NASA awards $82.3M contract to Columbus Technologies for space flight hardware R&D, spanning 5 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $82,304,270 ($82.3M)

Contractor: Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2025-04-09

End Date: 2030-04-08

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: STUDY, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, VERIFICATION, AND OPERATIONS OF SPACE FLIGHT, AIRBORNE, AND GROUND SYSTEM HARDWARE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO ENABLE FUTURE SPACE AND SCIENCE MISSIONS.

Place of Performance

Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $82.3 million to COLUMBUS TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES, INC for work described as: STUDY, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, VERIFICATION, AND OPERATIONS OF SPACE FLIGHT, AIRBORNE, AND GROUND SYSTEM HARDWARE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO ENABLE FUTURE SPACE AND SCIENCE MISSIONS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development for space flight, airborne, and ground systems. 2. Significant investment in enabling future space and science missions through technological advancement. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, incentivizing performance and cost control. 4. Duration of 5 years indicates a long-term commitment to the research objectives. 5. The award value of $82.3M is substantial for R&D in this specialized sector. 6. The contract is for definitive contract actions, suggesting a phased approach to project execution.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $82.3M over five years suggests a significant investment in advanced research and development. Benchmarking this against similar R&D contracts within NASA or other space agencies would provide further context on its value for money. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for flexibility and incentivizes contractor performance, which can be beneficial for complex, long-term research projects where outcomes are not entirely predictable. However, the ultimate value will depend on the successful development of new technologies and their application to future missions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple potential bidders were considered. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this competitive process is generally expected to yield fair pricing and innovative solutions. The 'exclusion of sources' aspect might warrant further investigation to understand if specific capabilities or technologies were prioritized, potentially narrowing the field from an initial broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services or products received.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's scientific and space exploration missions by providing advanced hardware and technologies. Supports the development of new technologies crucial for future space and science endeavors. The contract is likely to impact the aerospace R&D workforce, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs. Geographic impact is centered around the contractor's operations and NASA research facilities, primarily in Maryland. Enables advancements in areas such as space flight systems, airborne platforms, and ground support infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• The Cost Plus Award Fee structure, while incentivizing, can lead to higher final costs if award fees are consistently maximized without strict cost controls.
• The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method could potentially limit the breadth of innovation if not carefully managed.
• Long-term R&D contracts carry inherent risks of technological obsolescence or failure to meet performance objectives.
• Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D components could pose a risk if the contractor faces financial or operational difficulties.

Positive Signals

• Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
• The 5-year duration provides stability for long-term research and development efforts.
• Focus on developing new technologies aligns with NASA's strategic goals for future exploration.
• The Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes high performance and successful outcomes.
• The contractor, Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc., is likely selected based on demonstrated capabilities in this specialized field.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically related to aerospace and space technology. The market for space-related R&D is highly specialized, with a limited number of firms possessing the necessary expertise and security clearances. Spending in this area is driven by government agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense, as well as private aerospace companies investing in next-generation capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within NASA's own R&D budget allocations and similar large-scale technology development contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) is not a primary focus of this specific contract award. There is no indication of a small business set-aside. This suggests that the prime contractor, Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc., is likely a larger entity, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on their procurement practices rather than a contractual mandate within this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting plans include provisions for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, who are responsible for monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates close oversight to ensure that award fees are justified by performance metrics. Transparency will be facilitated through contract reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate
• NASA Science Mission Directorate
• Advanced Technology Development Programs
• Aerospace Research and Development Contracts
• Space Flight Systems Engineering
• Ground Systems Development

Risk Flags

• Potential for cost overruns in a CPAF contract.
• Risk of technological obsolescence over the 5-year performance period.
• Uncertainty in achieving specific R&D objectives.
• Dependence on contractor's specialized expertise.
• Potential for limited competition impact if exclusions were too broad.

Tags

research-and-development, space-technology, nasa, cost-plus-award-fee, full-and-open-competition, definitive-contract, aerospace, technology-development, maryland, science-missions, hardware-development, long-term-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $82.3 million to COLUMBUS TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES, INC. STUDY, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, VERIFICATION, AND OPERATIONS OF SPACE FLIGHT, AIRBORNE, AND GROUND SYSTEM HARDWARE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO ENABLE FUTURE SPACE AND SCIENCE MISSIONS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COLUMBUS TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES, 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 $82.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-09. End: 2030-04-08.

