DoD's $11.19M JHU APL Task Order for R&D: Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,190,879 ($11.2M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-11-29
End Date: 2026-03-18
Contract Duration: 1,570 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: XM1155 SC SUPPORT-JHU TASK ORDER
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $11.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: XM1155 SC SUPPORT-JHU TASK ORDER Key points: 1. This contract focuses on Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, a critical but often complex sector. 2. The sole-source nature raises questions about potential price discovery and competition. 3. With a significant duration and cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, oversight is crucial to manage costs effectively. 4. The awardee, JHU Applied Physics Laboratory, is a well-established entity in this research domain.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning there was no competition. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than a competitive process might yield.
Taxpayer Impact: Without competitive bidding, taxpayers may be paying a premium for the research and development services provided.
Public Impact
Supports advanced research and development critical to national security. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Long-term engagement allows for sustained focus on complex scientific challenges. Funding advanced research can stimulate innovation and technological progress.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires robust oversight to control costs.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
Positive Signals
- Awardee is a reputable research institution.
- Focus on critical R&D areas.
- Long-term engagement allows for deep research.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is vital for innovation but can be prone to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties in research.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to a large research university (JHU APL) and does not appear to involve small business participation. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates strong oversight from the Department of Defense to ensure the contractor is performing effectively and costs are reasonable. Regular reviews and performance monitoring 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 Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs.
- CPFF contract type requires diligent cost monitoring.
- Potential for scope creep over the long contract duration.
- Effectiveness measurement for R&D can be challenging.
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 $11.2 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. XM1155 SC SUPPORT-JHU TASK ORDER
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 Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-11-29. End: 2026-03-18.
What specific research objectives does this task order aim to achieve, and how do they align with the Department of Defense's strategic goals?
The provided data indicates the task order is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)'. While the specific objectives are not detailed, this broad category suggests work supporting advanced technological capabilities, scientific understanding, or material development relevant to defense applications. Alignment with strategic goals would require further analysis of the Statement of Work and DoD's current priorities in these scientific domains.
Given the sole-source award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the fixed fee is fair and reflects reasonable profit margins for the contractor?
For sole-source Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, the government typically relies on pre-negotiated rates and historical data to establish a fair and reasonable fixed fee. This often involves detailed cost proposals from the contractor, which are then scrutinized by contracting officers and cost/price analysts. The fee is intended to compensate the contractor for their efforts and risk, but without competition, the government must exercise diligence in its negotiation and oversight.
How will the effectiveness of the R&D outcomes be measured, particularly given the long duration and the inherent uncertainty of research projects?
Effectiveness measurement for R&D projects typically involves a combination of technical milestones, deliverables, and adherence to the research plan. For long-term projects, interim reviews and phased evaluations are crucial. The government will likely assess the scientific merit, potential for application, and progress against defined objectives. Success might be defined by achieving specific research breakthroughs, developing prototypes, or generating valuable data, rather than a simple completion metric.
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 › General Science and Technology 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), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,190,879
Exercised Options: $11,190,879
Current Obligation: $11,190,879
Actual Outlays: $1,376,051
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $1,180,930
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W15QKN21D0018
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-11-29
Current End Date: 2026-03-18
Potential End Date: 2026-03-18 12:03:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-11
More Contracts from THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
- Dragonfly Extended Phase B Mission Under 80msfc20d0004 Aerospace Research, Development and Engineering Support (ardes) II — $1.3B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Aerospace Research, Design, and Development Tasks for Nasa — $1.1B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Solar Probe Plus (SPP) Phase a Activities the Contractor Shall Perform the Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Contracting Officer. the Overall Scope of Work to BE Performed Will Support ALL of Nasa's Mission Directorates. These Efforts CAN BE Characterized AS Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support (ardes). the General Nature of the Tasks to BE Developed Will BE to Conduct Supporting Research and Advanced Technology Development Designed to Make Contributions to Space Science and Space Exploration and Assist Nasa in the Formulation and Execution of ITS Programs by Providing Nasa With Technical Advice, Studies, and Reports of Investigations. Efforts Undertaken by the Contractor, in the Performance of the Assigned Tasks, Which Include Technology Transfer, Partnering and Commercialization Activities, Shall Seek to Enhance the Value and Contribution of Technology to the Nation S Technological Competitiveness, Prosperity, Quality of Life, and Other National Priorities. Individual Task Orders Will Fall Within ONE of TWO Broad Categories: 1) Essential Research Capability of Space Systems Engineering, and Related Work in the Supporting Essential Research Capabilities of Systems Test and Evaluation, Information Technology, and Simulation, Modeling and Operations Analysis. Task Orders Within the Category of Essential Research Capabilities ARE Intended to Preserve the Nation S Capabilities to Perform Robotic Space Missions Over the Full Mission Life Cycle From Concept Formulation Through Mission Operations and Data Analysis. Nasa IS Contracting for Support in Several KEY Research, Engineering and Development Competencies That ARE Fundamental to the Performance of These Missions. 2) Other Aerospace Research, Development, and Engineering Support. Task Orders Within the Category of Other Aerospace Research, Development and Engineering Support ARE Intended to Include a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program Responsibilities and Assignments. Regardless of Category, Task Orders MAY BE Issued Related to Autonomous Deep-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, Experiments, Instruments or Other Devices That MAY BE Carried AS Payloads on the Space Shuttle or on Other Spacecraft. Task Assignments Will Explicitly Describe a Broad Range of Hardware, Software, Systems Engineering, Scientific Analysis, and Management Efforts Including Program and Project Management and Administration — $894.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- SUN Earth Connection Living With a Star Program Letter Contract — $522.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (imap) Phase CD — $400.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC federal contracts →
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)