DoD's $36.6M Contract for Engineering Support to JHU APL Faces Scrutiny for Lack of Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,620,773 ($36.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2012-08-22
End Date: 2018-11-15
Contract Duration: 2,276 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $36.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $36.6 million awarded to a single entity. 2. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential price discovery. 3. Research and Development sector, with a focus on physical and engineering sciences. 4. Potential for taxpayer funds to be used inefficiently due to limited competition.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's value of $36.6 million for R&D services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar R&D support contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was explicitly marked as 'NOT COMPETED'. This sole-source approach limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no market pressure to offer the best price.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a $36.6 million contract means taxpayers may have overpaid, as alternative, potentially more cost-effective, providers were not considered.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be footing a higher bill due to the absence of competitive bidding. Limited transparency into the justification for awarding the contract to a single entity. Potential impact on innovation if other capable research institutions were not given a chance to compete.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment
- Limited transparency
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a reputable institution (JHU APL)
- Supports critical R&D for Missile Defense Agency
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The $36.6 million value is significant for this sector, especially when awarded without competition, which is a common concern in specialized R&D procurements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as both the 'ss' and 'sb' fields are false. The focus appears to be on large, established research institutions.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'NOT COMPETED' status warrants further oversight to ensure the justification for sole-source procurement was robust and that the pricing was fair and reasonable, despite the lack of competition.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Missile Defense Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for inflated costs
- Limited transparency into award justification
- No small business participation noted
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $36.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. IGF::OT::IGF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
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 (Missile Defense Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $36.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-08-22. End: 2018-11-15.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and was it adequately documented?
The provided data does not include the specific justification for the sole-source award. Typically, such justifications would be documented in the contract file and might cite reasons like unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of market availability. Further investigation would be required to access and review this documentation to assess its adequacy.
How does the cost of this contract compare to similar R&D support services obtained through competitive means?
Without competitive benchmarks, a direct cost comparison is challenging. However, the absence of competition for a $36.6 million contract raises a red flag. Government agencies often use historical data from competed contracts or conduct market research to establish fair pricing, but the sole-source nature here makes such comparisons less reliable and potentially indicates a higher cost.
What is the long-term impact of awarding large R&D contracts without competition on the broader research ecosystem?
Consistently awarding large R&D contracts without competition can stifle innovation and limit opportunities for emerging or smaller research entities. It may lead to a concentration of funding within a few established institutions, potentially reducing the diversity of research approaches and slowing the overall advancement of scientific and technological capabilities.
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 › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: HQ014712R0002
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE Johns Hopkins University
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: $38,797,558
Exercised Options: $38,797,558
Current Obligation: $36,620,773
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ014712D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-08-22
Current End Date: 2018-11-15
Potential End Date: 2018-11-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-04-01
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)