NASA Awards $11.2M for Biosciences Flight Development Support to Amentum Services, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,215,115 ($11.2M)
Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-12-01
End Date: 2026-11-30
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FILMSS 2 CODE S IDIQ TASK ORDER: TO PROVIDE PROGRAM, SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR BIOSCIENCES FLIGHT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE PROGRAMS.
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $11.2 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: FILMSS 2 CODE S IDIQ TASK ORDER: TO PROVIDE PROGRAM, SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR BIOSCIENCES FLIGHT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE PROGRAMS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on program, science, engineering, and project management for biosciences flight development. 2. Amentum Services, Inc. is the awardee for this task order. 3. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. This is a delivery order under an existing IDIQ contract.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific task details, but the overall value is moderate for the described support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, as a delivery order under an IDIQ, the initial competition was for the broader contract, and this specific task order's price discovery may be less rigorous than a standalone procurement.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical research and development support, aiming for scientific advancement. The cost-plus structure necessitates careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports advancement in biosciences flight development, potentially leading to new scientific discoveries and applications. The contract enables NASA's continued exploration and research in space-based life sciences. Funding contributes to the broader aerospace and scientific research ecosystem.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus contract type can increase risk of cost overruns.
- Limited visibility into specific project outcomes and ROI.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term R&D projects.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical NASA biosciences initiatives.
- Experienced contractor likely involved.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct small business participation or benefit from this specific task order.
Oversight & Accountability
As a delivery order under an IDIQ, oversight is likely managed through the parent contract's framework. NASA's program offices are responsible for monitoring performance and costs to ensure objectives are met and funds are used appropriately.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost-plus contract type.
- Long duration (729 days).
- R&D projects inherently carry uncertainty.
- No small business participation.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $11.2 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. FILMSS 2 CODE S IDIQ TASK ORDER: TO PROVIDE PROGRAM, SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT FOR BIOSCIENCES FLIGHT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE PROGRAMS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-12-01. End: 2026-11-30.
What is the specific breakdown of costs within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, and how are indirect costs managed to prevent overruns?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure involves reimbursing the contractor for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Effective management requires rigorous auditing of direct and indirect costs, clear definitions of allowable expenses, and robust negotiation of the fixed fee based on realistic cost projections and risk assessment. NASA's oversight would focus on ensuring all claimed costs are reasonable, allocable, and directly related to the contract's objectives.
How does NASA ensure the scientific and engineering outcomes justify the investment, given the R&D nature of the contract?
NASA ensures value through stringent project milestones, regular technical reviews, and performance metrics tied to scientific and engineering objectives. For R&D contracts, success is often measured by progress towards defined research goals, successful experimentation, data acquisition, and the potential for future application or publication. Independent scientific panels may also review progress and potential impact.
What mechanisms are in place to manage potential scope creep in long-term biosciences flight development projects under this task order?
Scope creep is managed through a formal change control process. Any proposed changes to the original scope must be evaluated for their impact on cost, schedule, and technical requirements. NASA's contracting officer and technical team would review and approve or reject such changes, ensuring they align with program goals and budget constraints. Clear initial SOW and regular communication are key preventative measures.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC
Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,845,619
Exercised Options: $13,845,619
Current Obligation: $11,215,115
Actual Outlays: $8,666,285
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $4,326,227
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80ARC024DA004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-12-01
Current End Date: 2026-11-30
Potential End Date: 2026-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-13
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