NASA awards $5.2M contract for mechanical and composite hardware fabrication support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,218,824 ($5.2M)
Contractor: Science & Technology Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2024-08-01
End Date: 2026-09-29
Contract Duration: 789 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: MECHANICAL AND COMPOSITE HARDWARE FABRICATION SUPPORT SERVICES THAT IS ISSUED THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC TASK ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ETOMS).
Place of Performance
Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23681
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $5.2 million to SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: MECHANICAL AND COMPOSITE HARDWARE FABRICATION SUPPORT SERVICES THAT IS ISSUED THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC TASK ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ETOMS). Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for advanced hardware fabrication. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control. 4. Performance period extends over two years, indicating a need for sustained support. 5. The contractor, Science & Technology Corporation, has a track record in this sector. 6. This award falls under the 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $5.2 million for two years of support appears reasonable for specialized fabrication services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for mechanical and composite hardware fabrication support is necessary for a definitive value assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while common, requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiencies and prevent overruns. The award amount is within the expected range for this type of specialized technical support.
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,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The exclusion of sources clause suggests a specific reason for limiting the initial pool, but the subsequent full and open competition aims to broaden participation.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and ensures that the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of qualified offerors.
Public Impact
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) benefits from this contract through enhanced capabilities in hardware fabrication. Services delivered include support for mechanical and composite hardware fabrication. The geographic impact is primarily at NASA facilities where the fabrication support is rendered. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for skilled technicians and engineers in the aerospace sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely managed.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical fabrication support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
- The specific exclusion of sources initially, even if followed by full and open competition, warrants understanding the rationale to ensure no undue limitations occurred.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potential for competitive pricing.
- The contractor, Science & Technology Corporation, is likely experienced in this specialized field.
- The contract duration of over two years allows for continuity of essential services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the aerospace manufacturing and support services sector, specifically related to 'Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing.' This sector is characterized by high technical requirements, stringent quality control, and significant government investment. The market size for such specialized fabrication services is substantial, driven by defense and space exploration needs. This contract represents a component of NASA's broader strategy to maintain and advance its technological capabilities in hardware development and production.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, Science & Technology Corporation, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own procurement strategies and the availability of specialized services within the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, ensuring adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee terms and performance requirements. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract's deliverables and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Aerospace Component Manufacturing
- Advanced Materials Fabrication
- Space Exploration Hardware Procurement
Risk Flags
- Cost Overrun Risk (CPFF)
- Performance Dependency
- Technical Specification Adherence
Tags
nasa, aerospace, hardware-fabrication, mechanical-engineering, composite-materials, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, virginia, science-technology-corporation, support-services, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $5.2 million to SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. MECHANICAL AND COMPOSITE HARDWARE FABRICATION SUPPORT SERVICES THAT IS ISSUED THROUGH AN ELECTRONIC TASK ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ETOMS).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.
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 $5.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-01. End: 2026-09-29.
What is the track record of Science & Technology Corporation with NASA and similar agencies?
A thorough review of Science & Technology Corporation's past performance with NASA and other federal agencies is crucial. This includes examining their history with Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, their on-time delivery rates, quality of work, and any past performance issues or disputes. Data from contract databases like SAM.gov and FPDS can provide insights into their contract history, including awards, task orders, and any reported performance evaluations. Understanding their experience in mechanical and composite hardware fabrication specifically will help assess their capability to meet the requirements of this new contract.
How does the awarded amount compare to similar fabrication support contracts?
Benchmarking this $5.2 million contract against similar 'Mechanical and Composite Hardware Fabrication Support Services' awarded by NASA or other aerospace agencies is essential for value assessment. Factors to consider include the contract duration, scope of work, technical complexity, and the specific types of hardware being fabricated. If comparable contracts for similar services over a two-year period are significantly higher or lower, it could indicate potential overpricing or exceptional value. Analyzing the number of bidders and the competition level during those benchmarks would also provide context for price discovery.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured?
The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided summary. However, for a 'Mechanical and Composite Hardware Fabrication Support Services' contract, typical KPIs would likely include metrics related to on-time delivery of fabricated components, adherence to technical specifications and quality standards (e.g., defect rates, material integrity), cost control within the fixed fee parameters, and responsiveness to task orders. NASA's program office and contracting officer would be responsible for establishing and monitoring these KPIs, likely through regular progress reports, inspections, and performance reviews.
What is the significance of the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type in this context?
The 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' (CPFF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset or involves research and development, making it suitable for complex fabrication support. For taxpayers, CPFF contracts require diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and that the fixed fee provides adequate incentive for efficient performance. It shifts some cost risk to the government compared to fixed-price contracts but allows for flexibility in evolving technical requirements.
What is the historical spending trend for similar fabrication services at NASA?
Analyzing historical spending trends for mechanical and composite hardware fabrication support services at NASA is important for context. This involves examining annual expenditures in this category over the past several fiscal years. Trends might reveal whether NASA's reliance on such services is increasing or decreasing, and whether spending levels are consistent with inflation and program priorities. Significant year-over-year fluctuations could warrant further investigation into the underlying causes, such as major new projects, shifts in in-house capabilities, or changes in procurement strategies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 21 ENTERPRISE PARKWAY, SUITE 150, HAMPTON, VA, 23666
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,218,824
Exercised Options: $5,218,824
Current Obligation: $5,218,824
Actual Outlays: $4,701,816
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80LARC20D0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-29
Potential End Date: 2026-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
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