NASA awards $17.9M for deep space logistics engineering support under GSA OASIS contract
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,947,044 ($17.9M)
Contractor: Aegis Aerospace Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-11-30
End Date: 2026-11-29
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEEP SPACE LOGISTICS ENGINEERING SUPPORT (LENS) TASK ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA) ONE ACQUISITION SOLUTION FOR INTEGRATED SERVICES (OASIS).
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32899
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $17.9 million to AEGIS AEROSPACE INC for work described as: DEEP SPACE LOGISTICS ENGINEERING SUPPORT (LENS) TASK ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA) ONE ACQUISITION SOLUTION FOR INTEGRATED SERVICES (OASIS). Key points: 1. Contract awarded under a broad GSA OASIS vehicle, suggesting potential for streamlined acquisition. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can incentivize cost control but requires robust oversight. 3. The period of performance spans over six years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. The contract was awarded via Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources, implying a competitive process. 6. The task order is a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle. 7. The contractor, AEGIS AEROSPACE INC, is performing work in Florida.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
Benchmarking the value of this specific task order is challenging without more granular data on comparable logistics engineering support contracts. However, the CPFF contract type suggests that costs will be reimbursed plus a fixed fee, which can be efficient if managed well. The duration of over six years for nearly $18 million indicates a steady, long-term investment in specialized support, which may represent good value if the services are critical and effectively delivered. Further analysis would require comparing the fixed fee and total costs against industry standards for similar R&D engineering support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under a Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources, indicating that the GSA OASIS contract vehicle itself was competed broadly. For this specific task order, the 'Exclusion of Sources' phrasing suggests that while the overall OASIS vehicle was competed, there might have been specific justifications for excluding certain sources from bidding on this particular task order, or it could refer to a specific type of full and open competition. The presence of multiple bidders (no=3) on this task order suggests a degree of competition, which is generally positive for price discovery and value.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a more efficient marketplace and potentially driving down costs compared to sole-source awards.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's deep space exploration programs, receiving critical engineering and logistics support. Services delivered include research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, crucial for mission success. The geographic impact is concentrated in Florida, where the contractor is based. Workforce implications include the employment of specialized engineers and logistics personnel by AEGIS AEROSPACE INC.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.
- The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in the competition type warrants further understanding to ensure no viable competitors were unfairly excluded.
- Long-term contracts can sometimes lead to complacency or reduced urgency if not actively managed and reviewed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under the GSA OASIS contract vehicle, which is designed for efficient and flexible acquisition of complex professional services.
- The task order was competed, indicating that multiple firms were considered, promoting a degree of market responsiveness.
- The contract has a defined period of performance, allowing for structured planning and resource allocation.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for government innovation and technological advancement. The market for specialized engineering and logistics support for space exploration is highly specialized, with a limited number of firms possessing the requisite expertise and security clearances. Spending in this niche is often driven by specific agency missions and long-term strategic goals, such as NASA's deep space initiatives. Benchmarking is difficult due to the unique nature of space R&D, but contracts of this size and duration are typical for supporting major scientific endeavors.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss=false, sb=false). As a task order under the GSA OASIS vehicle, which is a large, complex contract, the primary contractor is likely a large business. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on the extent to which AEGIS AEROSPACE INC utilizes small business subcontractors for specialized services or support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's program management and contracting officers. The GSA OASIS contract vehicle itself has oversight mechanisms managed by GSA. Given the CPFF contract type, robust financial oversight and performance monitoring are crucial to ensure costs are reasonable and the fixed fee is earned. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, but detailed performance reports and audits are typically internal or conducted by the Inspector General's office if specific concerns arise.
Related Government Programs
- GSA OASIS Contracts
- NASA Research and Development Programs
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Logistics Support Services
- Space Exploration Technology Development
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight.
- Long period of performance may introduce risks if not actively managed.
- Potential for 'Exclusion of Sources' warrants scrutiny to ensure fair competition.
