NASA awards $436M contract for Earth systems research, focusing on space and field-deployed technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $436,266,268 ($436.3M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-04-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,373 days
Daily Burn Rate: $183.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SERVICES THAT CONCEIVES, DEVELOPS AND APPLIES SPACE, FIELD-DEPLOYED (I.E. AIRBORNE AND IN SITU) AND LABORATORY BASED TECHNOLOGIES AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE EARTH SYSTEMS.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $436.3 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SERVICES THAT CONCEIVES, DEVELOPS AND APPLIES SPACE, FIELD-DEPLOYED (I.E. AIRBORNE AND IN SITU) AND LABORATORY BASED TECHNOLOGIES AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE EARTH SYSTEMS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced scientific research for Earth systems, encompassing space, field, and lab-based technologies. 2. The contract's duration of nearly 4 years suggests a long-term commitment to ongoing research and development. 3. The use of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure indicates potential for cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate decision to limit the initial pool. 5. The primary contractor, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., will be responsible for a broad range of scientific services. 6. The contract's value places it as a significant investment in Earth science research within NASA's portfolio.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $436.2 million over approximately 6.5 years represents a substantial investment in Earth systems research. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale R&D contracts within NASA and other agencies would provide further context on value for money. The CPFF structure, while allowing flexibility for research, necessitates robust oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with project milestones. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing efficiency, but the scale suggests a significant undertaking.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This specific procurement method implies that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded, possibly due to specific technical requirements or prior relationships. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'exclusion of sources' suggests a potentially smaller pool than a truly unrestricted full and open competition, which could impact price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources may limit the number of competitive bids received, potentially leading to higher prices for taxpayers compared to a broader competition. However, if the exclusion was based on highly specialized capabilities, it might ensure the best-suited contractor is selected, ultimately benefiting the program's success.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, gaining advanced research capabilities for understanding Earth systems. Services delivered include the conception, development, and application of technologies for space, field-deployed, and laboratory-based Earth observations. The geographic impact is global, as Earth systems research informs understanding and policy related to planetary environmental changes. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and technical staff involved in research and technology development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- The 'exclusion of sources' in competition may limit competitive pressure on pricing.
- The long duration of the contract requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and efficiency.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to Science Systems and Applications, Inc., suggesting a contractor with relevant expertise.
- Focus on critical Earth systems research aligns with national and global scientific priorities.
- The contract supports the development of advanced technologies for scientific observation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for Earth observation and systems research is characterized by specialized firms, government agencies, and academic institutions. NASA's significant investment in this area reflects the growing importance of understanding climate change, environmental monitoring, and space-based observation technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within other large federal R&D programs focused on environmental science or aerospace technology.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific aspects of the research and technology development, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, ensuring adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee terms and project milestones. Accountability measures would be tied to performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting of federal spending, though specific research details may be proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Earth Science Division Programs
- NOAA Satellite and Information Services
- NSF Geosciences Directorate
- DoD Environmental Research Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' may impact price.
- Need for robust oversight to ensure efficient use of funds.
- Long contract duration requires sustained program management.
Tags
nasa, earth-science, research-and-development, cost-plus-fixed-fee, limited-competition, science-systems-and-applications-inc, maryland, space-technology, environmental-monitoring, federal-contract, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $436.3 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SERVICES THAT CONCEIVES, DEVELOPS AND APPLIES SPACE, FIELD-DEPLOYED (I.E. AIRBORNE AND IN SITU) AND LABORATORY BASED TECHNOLOGIES AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE EARTH SYSTEMS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, 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 $436.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-04-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the track record of Science Systems and Applications, Inc. with NASA and similar large-scale R&D contracts?
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) has a history of performing work for NASA and other federal agencies, often in the realm of Earth science, space science, and engineering support. Their portfolio typically includes research, data analysis, and technology development. To fully assess their track record for this specific contract, a deeper dive into their past performance on Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, their success in meeting cost and schedule targets, and any past performance issues or commendations would be necessary. Examining their financial stability and capacity to manage a contract of this magnitude is also crucial. Without specific past performance reports or detailed contract history readily available, a definitive assessment is limited, but their continued engagement with agencies like NASA suggests a generally positive standing.
How does the $436 million contract value compare to other NASA Earth systems research contracts?
