NASA awards $8.2M administrative services contract to Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,194,187 ($8.2M)
Contractor: Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-04-01
End Date: 2026-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AT NASA GSFC'S GREENBELT FACILITY AND GSFC'S WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY (WFF).
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $8.2 million to MELWOOD HORTICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER, INC. for work described as: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AT NASA GSFC'S GREENBELT FACILITY AND GSFC'S WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY (WFF). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential administrative support services for NASA facilities. 2. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract, indicating predictable costs. 3. The contractor, Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc., has a specific mission related to employment for individuals with disabilities. 4. The contract duration is 5 years, aligning with long-term operational needs. 5. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential cost savings through competition. 6. The primary service area is Maryland, with services at Greenbelt and Wallops Flight Facility. 7. The contract value is approximately $8.2 million over its term.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $8.2 million over five years for administrative services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting two NASA facilities. However, without comparable contract data for similar administrative support services at other federal agencies or within NASA itself, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. The benchmarked value of $4,490 per month for administrative services is a key data point, but its comparison to market rates would require further analysis of the specific services included.
Cost Per Unit: $4,490 per month (based on total contract value and duration)
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not openly competed. While the provided data does not specify the justification for this sole-source award, it typically implies that only one responsible source was available or that specific circumstances warranted a non-competitive procurement. The lack of competition means potential cost savings that could arise from a competitive bidding process were not realized.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have missed out on potential cost efficiencies that a competitive bidding process could have generated. Without competition, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price.
Public Impact
Provides critical administrative support to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Greenbelt, Maryland, and its Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). Ensures the smooth operation of essential administrative functions at these key research and development facilities. Supports the mission of Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc., which focuses on providing employment and training for individuals with disabilities. The contract's geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, supporting federal operations within the state.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
- Sole-source award requires clear justification to ensure fair and responsible use of government funds.
- Performance metrics and quality assurance details are not readily available in the provided data.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
- Contract duration of five years offers stability for essential administrative services.
- Contractor's mission aligns with social good objectives, potentially enhancing public perception.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the administrative services sector, a broad category supporting the operational needs of various government agencies. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561110, Office Administrative Services, indicates a focus on general office support. While the dollar amount is modest in the context of large federal procurements, administrative services are fundamental to the functioning of any organization, including NASA's complex research and development operations. Comparable spending benchmarks for administrative services can vary widely based on the specific tasks, location, and scale of operations.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside (ss=false) and does not appear to have specific small business subcontracting requirements explicitly stated. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal. However, the prime contractor, Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc., may have its own internal policies regarding subcontracting or partnerships that could involve small businesses, but this is not detailed in the provided information.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is facilitated by the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which publishes contract awards. However, the specific details of ongoing performance monitoring and any Inspector General (IG) involvement would depend on the contract's terms and any potential issues that arise during its execution.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Operations Support
- Federal Administrative Services Contracts
- Office Administrative Services (NAICS 561110)
- Sole-Source Federal Procurements
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
- Limited transparency on specific service details and performance metrics.
- Potential for higher costs due to lack of competition.
Tags
administrative-services, nasa, maryland, definitive-contract, firm-fixed-price, sole-source, office-administrative-services, naics-561110, melwood-horticultural-training-center-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $8.2 million to MELWOOD HORTICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER, INC.. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AT NASA GSFC'S GREENBELT FACILITY AND GSFC'S WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY (WFF).
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 $8.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-01. End: 2026-03-31.
What is the specific justification for the sole-source award of this administrative services contract?
The provided data indicates the contract was awarded under the category 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is synonymous with a sole-source award. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 6 outlines the circumstances under which agencies can procure goods and services on a sole-source basis. Common justifications include that only one responsible source exists, or that the agency's needs can only be met by a specific contractor due to unique capabilities, urgency, or specific program requirements. Without further details from NASA's justification documents (e.g., a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition - JOFOC), the precise reason remains unknown. This lack of competition means that NASA did not explore potential cost savings or broader market solutions that a competitive process might have yielded.
How does the contract's value benchmark against similar administrative support contracts at NASA or other federal agencies?
The contract's total value is $8,194,186.68 over 1825 days (5 years), equating to approximately $4,490,000 per year or $374,167 per month. The provided 'br' value of 4490 likely represents a benchmarked monthly cost. To assess value for money, this figure needs to be compared against similar administrative support contracts. For instance, if other federal agencies procure similar administrative services (e.g., mailroom operations, general office support, reception) for comparable facilities at a significantly lower monthly rate, this contract might be considered less cost-effective. Conversely, if the services are highly specialized or required in a high-cost labor market, the rate could be justified. A comprehensive benchmark analysis would require access to a broader dataset of federal contract spending for similar services and locations.
What are the specific administrative services to be provided under this contract?
The contract statement 'THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AT NASA GSFC'S GREENBELT FACILITY AND GSFC'S WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY (WFF)' indicates a broad scope of administrative support. While not explicitly detailed in the provided data snippet, typical administrative services can encompass a wide range of functions. These often include tasks such as managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, maintaining records, providing clerical support, handling travel arrangements, managing office supplies, and potentially basic facility support functions. The exact deliverables and service levels would be defined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW), which is not included here. Understanding the specific tasks is crucial for evaluating the contract's necessity and cost-effectiveness.
What is the track record of Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc. in performing federal contracts, particularly for administrative services?
Melwood Horticultural Training Center, Inc. is the contractor for this administrative services contract. Information regarding their specific track record with federal contracts, especially for administrative services, is not detailed in the provided data. However, Melwood's organizational mission is centered on providing employment and training for individuals with disabilities. This suggests a focus on social impact alongside service delivery. To fully assess their capability, one would need to review their past performance evaluations on federal contracts, any awards or penalties received, and their experience in managing similar-sized and scoped service contracts. Their unique mission may influence their operational approach and workforce composition.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for essential administrative services?
The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for essential administrative services is the potential for reduced value for money due to the absence of competition. Without competing bids, the government may pay a higher price than necessary. There's also a risk of complacency from the contractor, as there is no direct competitive pressure to innovate or improve efficiency. Furthermore, if the sole-source justification is weak or becomes outdated, it could raise concerns about the fairness and transparency of the procurement process. Dependence on a single contractor can also pose a risk if that contractor experiences performance issues, financial instability, or decides to exit the market, potentially disrupting critical services.
How does this contract align with NASA's broader mission and spending priorities?
This contract supports NASA's mission by ensuring the efficient operation of its facilities, specifically the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). Administrative services are foundational to the functioning of any large organization, enabling personnel to focus on core scientific, engineering, and research activities. While not directly tied to space exploration hardware or research, the reliable provision of administrative support is crucial for maintaining the infrastructure and human capital necessary for NASA's success. The contract's value of approximately $8.2 million over five years represents a small fraction of NASA's overall budget, indicating it is a necessary operational expense rather than a major strategic investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC20R0055
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: $18,000,000
Exercised Options: $18,000,000
Current Obligation: $8,194,187
Actual Outlays: $7,999,377
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-03-31
Potential End Date: 2026-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-13
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