NASA's $1.89B ESSCA contract with Amentum Technology, Inc. awarded via full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,890,051,808 ($1.9B)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-12-01
End Date: 2026-11-30
Contract Duration: 3,286 days
Daily Burn Rate: $575.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ENGINEERING SERVICES AND SCIENCE CAPABILITY AUGMENTATION (ESSCA)
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $1.89 billion to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: ENGINEERING SERVICES AND SCIENCE CAPABILITY AUGMENTATION (ESSCA) Key points: 1. The contract value is substantial at $1.89 billion, indicating significant scope. 2. Amentum Technology, Inc. is the sole awardee, raising questions about ongoing competition. 3. The contract type (Cost Plus Award Fee) can incentivize performance but may lead to cost overruns. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences, a critical area for NASA.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance incentives but can be less predictable on final cost compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking is difficult without specific task order details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process initially. However, as a definitive contract with multiple options, subsequent task orders may not always undergo the same level of competitive scrutiny.
Taxpayer Impact: The initial competitive award is positive for taxpayers, but the cost-plus nature requires vigilant oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA research and development initiatives. Potential for technological advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Job creation and economic impact in Alabama, where the contract is managed. Ensures continued scientific and engineering support for NASA's missions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring.
- Lack of ongoing competition for task orders could impact price.
- Contract duration is long (3286 days).
Positive Signals
- Awarded via full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for a key government agency.
- Potential for significant technological advancements.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. NASA's R&D spending is crucial for space exploration and technological innovation, often involving complex, long-term projects.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is Amentum Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information on small business subcontracting participation in this summary.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms are designed to manage complex contracts like ESSCA. Regular performance reviews and audits are essential to ensure accountability and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
- Potential for scope creep in R&D.
- Sole awardee for the definitive contract.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, al, definitive-contract, billion-dollar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $1.89 billion to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. ENGINEERING SERVICES AND SCIENCE CAPABILITY AUGMENTATION (ESSCA)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, 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 $1.89 billion.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-12-01. End: 2026-11-30.
How effectively does the Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivize Amentum to achieve NASA's R&D objectives while controlling costs?
The CPAFF structure aims to balance cost control with performance incentives. NASA must establish clear, measurable award criteria tied to R&D milestones and scientific outcomes. Effective oversight involves rigorous evaluation of performance against these criteria to ensure that award fees are justified and that overall costs remain reasonable relative to the value delivered.
What is the potential risk of cost escalation given the contract's duration and cost-plus nature?
The contract's long duration (over 9 years) and Cost Plus Award Fee structure present a moderate risk of cost escalation. Unforeseen technical challenges, evolving research requirements, or less stringent cost controls could drive up expenses. NASA's robust program management and financial oversight are critical to mitigating these risks through regular reviews and audits.
How does the R&D focus of this contract translate into tangible benefits and technological advancements for the public?
This contract directly fuels innovation in areas vital to space exploration and scientific understanding. Advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences can lead to spin-off technologies benefiting various sectors, from medicine to materials science. The ultimate public benefit lies in NASA's mission achievements and the broader technological progress spurred by its research investments.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNM16568754R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC
Address: 600 WILLIAM NORTHERN BLVD, TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,268,147,838
Exercised Options: $2,268,147,838
Current Obligation: $1,890,051,808
Actual Outlays: $1,466,147,238
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-12-01
Current End Date: 2026-11-30
Potential End Date: 2026-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-18
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