DoD Awards $15.4M for Biomechanics Research to Johns Hopkins APL
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,381,989 ($15.4M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2018-09-30
End Date: 2022-01-15
Contract Duration: 1,203 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TASK ORDER 0002 - BIOMECHANICS FOR ADVANCED ATD
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $15.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER 0002 - BIOMECHANICS FOR ADVANCED ATD Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced biomechanics research. 2. Sole awardee is a well-established research institution. 3. Potential for high-impact advancements in defense technology. 4. Contract type suggests cost control is a key consideration.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $15.4M over approximately 3.3 years appears reasonable for specialized R&D. Benchmarking against similar advanced research contracts is difficult without more specific scope details, but the fixed-fee structure implies a negotiated profit margin.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple potential bidders were considered. The price discovery mechanism would have involved evaluating proposals based on technical merit and cost, leading to a negotiated fixed fee.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are supporting critical research and development, with the potential for future technological advancements that could enhance national security.
Public Impact
Advancements in understanding human biomechanics could lead to improved soldier protection and performance. Research may yield new technologies for prosthetics or injury prevention. Investment in R&D at a leading institution fosters scientific progress.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns in complex R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution.
- Focus on critical defense-related research.
- Competitive award process.
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 maintaining technological superiority but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC, is a large research institution. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors in this specific task order, which is common for large-scale R&D efforts.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Contract Management Agency, is responsible for oversight. The fixed-fee contract structure provides some incentive for cost control, but ongoing monitoring of research progress and expenditures is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Research and Development projects inherently carry a risk of not achieving desired outcomes.
- Complexity of biomechanics may lead to unforeseen technical challenges.
- Long-term nature of R&D can make immediate taxpayer benefit unclear.
- Reliance on a single institution for this specific research.
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 $15.4 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. TASK ORDER 0002 - BIOMECHANICS FOR ADVANCED ATD
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 $15.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-09-30. End: 2022-01-15.
What specific biomechanical challenges is this research intended to address, and how do they directly relate to current or future defense needs?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact biomechanical challenges. However, given the DoD context, it likely relates to areas such as improving soldier survivability through better understanding of impact forces, optimizing human-machine interfaces for enhanced performance, or developing advanced materials for protective gear. The research aims to translate fundamental biomechanical principles into practical defense applications.
How will the effectiveness of the research be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this task order?
Effectiveness is typically measured through milestones, deliverables, and the successful application of research findings. Specific KPIs for this task order are not detailed in the provided summary. However, they would likely include the development of new models, experimental validation of hypotheses, and potentially prototypes or recommendations for future technology development based on the biomechanical insights gained.
Given the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds and prevent scope creep?
While the contract is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), the 'fixed fee' component provides a ceiling on the contractor's profit, incentivizing them to manage costs. Oversight by the Defense Contract Management Agency is crucial for monitoring expenditures against the estimated cost. Clear definition of research objectives and rigorous change control processes are essential to prevent scope creep and ensure funds are used effectively.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Solicitation ID: W911NF12R0011
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11100 JOHNS HOPKINS RD, LAUREL, MD, 20723
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,009,377
Exercised Options: $17,009,377
Current Obligation: $15,381,989
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W911QX17D0006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-09-30
Current End Date: 2022-01-15
Potential End Date: 2022-01-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-31
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