What is the track record of Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc. with NASA and similar government contracts?

Columbus Technologies and Services, Inc. has a history of performing work for government agencies, including NASA. Their specific track record with NASA would involve examining past contracts, performance evaluations, and any awards or penalties received. A review of their contract history would reveal their experience in areas such as space flight hardware, system integration, testing, and verification. Understanding their past performance, particularly on cost-plus and R&D contracts, is crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute this new $82.3 million award. Information on their financial stability and any past performance issues or successes would provide further insight into their reliability as a contractor for this significant, long-term project.

How does the $82.3 million contract value compare to similar R&D efforts within NASA or the broader aerospace sector?

The $82.3 million contract value over five years represents a substantial investment in research and development for space flight hardware. To benchmark this value, one would compare it to other NASA R&D contracts of similar scope and duration, particularly those focused on developing new technologies for space missions. Additionally, analyzing R&D spending by other major aerospace players, such as the Department of Defense or large aerospace corporations, can provide context. The specific nature of the work – 'STUDY, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, FABRICATION, INTEGRATION, TESTING, VERIFICATION, AND OPERATIONS OF SPACE FLIGHT, AIRBORNE, AND GROUND SYSTEM HARDWARE' – suggests a comprehensive scope. If this contract value is significantly higher or lower than comparable efforts, it could indicate potential issues with pricing, scope definition, or market competitiveness.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract structure for NASA?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract for NASA revolve around cost control and the definition of award criteria. While CPAF incentivizes performance by offering award fees for meeting or exceeding specific objectives, there's a risk that the final cost could exceed initial estimates if the contractor consistently achieves high performance ratings, leading to substantial award fee payouts. NASA must meticulously define the award fee criteria to ensure they align with critical program goals and are measurable. If the criteria are too broad or subjective, it could lead to disputes or payouts that don't reflect true value. Furthermore, effective oversight is crucial to ensure that the contractor is not inflating costs to maximize potential award fees, and that the 'cost' component is managed efficiently.

How might the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' impact the innovation and cost-effectiveness of this contract?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' implies that while the competition was broadly solicited, certain sources were excluded, possibly due to specific requirements, past performance, or security considerations. This can have a dual impact on innovation and cost-effectiveness. On one hand, excluding sources might narrow the field to highly qualified and specialized contractors, potentially leading to more focused innovation and efficient execution if the selected contractor is indeed the best fit. However, it also carries the risk of limiting the pool of potential innovators and competitive offers. If the exclusion was too restrictive or not well-justified, it could stifle broader technological advancements and potentially lead to higher costs due to reduced competitive pressure. Understanding the rationale behind the exclusion is key to assessing its impact.

What are the potential long-term implications for NASA's future space and science missions based on this contract's objectives?

This contract's objective to develop new technologies for future space and science missions holds significant long-term implications for NASA. Success in developing advanced space flight, airborne, and ground system hardware could enable more ambitious scientific discoveries, enhance the capabilities of robotic and human exploration, and improve the efficiency and safety of space operations. For instance, breakthroughs in fabrication or integration could lead to lighter, more robust spacecraft, or more sophisticated sensor systems. The successful verification and potential operations of these systems could pave the way for new classes of missions, such as deep space exploration, advanced Earth observation, or more complex orbital infrastructure. Conversely, failure to develop these technologies could delay or hinder NASA's long-term strategic goals.

How does the contract's duration of 1825 days (5 years) influence the risk profile and expected outcomes?

A five-year duration for a research and development contract like this one significantly influences its risk profile and expected outcomes. The extended timeline allows for the complex, multi-stage processes of study, design, development, fabrication, integration, testing, and verification. This extended period is often necessary for tackling cutting-edge technological challenges where the path to success is not always clear. However, a longer duration also increases risks such as technological obsolescence, shifts in program priorities, potential cost overruns, and contractor performance degradation over time. For expected outcomes, the five-year span suggests NASA anticipates significant advancements and the maturation of new technologies, rather than quick, incremental improvements. It implies a strategic investment in foundational capabilities for future endeavors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 80GSFC21R0051

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1960 E GRAND AVE STE 1000, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,112,505,927

Exercised Options: $1,112,505,927

Current Obligation: $82,304,270

Actual Outlays: $49,420,316

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 11

Total Subaward Amount: $15,975,128

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-04-09

Current End Date: 2030-04-08

Potential End Date: 2030-04-08 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-04-10

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