NASA awards $8.88M contract for B221 REPLACE RING BUS, with 6 bidders competing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,877,102 ($8.9M)
Contractor: Pontchartrain Partners, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2019-11-21
End Date: 2026-01-26
Contract Duration: 2,258 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: B221 REPLACE RING BUS
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $8.9 million to PONTCHARTRAIN PARTNERS, LLC for work described as: B221 REPLACE RING BUS Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of industrial building construction. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Contract duration of over 6 years indicates a long-term need. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor. 5. The contract is positioned within NASA's infrastructure support sector. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, potentially limiting small business participation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $8.88 million for industrial building construction is within a typical range for projects of this nature. Benchmarking against similar NASA infrastructure projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for the government when scope is well-defined, as it caps costs.
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 while initial sources might have been limited, the final competition was broad. The presence of 6 bidders suggests a competitive environment, which typically leads to better pricing and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process with multiple bidders generally results in more favorable pricing for taxpayers, as contractors vie to offer the best value.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which will receive upgraded infrastructure for its facilities. The services delivered include industrial building construction, essential for operational continuity. The geographic impact is localized to the facility in Texas where the work is performed. Workforce implications include the creation of construction-related jobs in the local Texas economy.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if the scope is not precisely managed.
- Dependence on contractor's ability to meet construction timelines.
- Risk of unforeseen site conditions impacting project schedule and cost.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract mitigates cost escalation risk for the government.
- Competitive bidding process likely secured a fair market price.
- Long contract duration allows for phased execution and potential learning curve efficiencies.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Industrial Building Construction sector, a critical component of the broader construction industry. Spending in this area supports the development and maintenance of specialized facilities required by government agencies like NASA. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale construction projects awarded by federal agencies for similar infrastructure needs.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract are limited unless they are prime contractors who won the bid or are selected as subcontractors by the prime. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem for this contract is likely minimal.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and project managers, ensuring adherence to the contract terms and specifications. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract, with penalties for non-performance. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where this award is reported.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Facilities Construction
- Federal Infrastructure Projects
- Industrial Construction Services
- Defense Construction Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep if not tightly managed.
- Dependence on contractor's financial stability for long-term project execution.
Tags
nasa, construction, industrial-building-construction, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, texas, large-contract, infrastructure, federal-agency
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $8.9 million to PONTCHARTRAIN PARTNERS, LLC. B221 REPLACE RING BUS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PONTCHARTRAIN PARTNERS, 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 $8.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-11-21. End: 2026-01-26.
What is the track record of Pontchartrain Partners, LLC with NASA and similar federal contracts?
A review of federal procurement data indicates that Pontchartrain Partners, LLC has a history of performing contracts, though specific details on their track record with NASA or for similar large-scale industrial construction projects would require deeper analysis. Examining past performance evaluations, any contract disputes, and the types of projects they have successfully completed for federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capability. Understanding their experience with firm-fixed-price contracts and projects of comparable complexity is crucial for assessing their suitability for this B221 REPLACE RING BUS contract.
How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for similar construction projects?
Directly comparing the $8.88 million award for the B221 REPLACE RING BUS to industry benchmarks is challenging without detailed project specifications. However, the contract falls under 'Industrial Building Construction,' a category that can vary significantly in cost based on size, materials, specialized equipment, and location. To assess value for money, one would need to compare the cost per square foot, or cost per unit of specialized construction, against similar projects undertaken by other federal agencies or in the private sector in Texas. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests the government sought cost certainty, implying a well-defined scope that should align with standard cost estimation practices.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risks for this industrial building construction contract include potential cost overruns due to unforeseen site conditions, delays in project completion, and contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies are largely driven by the contract type and oversight. The firm-fixed-price structure shifts the financial risk of cost overruns to Pontchartrain Partners, LLC. NASA's project management and contracting officers will provide oversight to ensure adherence to specifications and timelines. A detailed statement of work and clear performance metrics are essential for managing contractor performance risks.
How effective has NASA been in managing similar long-term construction contracts?
NASA generally has a robust framework for managing complex, long-term contracts, leveraging experienced contracting officers and project management teams. Their success in managing similar construction projects often depends on the clarity of initial requirements, the effectiveness of contractor selection, and the diligence of ongoing oversight. Historical data on NASA's project delivery success rates, budget adherence, and schedule performance for large construction endeavors would provide a more specific assessment. The agency's established procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms are designed to ensure program effectiveness and accountability.
What is the historical spending pattern for industrial building construction at NASA?
Analyzing NASA's historical spending on industrial building construction reveals a consistent need for infrastructure development and maintenance to support its various missions. This spending fluctuates based on major facility upgrades, new research centers, or expansion projects. The $8.88 million for the B221 REPLACE RING BUS represents a specific investment within this broader category. Understanding the total annual or multi-year spending on similar construction projects would provide context on the scale and priority NASA places on maintaining its physical assets.
What is the significance of the 'Delivery Order' award type for this contract?
The 'Delivery Order' award type, in this context, likely signifies that this contract is a task order placed against a larger indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar pre-negotiated agreement. This means that while the overall framework and pricing might have been established previously, this specific order defines the scope, quantity, and delivery schedule for the B221 REPLACE RING BUS project. It allows for flexibility in acquiring services as needed, but also means the full scope and value might be realized through multiple delivery orders over the contract's life.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Industrial Building Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pontchartrain Partners LLC
Address: 739 S CLARK ST, NEW ORLEANS, LA, 70119
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $8,877,102
Exercised Options: $8,877,102
Current Obligation: $8,877,102
Actual Outlays: $8,877,102
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80SSC018D0007
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-11-21
Current End Date: 2026-01-26
Potential End Date: 2026-01-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-10
More Contracts from Pontchartrain Partners, LLC
- Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) Building 103 Roof and Fanhouse Replacement — $15.1M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Dmpa NO. 10, Shoreline Erosion Preventio — $13.3M (Department of Defense)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →