NOI Sole Source JHU/National Academy of Sciences Congressional Award

The Department of Defense (DOD) Washington Headquarters Service has issued a Special Notice for a sole source contract with Johns Hopkins University and the National Academy of Sciences. The notice, posted on April 17, 2025, pertains to a research and analysis project on multipolar deterrence mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, Section 1544. The contract will be awarded to these specific organizations under statutory authority 10 USC 2304(a)(5) and Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5. The opportunity is classified under the NAICS category 541512 for Computer Systems Design Services. The notice indicates that while this is not a competitive solicitation, responsible sources may submit capability statements or proposals for the government's consideration.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to enable Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and the National Academy of Sciences to conduct comprehensive research and analysis on multipolar deterrence for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Policy. The contract opportunity has a narrow window, with proposals due by April 20, 2025, just three days after the posting date. While the contract is technically a sole source award, the government maintains discretion to review any submitted capability statements or proposals. Eligibility appears to be implicitly limited to the named organizations, given the specific congressional mandate. The research is expected to focus on strategic defense analysis related to multipolar deterrence, which likely involves examining complex international security dynamics and potential strategic scenarios. Contractors interested in this opportunity should carefully review the attached documentation and understand that while proposals may be accepted, the government has predetermined the primary awardees.