NASA's SARLAB contract awarded to Techno-Sciences, LLC for $6.7M to develop and sustain satellite testing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,725,410 ($6.7M)
Contractor: Techno-Sciences, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-10-01
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,007 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINMENT OF THE NASA SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) LABORATORY (SARLAB), A SATELLITE TESTING GROUND STATION AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT FOR EMERGING SAR TECHNOLOGIES
Place of Performance
Location: LANHAM, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20706
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $6.7 million to TECHNO-SCIENCES, LLC for work described as: DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINMENT OF THE NASA SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) LABORATORY (SARLAB), A SATELLITE TESTING GROUND STATION AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT FOR EMERGING SAR TECHNOLOGIES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on R&D for emerging Search and Rescue technologies. 2. Techno-Sciences, LLC is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration extends over multiple years, indicating a long-term need. 4. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government. 5. This contract supports NASA's broader mission in space exploration and safety. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code suggests a focus on specialized instrument manufacturing.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $6.7 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for a specialized R&D and testing facility. However, without comparable contracts for similar satellite testing grounds or SAR technology development environments, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price type suggests cost certainty for the government, but the lack of competition could have led to a higher price than might have been achieved in a more open bidding process.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Techno-Sciences, LLC, was considered. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process. While sole-source awards can be justified for unique capabilities or urgent needs, they limit price discovery and potentially increase costs for the government compared to a fully competed contract with multiple bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have received the benefit of the lowest possible price that could have been achieved through a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which gains access to a dedicated facility for testing and developing critical Search and Rescue technologies. The contract delivers essential research and development services for advanced SAR systems. The geographic impact is primarily centered in Maryland, where the contractor is located. The contract supports specialized technical expertise within the aerospace and technology sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
- Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.
- Potential for cost overruns if not closely managed due to lack of competition.
Positive Signals
- Focus on critical Search and Rescue technology development.
- Long-term contract provides stability for R&D efforts.
- Firm fixed-price contract offers cost predictability.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on research and development of satellite-based technologies for search and rescue. This niche area is critical for emergency response and public safety. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant R&D investments, but direct benchmarks for specialized testing facilities like SARLAB are scarce due to their unique nature.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not competed and there is no indication of small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, as the award was made to a single entity without a competitive process that typically includes provisions for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a sole-source award, the justification and terms would be subject to internal NASA review and potentially oversight from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) if protested. Transparency is limited due to the non-competitive nature, but contract performance metrics and financial expenditures would be monitored by the contracting officer.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Space Communications
- Satellite Technology Development
- Search and Rescue Systems
- Aerospace Research and Development
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Limited competition
Tags
nasa, search-and-rescue, satellite-technology, research-and-development, sole-source, firm-fixed-price, maryland, aerospace, technology-development, definitive-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $6.7 million to TECHNO-SCIENCES, LLC. DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINMENT OF THE NASA SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR) LABORATORY (SARLAB), A SATELLITE TESTING GROUND STATION AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT FOR EMERGING SAR TECHNOLOGIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TECHNO-SCIENCES, LLC.
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 $6.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-10-01. End: 2026-03-31.
What is the track record of Techno-Sciences, LLC in supporting NASA or similar government agencies with R&D and testing services?
Techno-Sciences, LLC has a history of providing specialized technical services, including research, development, and engineering support, to various government agencies. While specific details on their past performance with NASA for SARLAB-like projects are not readily available in this summary, their designation as a sole-source awardee suggests they possess unique or critical capabilities deemed essential by NASA for this particular contract. Further investigation into their contract history, past performance reviews, and client testimonials would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability in delivering complex R&D and testing solutions.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar R&D or testing contracts within the aerospace sector?
A direct comparison of pricing for this $6.7 million contract is challenging due to the sole-source nature and the specialized focus on developing and sustaining the NASA Search and Rescue (SAR) Laboratory. Without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to establish a market-based benchmark. Generally, sole-source contracts can be more expensive than competed ones. To assess value, one would need to compare the scope of work, deliverables, and the unique technical expertise required against other R&D contracts for satellite testing or SAR technology development, which are often bespoke and not easily comparable.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source contract for critical R&D infrastructure like SARLAB?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source contract for critical R&D infrastructure like SARLAB include a lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated pricing and reduced innovation. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the government becomes overly reliant on a single provider, potentially limiting future options or flexibility. Furthermore, without the vetting process of a competitive bid, there's a heightened risk that the chosen contractor may not possess the absolute best or most cost-effective solution available in the market. Ensuring robust oversight and performance management becomes crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effective is the SARLAB in advancing NASA's goals for improving Search and Rescue technologies?
The effectiveness of SARLAB in advancing NASA's goals for improving Search and Rescue technologies is directly tied to the successful execution of this contract by Techno-Sciences, LLC. The contract's objective is to develop and sustain this laboratory, which serves as a testing ground for emerging SAR technologies. Its success would be measured by the development of new or improved SAR systems, the validation of these systems through rigorous testing, and their eventual integration into operational search and rescue efforts. The long-term nature of the contract suggests NASA views this facility as crucial for ongoing innovation in this life-saving domain.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's Search and Rescue technology development initiatives?
Historical spending patterns for NASA's Search and Rescue technology development initiatives are not detailed in the provided data. However, NASA's involvement in SAR technologies typically stems from its expertise in satellite communications, remote sensing, and space-based research. Funding for such initiatives can fluctuate based on agency priorities, technological advancements, and specific program needs. The $6.7 million awarded for the SARLAB contract represents a significant investment in a dedicated facility, suggesting a sustained commitment to advancing SAR capabilities through R&D.
What is the justification provided by NASA for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The provided data does not explicitly state the justification NASA used for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis. Typically, sole-source awards are justified under specific circumstances outlined in federal acquisition regulations, such as when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, or when there is a compelling urgency. For a specialized R&D facility like SARLAB, the justification might be based on Techno-Sciences, LLC possessing unique technical expertise, proprietary technology, or existing infrastructure critical to NASA's mission that cannot be replicated or sourced competitively within the required timeframe or budget.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC20R0057
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Techno-Sciences, Inc.
Address: 4296 FORBES BLVD, LANHAM, MD, 20706
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $7,000,000
Exercised Options: $7,000,000
Current Obligation: $6,725,410
Actual Outlays: $5,189,858
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-16
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