DoD Awards $72.4M for Biomedical Research to Johns Hopkins University
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $72,390,407 ($72.4M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-02-06
End Date: 2010-08-01
Contract Duration: 1,637 days
Daily Burn Rate: $44.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 200605!630189!1700!N66001!SPACE AND NAVAL WARFARE SYSTEMS !N6600106C8005 !A!N! !N! ! !20060206!20071102!040549461!040549461!001910777!N!JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY !JOHNS HOPKINS RD 11100 !LAUREL !MD!20723!45900!033!24!LAUREL !PRINCE GEORGE S !MARYLAND !+000006857000!N!N!000000000000!AN11!RDTE/BIOMEDICAL - BASIC RESEARCH !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B!D!N!A! !A!N!U!2!001!E! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!Z!N! ! ! ! ! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! ! !1700!N66001!0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $72.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: 200605!630189!1700!N66001!SPACE AND NAVAL WARFARE SYSTEMS !N6600106C8005 !A!N! !N! ! !20060206!20071102!040549461!040549461!001910777!N!JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY !JOHNS HOPKINS RD 11100 !LAUREL !MD!20723!45900!033!24!LAUREL !PRIN… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC for biomedical research. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. The sector is Research and Development, a critical area for national security and advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value is $72.4 million. Without specific benchmarks for similar biomedical research contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing. However, Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent risks of exceeding initial estimates.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may still allow for costs to exceed initial projections.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical biomedical research, which has long-term benefits. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrants careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.
Public Impact
Advancement in biomedical research can lead to significant public health improvements. Investment in R&D supports scientific innovation and technological progress. The contract contributes to the economic activity within Maryland.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of specific unit cost data makes precise value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical biomedical research.
- Long contract duration allows for sustained research efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on biomedical research. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and public health advancements. Benchmarks for R&D contracts can vary widely based on complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, a large research institution. There is no indication in the provided data that small businesses were significantly involved in this specific contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, indicating a level of oversight. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring to ensure fiscal responsibility and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Basic research may have uncertain or long-term return on investment.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $72.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. 200605!630189!1700!N66001!SPACE AND NAVAL WARFARE SYSTEMS !N6600106C8005 !A!N! !N! ! !20060206!20071102!040549461!040549461!001910777!N!JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY !JOHNS HOPKINS RD 11100 !LAUREL !MD!20723!45900!033!24!LAUREL !PRINCE GEORGE S !MARYLAND !+000006857000!N!N!000000000000!AN11!RDTE/BIOMEDICAL - BASIC RESEARCH !C9E!ALL OTHER SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT !000 !NOT DISCERNABLE !541710!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !999
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 (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $72.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-02-06. End: 2010-08-01.
What specific research outcomes are expected from this $72.4 million investment, and how will their success be measured?
The data indicates the contract is for 'BIOMEDICAL - BASIC RESEARCH.' Specific research outcomes are not detailed. Success measurement would typically involve scientific milestones, peer review, and the potential for future applications. The agency awarding the contract would establish specific performance metrics and reporting requirements to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the research.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts inherently carry a risk of cost overruns as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Mitigation strategies typically include robust oversight by the contracting agency, detailed cost tracking and reporting requirements, defined ceilings on allowable costs, and performance incentives. Regular audits and reviews are crucial to ensure compliance and efficiency.
How does this contract contribute to the broader strategic goals of the Department of Defense in terms of biomedical advancements and readiness?
Basic biomedical research funded by the DoD aims to advance scientific understanding that could lead to future medical countermeasures, improved soldier health and performance, and enhanced medical readiness. While specific strategic contributions are not detailed, such foundational research is critical for long-term defense capabilities and addressing emerging health threats relevant to military personnel and national security.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE Johns Hopkins University
Address: JOHNS HOPKINS RD 11100, LAUREL, MD, 20723
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-02-06
Current End Date: 2010-08-01
Potential End Date: 2010-08-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-01
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