NASA awards $30.8M contract for custodial, landscaping, and recycling services to Melwood Horticultural Training Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,846,994 ($30.8M)
Contractor: Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-07-01
End Date: 2025-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,917 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CUSTODIAL, LANDSCAPING AND RECYCLING SERVICES FOR GSFC
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $30.8 million to MELWOOD HORTICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER, INC. for work described as: CUSTODIAL, LANDSCAPING AND RECYCLING SERVICES FOR GSFC Key points: 1. The contract value is $30.8 million over approximately five years. 2. The awardee, Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc., is a non-profit organization. 3. The contract was not available for competition, raising potential concerns about price discovery. 4. The sector is primarily facilities maintenance and support services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which can limit cost overruns but may not incentivize efficiency. Without comparable contract data, assessing the pricing's reasonableness is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited approach. This method may bypass competitive price discovery, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in the government paying more than necessary for these essential services.
Public Impact
Provides essential services for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). Supports a non-profit organization that employs individuals with disabilities. Ensures the cleanliness and upkeep of facilities critical for space agency operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpayment due to limited competition
Positive Signals
- Supports a non-profit organization
- Provides essential facility services
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the facilities support services sector, which includes janitorial, landscaping, and waste management. Spending in this sector is generally stable, driven by the need to maintain government infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is a non-profit organization, not a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals or participation in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a definitive contract awarded by NASA. Oversight would typically involve contract officers and technical monitors to ensure service delivery and compliance with terms.
Related Government Programs
- Janitorial Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- Lack of transparency in price determination.
- Potential for missed cost savings through competitive bidding.
- Contract duration extends beyond the current fiscal year, requiring future funding commitments.
Tags
janitorial-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $30.8 million to MELWOOD HORTICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER, INC.. CUSTODIAL, LANDSCAPING AND RECYCLING SERVICES FOR GSFC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MELWOOD HORTICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER, 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 $30.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-07-01. End: 2025-09-30.
What is the justification for limiting competition on this contract?
The provided data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION.' A full justification would be required under FAR regulations to understand the specific reasons, such as unique capabilities, urgent needs, or specific socio-economic program requirements that preclude full and open competition.
How does the pricing compare to industry benchmarks for similar services?
Without specific line-item details and a clear understanding of the scope of work (e.g., square footage, frequency of services), a direct comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated price, but the lack of competition makes it difficult to assess if it represents fair and reasonable pricing.
What is the long-term value proposition of awarding this contract without competition?
The primary value proposition appears to be supporting Melwood Horticultural Training Center's mission to employ individuals with disabilities. While this is a valuable social outcome, the long-term financial value to the government is questionable if the price is not competitive, potentially leading to higher overall spending compared to a competed contract.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Janitorial Services
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC19R0028
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 5606 DOWER HOUSE RD, UPPER MARLBORO, MD, 20772
Business Categories: AbilityOne Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $31,817,049
Exercised Options: $31,330,535
Current Obligation: $30,846,994
Actual Outlays: $30,841,044
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-07-01
Current End Date: 2025-09-30
Potential End Date: 2025-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-24
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