NASA Awards $47.8M Logistics Contract to Trax International for Goddard Space Flight Center Missions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $47,853,228 ($47.9M)
Contractor: Trax International Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-08-01
End Date: 2026-07-31
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $65.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: GODDARD LOGISTICS SERVICES CONTRACT - THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO SUPPORT NASA GSFC LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT NEEDS IN ORDER TO MEET EARTH SCIENCE, SPACE SCIENCE, AND EXPLORATION MISSION REQUIREMENTS.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $47.9 million to TRAX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: GODDARD LOGISTICS SERVICES CONTRACT - THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO SUPPORT NASA GSFC LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT NEEDS IN ORDER TO MEET EARTH SCIENCE, SPACE SCIENCE, AND EXPLORATION MISSION REQUIREMENTS. Key points: 1. The contract aims to support critical Earth science, space science, and exploration missions. 2. Trax International Corporation is the awardee under a full and open competition. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. Logistics support is crucial for mission success, but efficiency can vary.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for costs to exceed initial estimates, potentially impacting overall value. Benchmarking against similar logistics support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may not always yield the most cost-effective outcome for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential mission support, with the final cost dependent on actual expenses incurred by the contractor.
Public Impact
Supports vital NASA missions in Earth and space science. Ensures operational readiness for complex scientific endeavors. Logistics are a critical, often unseen, component of space exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to higher-than-expected costs.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown makes value assessment challenging.
- Potential for scope creep in logistics support requirements.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical national science and exploration goals.
- Contract duration provides stability for mission support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Facilities Support Services, a broad category essential for government operations. Spending in this sector is generally stable, driven by the need for ongoing facility maintenance and operational support for various agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities exist within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Oversight will focus on ensuring efficient logistics management and adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee terms.
Related Government Programs
- Facilities Support Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown
- No small business awardee indicated
Tags
facilities-support-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 $47.9 million to TRAX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. GODDARD LOGISTICS SERVICES CONTRACT - THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THIS REQUIREMENT IS TO SUPPORT NASA GSFC LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT NEEDS IN ORDER TO MEET EARTH SCIENCE, SPACE SCIENCE, AND EXPLORATION MISSION REQUIREMENTS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TRAX 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 $47.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-01. End: 2026-07-31.
What is the projected profit margin for Trax International under this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, and how does it compare to industry standards for similar logistics services?
The specific profit margin is not detailed in the provided data. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts typically include a negotiated fixed fee that represents the contractor's profit. To assess its reasonableness, one would need to compare this fee against typical profit margins for logistics support services in the aerospace sector, considering the contract's complexity and risk.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will NASA measure the effectiveness of Trax International's logistics support in meeting mission requirements?
Key performance indicators are not explicitly stated in the provided summary. NASA's oversight would likely involve tracking metrics such as on-time delivery of supplies, inventory accuracy, response times for logistical requests, and overall cost control. Effective measurement will ensure that the logistics support directly contributes to the success of the Earth science, space science, and exploration missions.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure the best value for taxpayers?
While Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts inherently carry a risk of cost overruns, NASA's contracting officers will monitor expenditures closely. Mechanisms to mitigate risks include detailed reporting requirements, regular audits, and potentially incentive clauses tied to cost savings or performance. The fixed fee component provides some predictability, but vigilant oversight is crucial.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC24R0048
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8337 W SUNSET RD STE 190, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89113
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $264,563,568
Exercised Options: $92,138,313
Current Obligation: $47,853,228
Actual Outlays: $39,343,626
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-01
Current End Date: 2026-07-31
Potential End Date: 2029-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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