NASA's $345M HSFTIC Contract Awarded to Barrios Technology Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $344,900,591 ($344.9M)
Contractor: Barrios Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-08-02
End Date: 2025-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,885 days
Daily Burn Rate: $183.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT TECHNICAL INTEGRATION CONTRACT (HSFTIC)
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $344.9 million to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT TECHNICAL INTEGRATION CONTRACT (HSFTIC) Key points: 1. Contract value of $344.9M for technical integration in human space flight. 2. Awarded to Barrios Technology, LLC, a single entity. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, indicating performance-based incentives. 5. Sector is R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $344.9M appears reasonable for a multi-year technical integration effort in the complex field of human space flight. Benchmarking against similar NASA contracts for technical support services 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 After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process was initiated but potentially narrowed. This method aims for fair pricing through competition, though the exclusion of sources warrants scrutiny.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical space exploration support.
Public Impact
Supports NASA's human space flight missions, directly impacting national space exploration goals. Barrios Technology's role in technical integration is crucial for mission success and safety. The contract duration of over 4 years suggests a long-term commitment to this capability. Potential for technological advancements stemming from R&D activities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Exclusion of sources in competition method
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized
- Contract supports critical national space program
- Performance-based incentives in contract type
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically related to human space flight. Spending in this R&D category is vital for technological advancement and national security, with benchmarks varying widely based on project scope.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that Barrios Technology, LLC, is the prime contractor. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business subcontracting goals or participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to oversight by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Inspector General. The contract's performance will be monitored through award fee evaluations.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for reduced competition due to source exclusion
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can be susceptible to cost overruns
- Lack of explicit small business participation data
- Contract duration extends beyond current fiscal year, requiring continued funding appropriations
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $344.9 million to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC. HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT TECHNICAL INTEGRATION CONTRACT (HSFTIC)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, 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 $344.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-08-02. End: 2025-09-30.
What specific technical integration services are encompassed by this contract, and how do they align with NASA's current and future human space flight objectives?
The HSFTIC contract likely covers a broad range of technical integration services essential for human space flight, including systems engineering, safety analysis, mission planning, and hardware/software integration. These services are critical for ensuring the success and safety of ongoing missions like the International Space Station and upcoming endeavors such as the Artemis program, supporting NASA's strategic goals for space exploration and scientific discovery.
What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources during the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process, and what impact did this have on the final contract price?
The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific capabilities, past performance, or proprietary technologies are deemed essential and only available from a limited number of entities. While this can ensure specialized expertise, it may reduce overall price competition. The impact on the final price depends on the number of remaining bidders and the justification for the exclusion, which should be documented by the agency.
How effectively will the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure incentivize Barrios Technology to achieve optimal performance and cost control within the $345M budget?
The CPAF structure incentivizes performance by allowing for award fees based on achieving specific cost, schedule, and technical targets. Effective implementation requires clearly defined, measurable criteria for award fees. If well-structured, it can drive Barrios Technology towards exceeding expectations and managing costs efficiently. However, poorly defined criteria could lead to disputes or inflated costs if the agency's evaluation is subjective.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80JSC019R0023
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 16441 SPACE CTR BLVD STE B-100, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $351,722,993
Exercised Options: $351,722,993
Current Obligation: $344,900,591
Actual Outlays: $342,690,618
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 35
Total Subaward Amount: $392,790,465
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-08-02
Current End Date: 2025-09-30
Potential End Date: 2025-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-09
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