Tags
nasa, gsa-oasis, research-and-development, engineering-services, logistics-support, deep-space, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, florida, large-business
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $17.9 million to AEGIS AEROSPACE INC. DEEP SPACE LOGISTICS ENGINEERING SUPPORT (LENS) TASK ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA) ONE ACQUISITION SOLUTION FOR INTEGRATED SERVICES (OASIS).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AEGIS AEROSPACE 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 $17.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-11-30. End: 2026-11-29.
What is the track record of AEGIS AEROSPACE INC with NASA and similar government contracts?
A comprehensive review of AEGIS AEROSPACE INC's track record would involve examining their past performance on contracts with NASA and other federal agencies. This includes assessing their history of meeting performance requirements, adhering to schedules, managing costs, and overall client satisfaction. Data from contract databases and performance evaluation reports (if publicly available) would be crucial. For instance, analyzing the number and value of previous contracts, the types of services rendered, and any reported issues or commendations would provide insight into their reliability and capability for complex R&D and logistics support. Understanding their experience with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts specifically would also be important, as this contract type requires careful financial management and reporting.
How does the estimated cost of this contract compare to similar deep space logistics engineering support contracts?
Direct comparison of this $17.9 million, six-year contract for deep space logistics engineering support is challenging without access to a broader dataset of highly specialized, mission-specific contracts. The unique nature of deep space exploration means that requirements and associated costs can vary significantly. However, one could benchmark against other large R&D contracts awarded by NASA or other space agencies for similar durations and complexity. Factors like the specific technologies involved, the level of engineering expertise required, and the contractor's overhead structure would influence cost. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) nature means the total cost is variable up to a ceiling, making direct price comparisons difficult without knowing the final incurred costs and the fixed fee percentage relative to total costs.
What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor does not manage expenses diligently, as the government reimburses allowable costs. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a profit incentive, it doesn't cap the total expenditure. Robust oversight by NASA is essential to scrutinize incurred costs, ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract, and prevent scope creep. Another risk could be related to the contractor's technical performance; if AEGIS AEROSPACE INC fails to deliver the required engineering and logistics support effectively, it could jeopardize NASA's deep space missions. The long duration also introduces risks related to changing technological landscapes or evolving mission requirements.
How effective is the GSA OASIS contract vehicle for acquiring specialized R&D services like this?
The GSA OASIS (One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services) contract vehicle is designed to provide agencies like NASA with a flexible and efficient way to procure complex professional services, including R&D. Its effectiveness lies in pre-competed master contracts, reducing the time and effort agencies spend on individual contract competitions. For specialized R&D, OASIS offers a broad scope that can encompass various scientific and engineering disciplines. The effectiveness for this specific task order depends on whether the pre-competed pool of contractors under OASIS truly represented the best available talent for deep space logistics engineering and if the task order competition within that pool yielded optimal results in terms of cost and performance. Agencies often find OASIS beneficial for streamlining acquisition, but the ultimate effectiveness hinges on proper task order management and oversight.
What are the historical spending patterns for deep space logistics engineering support at NASA?
Analyzing historical spending patterns for deep space logistics engineering support at NASA would require examining budget allocations and contract awards over several fiscal years. This would involve looking at trends in funding for R&D in aerospace, mission support services, and specific deep space initiatives. Understanding how spending has evolved can reveal shifts in priorities, technological advancements, and the increasing complexity of space missions. For example, a rising trend might indicate greater investment in ambitious exploration goals, while a decrease could suggest budget constraints or a shift towards different mission phases. Comparing current spending levels to historical averages can also help assess whether the $17.9 million award is within a typical range for such specialized support.
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 › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 80KSC020R0052
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 18050 SATURN LANE STE 300, HOUSTON, TX, 77058
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,449,615
Exercised Options: $36,449,615
Current Obligation: $17,947,044
Actual Outlays: $15,663,262
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D6002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-11-30
Current End Date: 2026-11-29
Potential End Date: 2026-11-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-06
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