The $436 million contract value is substantial and indicates a significant investment by NASA in Earth systems research over its nearly 6.5-year duration. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it against the average and median values of similar large-scale R&D contracts awarded by NASA's Earth Science Division or related directorates over the past five to ten years. It would also be beneficial to compare it to contracts of similar scope and duration awarded by other agencies involved in Earth observation, such as NOAA or the USGS. If this contract represents a higher-than-average value for its scope, it could suggest a more ambitious research agenda, higher anticipated costs, or potentially less competitive bidding. Conversely, if it falls within the typical range, it signifies consistent investment in this critical research area.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for scientific research?
The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for scientific research revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. In a CPFF structure, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee. The risk for the government is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs rigorously, as they are guaranteed to cover their expenses and receive their fee regardless of cost efficiency. This can lead to cost overruns if the scope of work expands or if the contractor's cost management is not robust. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating the costs to ensure the fixed fee is sufficient compensation for their effort and risk. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks for the government.
What is the expected impact of this contract on the advancement of Earth systems science and technology?
This contract is expected to significantly advance Earth systems science and technology by funding the development and application of novel observation methods and analytical tools. The focus on conceiving, developing, and applying technologies for space, field-deployed (airborne and in situ), and laboratory-based observations suggests a comprehensive approach to data acquisition and analysis. This could lead to improved climate modeling, better understanding of atmospheric and oceanic processes, enhanced disaster prediction and response capabilities, and more accurate assessments of land use and environmental changes. The contract's emphasis on technology development implies that new instruments, sensors, or data processing techniques may emerge, pushing the boundaries of what is currently observable and measurable about our planet.
How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' procurement method affect taxpayer value?
The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method presents a nuanced impact on taxpayer value. On one hand, it aims to ensure competition among a relevant pool of qualified offerors, potentially leading to competitive pricing and innovative solutions tailored to specific technical requirements. This is generally positive for taxpayer value. However, the 'exclusion of sources' inherently limits the number of potential bidders compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition. If the exclusion criteria are overly restrictive or not well-justified, it could inadvertently reduce competitive pressure, potentially resulting in higher prices than might be achieved in a broader market. The ultimate value to taxpayers depends on whether the excluded sources were genuinely incapable of meeting the requirements or if their exclusion stifled broader market engagement.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC18R0078
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10210 GREENBELT RD STE 600, LANHAM, MD, 20706
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $613,875,000
Exercised Options: $567,375,000
Current Obligation: $436,266,268
Actual Outlays: $400,907,484
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 142
Total Subaward Amount: $560,203,736
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-30
More Contracts from Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
- Electrical Engineering Systems Services the Principal Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide Electrical/Electronic Engineering Support Services and Related Work to EED, Istd, SED, Mesa, Related Organizations and Other Nasa Centers and Locations Specified in Task Orders, for the Study, Design, Development, Fabrication, Integration, Testing, Verification, and Operations of Space Flight, Airborne, and Ground System Hardware and Software, Including Development and Validation of NEW Technologies to Enable Future Space and Science Missions — $670.4M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Science, Technology and Research Support Services II — $259.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Support for Atmospheres, Modeling, and Data Assimilation (samda) — $256.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Contractor Shall Support the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences (HBS), Code 610 in the Following Areas: Science Research Hypothesis Verification Modeling and Simulation Scientific Mission Planning and Execution Computing Science Processing Operations Science Instrumentation Mechanical Engineering (technical and Assembly) Electronic Design, Engineering, and Analysis Optical and Laser Design, Engineering, and Analysis Bench Checkout Equipment Laboratory and Field Experiments Administration Education and Outreach Technical Writing WEB Page Design and Support Media Development Projects Meetings, Visits, and Consultations Organization Property Safety Calibration&validation Algorithm and Software Development Characterization and Modeling Data Analysis Laboratory and Field Activities Instrument Operations Logistics Reporting This Support IS Categorized in Five Major Areas: Science, Computing, Science Instrumentation, Administration, and Calibration Validation. the Contractor Shall Provide ALL Necessary Resources, Including Personnel, Facilities, Equipment, and Materials, Unless Otherwise Provided by the Government, in Order to Meet the Performance-Based Work Requirements. in the Following Paragraphs, Specific Work Elements ARE Followed by Parenthetical Underlined Activities That ARE Examples of Where the Activities Apply. in Performing Work Under Tasks Issued on This Contract, Where Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) Standards Apply, Such in Software Development and WEB Sites, the Contractor Shall Provide the Following Services: Software Applications and Operating Systems WEB Based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications Telecommunications Products Video and Multimedia Products Self Contained, Closed Products Desktop and Portable Computers — $226.8M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Science, Technology, and Research Support Services (starss) — $154.5M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all Science Systems and Applications, Inc. federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →