-09-04.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and what steps are being taken to ensure fair pricing?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or specialized knowledge held by a single entity. For this contract, the specialized R&D nature of the Next Generation Jammer likely necessitates the expertise of Johns Hopkins APL. To ensure fair pricing, the government would typically conduct thorough cost analyses of the contractor's proposed budget, scrutinizing labor rates, material costs, and indirect expenses. Independent government cost estimators may also be involved.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this R&D contract, and how will progress be measured?
Key performance indicators for R&D contracts often focus on technical milestones, prototype development, testing results, and adherence to project timelines. Progress is typically measured through regular technical reviews, demonstration of capabilities, and delivery of reports and prototypes. The government contracting officer and technical team will monitor these KPIs to ensure the project stays on track and meets its objectives.
What is the potential impact of this technology on future defense capabilities and related commercial applications?
The Next Generation Jammer aims to significantly enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of naval aircraft, providing superior protection against advanced threats. Successful development could lead to breakthroughs in signal processing, antenna technology, and power management. These advancements may have spillover effects into commercial sectors such as telecommunications, radar systems, and cybersecurity, driving innovation and economic growth.
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: $37,499,367
Exercised Options: $37,499,367
Current Obligation: $10,888,737
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $155,435
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: 2024-08-05
Current End Date: 2027-09-04
Potential End Date: 2027-09-04 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-16
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