DoD's $155.8M Contract for NC3 Trident Mission Assurance Awarded to JHU Applied Physics Lab
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,588,326 ($15.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-05-12
End Date: 2026-05-11
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NC3 TRIDENT MISSION ASSURANCE (SNC31) SCD- C
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: NC3 TRIDENT MISSION ASSURANCE (SNC31) SCD- C Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 2. Awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competition. 3. The fixed-fee structure provides some cost control, but the R&D nature implies inherent risk. 4. Spending is within the broad R&D sector, but specific benchmarks are difficult without more detail.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking is difficult without knowing the specific deliverables and comparing them to similar R&D efforts.
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 potentially leads to higher costs than a competitive process might yield.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these R&D services.
Public Impact
National security implications due to the focus on NC3 Trident systems. Potential for technological advancements in critical defense infrastructure. Limited public visibility into the specific research outcomes and their impact.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical national security systems
- Award to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be prone to cost overruns and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded directly to a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical given the sole-source nature and cost-plus contract type to ensure funds are used effectively and for the intended research purposes.
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
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost escalation.
- R&D outcomes are inherently uncertain.
- Lack of transparency in specific research goals.
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 $15.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. NC3 TRIDENT MISSION ASSURANCE (SNC31) SCD- C
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 $15.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-05-12. End: 2026-05-11.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve for NC3 Trident mission assurance?
The contract aims to ensure the reliability, security, and effectiveness of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Trident systems. This likely involves research into system vulnerabilities, performance enhancements, and operational resilience to maintain the integrity of critical command and control functions.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus fixed-fee R&D contract of this magnitude?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties in R&D, lack of competitive pressure on pricing, and the possibility that the research may not yield the desired outcomes or technological advancements. Effective oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D performed under this contract be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through defined research milestones, technical reviews, and the successful demonstration of prototypes or solutions that meet specified performance criteria for NC3 Trident mission assurance. Independent validation by the Department of Defense will be key.
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: $15,588,326
Exercised Options: $15,588,326
Current Obligation: $15,588,326
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $1,541,956
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: 2025-05-12
Current End Date: 2026-05-11
Potential End Date: 2026-05-11 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-15
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