DoD's $102.6M Cyber Studies Contract Awarded to Johns Hopkins APL Faces Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $102,621,853 ($102.6M)
Contractor: THE Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-09-16
End Date: 2024-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,840 days
Daily Burn Rate: $55.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CYBER STUDIES AND ANALYSIS
Place of Performance
Location: LAUREL, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20723
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $102.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC for work described as: CYBER STUDIES AND ANALYSIS Key points: 1. Significant investment in cyber studies and analysis by the Department of Defense. 2. Sole-source award to a single, well-established research institution. 3. Potential for limited competition impacting price discovery and value. 4. Focus on advanced technical services within the IT and R&D sectors.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for cyber studies and analysis at $102.6M warrants careful review. Benchmarking against similar complex R&D or specialized technical services contracts is challenging due to the unique nature of the work and the sole-source award.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no open competition. This approach limits price discovery and may not ensure the most cost-effective solution for the government, although it can be justified for specialized expertise.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about taxpayer value, as alternative, potentially more affordable, providers were not considered.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may not be receiving the best value due to the absence of competitive bidding. The contract supports critical cyber research, potentially enhancing national security capabilities. The long duration (5 years) suggests a sustained need for these specialized services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution with proven expertise.
- Supports critical national security functions in cybersecurity.
- Long-term engagement suggests a strategic need.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on cyber studies and analysis. Spending in this area is crucial for national defense, but competitive procurement is typically preferred to ensure value.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Given the specialized nature and sole-source award, opportunities for small businesses to contribute were likely limited, which is a common challenge in highly specialized research and development procurements.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award necessitates robust oversight from the Washington Headquarters Services to ensure the work performed aligns with objectives and that costs are reasonable. Independent reviews of the justification for sole-sourcing are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Washington Headquarters Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- No small business participation
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on specific research outcomes
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $102.6 million to THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC. CYBER STUDIES AND ANALYSIS
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 (Washington Headquarters Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $102.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-09-16. End: 2024-09-29.
What specific cyber studies and analysis are being conducted under this contract, and how do they directly contribute to national security objectives?
The contract likely encompasses advanced research, threat modeling, vulnerability assessments, and strategic analysis related to cyber warfare and defense. These studies are crucial for understanding evolving cyber threats, developing countermeasures, and informing policy decisions to protect critical infrastructure and national interests from sophisticated cyber adversaries.
Given the sole-source award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the fixed fee and overall costs remain reasonable and represent good value for taxpayers?
Robust government oversight, including detailed cost audits and performance reviews, is essential. The agency should regularly assess the contractor's efficiency, benchmark costs against similar (though perhaps not identical) specialized services, and ensure the fixed fee is justified by the complexity and risk involved, preventing cost overruns.
How is the effectiveness of the cyber studies and analysis measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the contractor's success?
Effectiveness is likely measured through deliverables such as comprehensive threat reports, validated analytical models, actionable intelligence, and successful research outcomes that inform DoD's cyber strategy. KPIs might include the timeliness and accuracy of analysis, the impact of recommendations on policy or operations, and the successful completion of research milestones within budget.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: HQ003419R0009
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: $115,796,059
Exercised Options: $115,796,059
Current Obligation: $102,621,853
Actual Outlays: $11,343,393
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 21
Total Subaward Amount: $4,232,027
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ003419D0006
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-09-16
Current End Date: 2024-09-29
Potential End Date: 2024-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-09
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