NASA's $148.5M LASSO II Contract Awarded to Astrion Group for Laboratory Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $148,510,420 ($148.5M)
Contractor: Astrion Group, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-04-01
End Date: 2027-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,643 days
Daily Burn Rate: $90.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT
Sector: Other
Official Description: LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES AND OPERATIONS II (LASSO) II CONTRACT
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32899
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $148.5 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC for work described as: LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES AND OPERATIONS II (LASSO) II CONTRACT Key points: 1. The contract is for laboratory support services and operations, a critical function for NASA's research and development. 2. Awarded to Astrion Group, LLC, the contract represents a significant investment in scientific infrastructure. 3. The fixed-price level-of-effort structure aims to control costs while ensuring necessary services are rendered. 4. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 5. The contract duration extends over four years, indicating a long-term need for these capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's fixed-price level-of-effort structure provides a degree of cost control. Benchmarking against similar laboratory support contracts would be beneficial to fully assess pricing effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. This method allows all eligible contractors to bid, driving innovation and efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it promotes market-rate pricing and prevents potential overcharges associated with limited or sole-source awards.
Public Impact
Supports NASA's scientific research and operational needs, potentially leading to advancements in space exploration and technology. Ensures the availability of essential laboratory services, which are foundational for many government research projects. The contract's duration suggests a sustained commitment to critical scientific infrastructure. Potential for spin-off technologies and innovations benefiting the broader public.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns if the 'level of effort' is underestimated.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical laboratory operations.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Fixed-price structure offers some cost predictability.
- Long-term contract indicates sustained need and potential for stable service delivery.
Sector Analysis
The sector involves specialized scientific and technical services, often requiring significant investment in facilities and expertise. Benchmarks for similar laboratory support contracts can vary widely based on the specific scientific disciplines and operational scope.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as 'sb' is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities exist within this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure Astrion Group meets performance expectations and adheres to the contract's terms. NASA's contracting officers will monitor progress and expenditures to ensure accountability and value for taxpayer money.
Related Government Programs
- Testing Laboratories and Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract awarded to a single entity (Astrion Group).
- Fixed Price Level of Effort contract type can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed carefully.
- No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.
- Long contract duration (over 4 years) increases long-term risk exposure.
Tags
testing-laboratories-and-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, fl, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $148.5 million to ASTRION GROUP, LLC. LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES AND OPERATIONS II (LASSO) II CONTRACT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASTRION GROUP, 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 $148.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-01. End: 2027-09-30.
What specific laboratory services are included under the LASSO II contract, and how do they align with NASA's current and future mission objectives?
The LASSO II contract encompasses a broad range of laboratory support services and operations essential for NASA's research and development activities. While specific details are not provided, these services likely include testing, calibration, analysis, and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities. The contract's alignment with mission objectives would depend on the precise nature of the scientific endeavors it supports, such as propulsion testing, materials science research, or environmental monitoring for space missions.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will Astrion Group's performance be measured against them?
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Typically, for laboratory support services, KPIs might include turnaround times for tests, accuracy rates, equipment uptime, adherence to safety protocols, and client satisfaction. NASA's contracting officers would establish and monitor these KPIs to ensure Astrion Group meets its contractual obligations effectively and efficiently, ensuring the quality and reliability of the laboratory services provided.
What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader scientific research community and potential technological advancements?
This contract's impact could be significant, providing NASA with the essential laboratory infrastructure needed to pursue cutting-edge research and development. By ensuring robust support services, it enables scientists and engineers to conduct experiments and analyses critical for space exploration, aeronautics, and related technological advancements. The contract's success could foster innovation, potentially leading to discoveries and technologies that benefit not only NASA's missions but also the wider scientific community and the public.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80KSC021R0038
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT (B)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 308 VOYAGER WAY, SUITE 200, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $217,733,932
Exercised Options: $164,275,692
Current Obligation: $148,510,420
Actual Outlays: $131,692,486
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 71
Total Subaward Amount: $41,856,782
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-09-30
Potential End Date: 2028-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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