NASA's Space Geodesy Project contract awarded to MIT for $10.2M, spanning 5 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,222,916 ($10.2M)
Contractor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-06-22
End Date: 2025-06-21
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SUPPORT FOR THE NASA SPACE GEODESY PROJECT (SGP) IN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF NASA'S VERY LONG BASELINE INTERFEROMETRY (VLBI) STATIONS, THE PROCESSING OF VLBI DATA, AND SUPPORT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL VLBI SERVICE FOR GEODESY AND ASTROMETRY (IVS).
Place of Performance
Location: WESTFORD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01886
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $10.2 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: SUPPORT FOR THE NASA SPACE GEODESY PROJECT (SGP) IN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF NASA'S VERY LONG BASELINE INTERFEROMETRY (VLBI) STATIONS, THE PROCESSING OF VLBI DATA, AND SUPPORT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL VLBI SERVICE FOR GEODESY AND ASTROMETRY (IVS). Key points: 1. Contract supports critical VLBI station development, data processing, and international astrometry services. 2. MIT, a leading research institution, is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risk of limited competition and reliance on a single entity for specialized services. 4. Spending falls within the IT and R&D sectors due to data processing and scientific instrumentation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure is typical for complex research and development. Benchmarking is difficult without specific task details, but the annual value appears reasonable for specialized scientific support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, likely due to the specialized nature of the work and MIT's unique capabilities in geodesy and interferometry. This limits price discovery and competitive pressure.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards a critical scientific endeavor, but the lack of competition may mean a higher price than if it were competed.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge space geodesy research vital for Earth observation and fundamental astronomy. Enhances NASA's capabilities in precise measurement and data analysis for global scientific initiatives. The project contributes to international collaboration in scientific research and data sharing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Long contract duration may not adapt to evolving technology.
- Reliance on one institution for critical infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Supports a high-priority NASA scientific mission.
- Awarded to a reputable research institution with proven expertise.
- Contract includes provisions for international collaboration.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under scientific research and development, specifically in the field of geodesy and radio astronomy. Spending benchmarks for such specialized, sole-source contracts are difficult to establish, but the annual value is consistent with significant scientific projects.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to a large research institution (MIT) and does not appear to include specific provisions for small business participation. There is no indication of subcontracting to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, which has established oversight mechanisms for research and development projects. However, the sole-source nature warrants close monitoring of performance and costs to ensure value.
Related Government Programs
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D.
- Long-term dependency on a single contractor.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Technological obsolescence risk over contract duration.
Tags
colleges-universities-and-professional-s, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $10.2 million to MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. SUPPORT FOR THE NASA SPACE GEODESY PROJECT (SGP) IN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF NASA'S VERY LONG BASELINE INTERFEROMETRY (VLBI) STATIONS, THE PROCESSING OF VLBI DATA, AND SUPPORT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL VLBI SERVICE FOR GEODESY AND ASTROMETRY (IVS).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
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 $10.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-06-22. End: 2025-06-21.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and has an alternatives analysis been conducted?
The justification for a sole-source award typically rests on the unique capabilities or specialized knowledge of the contractor. For NASA's Space Geodesy Project, MIT's established expertise in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) and geodesy is likely the primary driver. An alternatives analysis would assess if other entities could perform the work, but given the highly specialized nature, it's probable that few, if any, could match MIT's capabilities.
How will NASA ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent potential cost overruns in this cost-plus-fixed-fee contract?
NASA will likely employ rigorous oversight, including regular performance reviews, detailed cost tracking, and milestone verification. The fixed-fee component provides some incentive for efficiency. However, the inherent nature of R&D means some cost variability is expected. Clear performance metrics and regular communication channels with MIT are crucial for managing costs effectively.
What are the long-term implications of relying on a single institution for critical VLBI infrastructure and data processing?
Long-term reliance on a single institution like MIT for critical VLBI infrastructure carries risks of knowledge silos and potential disruptions if the relationship falters. It could also stifle broader innovation if alternative approaches are not explored. NASA should consider strategies for knowledge transfer, developing contingency plans, and potentially fostering broader community involvement in the future.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC204623R
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 77 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, CAMBRIDGE, MA, 02139
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private), Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,824,588
Exercised Options: $14,824,588
Current Obligation: $10,222,916
Actual Outlays: $10,222,666
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-06-22
Current End Date: 2025-06-21
Potential End Date: 2025-06-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-26
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