NASA Awards $106.5M for Systems and Software Assurance Services to Science Applications International Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $106,478,131 ($106.5M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-10-01
End Date: 2027-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $58.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Engineering Services
Official Description: SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ASSURANCE SERVICES 2 (SAS2) THE PRINCIPLE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ASSURANCE SERVICES, INCLUDING IV&V AND SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE ANALYSIS ON SELECTED SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE BEING DEVELOPED
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRMONT, MARION County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26554
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $106.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ASSURANCE SERVICES 2 (SAS2) THE PRINCIPLE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ASSURANCE SERVICES, INCLUDING IV&V AND SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE ANALYSIS ON SELECTED SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE BEING DEVELOPED Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical IV&V and safety analysis for system development. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk of cost overruns exists with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type. 4. Engineering Services sector sees significant investment in assurance.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $106.5M over five years appears reasonable for comprehensive systems and software assurance services. Benchmarking against similar IV&V and safety analysis contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders likely participated. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential systems assurance services.
Public Impact
Ensures safety and reliability of critical NASA systems and software. Supports mission success by mitigating development risks. Provides independent verification and validation of complex engineering projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 100 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Potential for scope creep in complex systems and software assurance.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition promotes competitive pricing.
- Long-term contract provides stability for critical services.
- Focus on safety and mission assurance aligns with NASA's objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on specialized assurance services for complex systems and software. Spending in this area is crucial for high-stakes government projects like those undertaken by NASA.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought through subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure the contractor delivers on all safety and mission assurance requirements effectively.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for scope creep in complex assurance services.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Reliance on contractor performance for critical safety and mission assurance.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, wv, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $106.5 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ASSURANCE SERVICES 2 (SAS2) THE PRINCIPLE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ASSURANCE SERVICES, INCLUDING IV&V AND SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE ANALYSIS ON SELECTED SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE BEING DEVELOPED
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
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 $106.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-10-01. End: 2027-09-30.
What is the typical cost range for similar Systems and Software Assurance Services contracts at NASA or other federal agencies?
The cost range for similar Systems and Software Assurance Services (SAS) contracts can vary significantly based on scope, duration, and complexity. However, contracts for independent verification and validation (IV&V), safety, and mission assurance analysis on large-scale systems typically range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over several years. Factors like the criticality of the systems, the level of detail required in analysis, and the specific expertise needed influence the final price.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for complex engineering services?
The primary risks with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for complex engineering services include potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed estimates, leading to reduced profit margins for them, or potentially higher final costs for the government if not managed carefully. There's also a risk of the contractor incentivizing higher costs to increase their fixed fee base, although the fixed fee itself is not directly tied to costs. Effective oversight is crucial to monitor expenditures and ensure value.
How will the effectiveness of these Systems and Software Assurance Services be measured and ensured?
The effectiveness of these Systems and Software Assurance Services will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract. These could include the number and severity of defects identified, the accuracy and timeliness of IV&V reports, adherence to safety standards, and the overall impact on reducing system failures or mission risks. Regular reviews, milestone achievements, and independent assessments by NASA will ensure the contractor meets its obligations and contributes to mission success.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC20R0034
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010, SUNSET HILLS ROAD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $170,000,000
Exercised Options: $170,000,000
Current Obligation: $106,478,131
Actual Outlays: $90,346,604
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $62,794,744
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-10-01
Current End Date: 2027-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-09
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