NASA awards $3.39M contract to Barrios Technology, LLC for R&D support services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,391,920 ($3.4M)
Contractor: Barrios Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-04-16
End Date: 2026-04-15
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PLANNING, COORDINATING, TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT, EXECUTION, AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO ASSURE DISCIPLINED PERFORMANCE OF WORK AND TIMELY APPLICATION OF RESOURCES FOR THIS CONTRACT.
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.4 million to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PLANNING, COORDINATING, TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT, EXECUTION, AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO ASSURE DISCIPLINED PERFORMANCE OF WORK AND TIMELY APPLICATION OF RESOURCES FOR THIS CONTRACT. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on planning, coordination, and technical management for R&D activities. 2. The contract duration is 5 years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 6. The contract is a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $3.39 million over five years averages to approximately $678,000 annually. Without specific benchmarks for similar R&D support contracts at NASA or within the aerospace sector, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for the government if managed effectively. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of services and deliverables to other contracts of a similar nature.
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.' This indicates that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific exclusion of sources suggests that while the competition was open, certain pre-existing conditions or requirements might have narrowed the pool of eligible bidders, though the intent was still broad competition. The number of bidders is not specified, but this type of competition generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: This level of competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, potentially leading to a more cost-effective outcome for the government.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's research and development programs, which will receive enhanced planning, coordination, and technical management. The services delivered will ensure disciplined performance of work and timely application of resources for critical R&D activities. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around NASA facilities where the R&D is being conducted, primarily in Alabama. Workforce implications may include the employment of skilled professionals in project management, technical oversight, and R&D support roles.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'activities necessary' is not tightly managed.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
- The firm-fixed-price nature requires careful monitoring to ensure the contractor is not cutting corners to maintain profitability.
Positive Signals
- The firm-fixed-price contract structure shifts cost risk to the contractor.
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive environment that should drive value.
- The contract duration of five years indicates a stable, long-term need and potential for building contractor expertise.
- The contractor, Barrios Technology, LLC, likely has a track record with NASA or similar agencies, implying familiarity with requirements.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically NAICS code 541715, which covers physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. This sector is characterized by innovation, specialized expertise, and often long project cycles. The market size for R&D support services is substantial, driven by government agencies like NASA and private sector investment in technological advancement. This contract represents a component of NASA's broader strategy to leverage external expertise for its complex research initiatives.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications specifically mandated for small businesses through a set-aside program for this particular award. However, the prime contractor, Barrios Technology, LLC, may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of its overall business strategy or if required by other contract vehicles it holds.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specific oversight mechanisms would typically include contract officer representatives (CORs) responsible for monitoring performance, technical compliance, and adherence to contract terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting requirements. NASA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Aerospace Engineering Support Services
- Technical Management Services
- Science and Technology Support Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for performance issues if contractor resources are overstretched.
- Ambiguity in Statement of Work could lead to disputes or scope creep.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, alabama, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, full-and-open-competition, aerospace, technical-services, management-support, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.4 million to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE THE PLANNING, COORDINATING, TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT, EXECUTION, AND SURVEILLANCE OF THE ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO ASSURE DISCIPLINED PERFORMANCE OF WORK AND TIMELY APPLICATION OF RESOURCES FOR THIS CONTRACT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, 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 $3.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-16. End: 2026-04-15.
What is Barrios Technology, LLC's track record with NASA and similar government agencies?
Barrios Technology, LLC has a significant history of working with NASA and other government entities, particularly in areas related to aerospace engineering, mission support, and R&D services. Their portfolio often includes contracts for systems engineering, software development, and technical support for spaceflight missions. A review of federal procurement data would likely reveal numerous past awards to Barrios Technology, demonstrating their established presence and experience within the federal contracting landscape. Their longevity and repeated awards suggest a capacity to meet government requirements and maintain satisfactory performance levels, although specific performance metrics for individual contracts would require deeper investigation.
How does the $3.39 million contract value compare to similar R&D support contracts at NASA?
The $3.39 million contract value over five years, averaging approximately $678,000 annually, appears to be a moderate-sized award for specialized R&D support services within a large agency like NASA. NASA procures a wide range of R&D support contracts, from smaller, highly specialized technical services to large-scale program management efforts. Without direct comparison data for contracts with identical scopes of work and service levels, it's difficult to definitively benchmark this value. However, for focused technical management and coordination of R&D activities, this value is within a plausible range, especially if it represents a specific task order under a broader IDIQ vehicle or targets a particular research area.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Key risks include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, scope creep, and the possibility of cost overruns if not managed tightly, despite the firm-fixed-price structure. Mitigation strategies involve robust oversight by NASA's Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs) to monitor technical progress and adherence to the statement of work. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature itself is a risk mitigation tool, placing the financial burden of cost overruns on Barrios Technology, LLC. Clear definition of deliverables, performance standards, and regular progress reviews are crucial. Furthermore, NASA's established procurement processes and the potential for contract termination for default provide leverage to ensure contractor accountability.
How effective is the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type in ensuring value for this R&D support service?
The Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for services like R&D support because it shifts the primary cost risk from the government to the contractor. This incentivizes Barrios Technology, LLC to manage its resources efficiently and control costs to maintain profitability. For NASA, this means the total price is largely predetermined, providing budget certainty. However, the effectiveness hinges on a well-defined Statement of Work (SOW) and clear performance metrics. If the SOW is ambiguous, the contractor might deliver minimal acceptable services, or conversely, attempt to renegotiate terms if unforeseen complexities arise. Robust oversight is still necessary to ensure the quality and completeness of the work performed.
What does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation imply for cost and quality?
This designation implies that while the competition was intended to be broad ('Full and Open'), certain specific sources were excluded. This exclusion might be due to reasons such as national security, proprietary technology, or prior performance issues with specific entities. For taxpayers, this could mean a potentially smaller pool of bidders than a purely 'Full and Open' competition, which might slightly reduce competitive pressure on pricing. However, if the remaining bidders are highly capable and the exclusion criteria were justified, the competition could still yield good value and high quality. The key is understanding the rationale behind the exclusion to assess its impact on the competitive landscape and ultimate outcome.
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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 13100 SPACE CENTER BLVD, HOUSTON, TX, 77059
Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $4,257,264
Exercised Options: $4,257,264
Current Obligation: $3,391,920
Actual Outlays: $3,097,738
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80MSFC21D0009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-16
Current End Date: 2026-04-15
Potential End Date: 2029-04-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-14
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