NASA's $44.6M SMASS III Contract Awarded to A-P-T Research, Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,628,939 ($44.6M)
Contractor: A-P-T Research, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2018-02-01
End Date: 2023-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $24.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SAFETY AND MISSION SUPPORT SERVICES (SMASS) III
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32899
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $44.6 million to A-P-T RESEARCH, INC. for work described as: SAFETY AND MISSION SUPPORT SERVICES (SMASS) III Key points: 1. Contract Value: $44.6 million over 5 years. 2. Competition: Full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Risk: Cost-plus fixed fee contract type introduces potential for cost overruns. 4. Sector: Engineering Services (NAICS 541330).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is cost-plus fixed fee, which can lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar engineering services contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
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. However, the 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation into its justification and impact on price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for engineering services. The cost-plus fixed fee structure requires diligent oversight to ensure value for money and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
Public Impact
Supports NASA's safety and mission support functions, crucial for space exploration. The contract duration of 5 years provides long-term stability for the awarded company. Potential for cost overruns due to the cost-plus fixed fee structure requires close monitoring.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus fixed fee contract type
- Exclusion of sources clause
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Long contract duration
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is vital for government agencies like NASA. Spending in this sector is often project-driven and can vary significantly based on agency needs and technological advancements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were included or pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
The cost-plus fixed fee contract type necessitates robust oversight from NASA to manage costs effectively and ensure the contractor is meeting performance objectives. Audits and regular performance reviews are critical.
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 cost overruns
- Exclusion of sources clause requires scrutiny
- No small business award indicated
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $44.6 million to A-P-T RESEARCH, INC.. SAFETY AND MISSION SUPPORT SERVICES (SMASS) III
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is A-P-T RESEARCH, 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 $44.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-02-01. End: 2023-01-31.
What specific justification was provided for the 'exclusion of sources' clause in this full and open competition, and how did it impact the final price?
The justification for excluding sources in a full and open competition is typically related to specific technical requirements, proprietary data, or unique capabilities that only a limited number of entities possess. Without this specific justification, it's difficult to assess its impact on price discovery. It could potentially limit competition and lead to higher prices if not properly managed or if the exclusion was overly broad.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is performance being measured to ensure mission success and taxpayer value?
Key performance indicators for a contract like SMASS III would likely focus on technical performance, schedule adherence, cost control, and safety compliance. NASA would typically have a performance management plan outlining specific metrics, targets, and reporting requirements. Regular reviews and audits are essential to ensure the contractor is meeting these KPIs and delivering value for taxpayer investment.
How does the cost-plus fixed fee structure compare to alternative contract types for similar engineering services, and what are the associated risks and benefits?
Cost-plus fixed fee (CPFF) contracts are often used when the scope of work is not well-defined or involves significant uncertainty. They offer flexibility but carry a higher risk of cost overruns as the contractor is reimbursed for actual costs plus a fixed fee. Fixed-price contracts, conversely, offer greater cost certainty for the government but may be less suitable for R&D or complex projects with evolving requirements. The benefit of CPFF is flexibility; the risk is potential cost escalation.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNK16567219R
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4950 RESEARCH DR, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $50,617,893
Exercised Options: $46,001,341
Current Obligation: $44,628,939
Actual Outlays: $32,676,603
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-02-01
Current End Date: 2023-01-31
Potential End Date: 2023-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-10
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