NASA's MOSSI II contract awards $253.6M to Teledyne Brown Engineering for R&D support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $253,581,556 ($253.6M)
Contractor: Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2022-09-09
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,574 days
Daily Burn Rate: $161.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MARSHALL OPERATIONS SYSTEMS, SERVICES, AND INTEGRATION II (MOSSI II)
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $253.6 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC. for work described as: MARSHALL OPERATIONS SYSTEMS, SERVICES, AND INTEGRATION II (MOSSI II) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on research and development, aligning with NASA's mission. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process. 3. Definitive contract type indicates a clear scope of work. 4. Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes performance. 5. Contract duration extends over 4 years, indicating a significant commitment. 6. The contract is awarded to a single prime contractor, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award amount of $253.6 million over approximately 4 years for R&D support services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D support contracts within NASA and other federal agencies would provide a more precise value assessment. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure allows for flexibility and incentivizes contractor performance, which can lead to better value if managed effectively. However, CPAF contracts can also carry risks of cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation generally implies a competitive environment that should drive price discovery and potentially lead to more favorable pricing for the government. The agency's commitment to open competition suggests a desire to leverage the broadest possible market.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing and the assurance that the government sought the best value from a wide range of qualified contractors.
Public Impact
This contract supports NASA's research and development initiatives, potentially leading to scientific and technological advancements. The services delivered are crucial for the operational success of NASA's research programs. The contract is geographically focused on Alabama, where Teledyne Brown Engineering is located. The contract likely supports a workforce of scientists, engineers, and technical personnel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts require diligent oversight to ensure costs remain controlled and that award fees are justified by performance.
- The long duration of the contract necessitates ongoing performance monitoring to ensure continued value and alignment with NASA's evolving needs.
Positive Signals
- Award under full and open competition suggests a strong market response and potential for high-quality service.
- The definitive contract type provides clarity on the scope of work, reducing ambiguity.
- The Cost Plus Award Fee structure can incentivize superior performance and innovation.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a critical area for NASA, driving innovation and exploration. The market for R&D support services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Spending in this category is substantial across the federal government, supporting advancements in science and technology.
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 requirements for small businesses mandated by this specific award. The prime contractor, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., will likely determine its own subcontracting strategy, which may or may not involve small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a Cost Plus Award Fee contract, NASA will need to establish clear performance metrics and diligently monitor the contractor's progress and costs to ensure accountability. Transparency will depend on NASA's reporting practices and any public disclosures related to contract performance and award fee determinations.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Scientific Research Support
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts require robust government oversight to manage costs and ensure performance.
- Long contract duration necessitates continuous monitoring for sustained value and alignment with evolving agency needs.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-award-fee, teledyne-brown-engineering, alabama, science-and-technology, aerospace, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $253.6 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC.. MARSHALL OPERATIONS SYSTEMS, SERVICES, AND INTEGRATION II (MOSSI II)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, 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 $253.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-09. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the historical performance record of Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. with NASA on similar R&D support contracts?
A review of Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.'s past performance with NASA would be crucial for assessing their suitability for the MOSSI II contract. This would involve examining contract histories for on-time delivery, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any past performance issues or awards. Data on previous contracts, such as the value, duration, and specific services provided, would help benchmark their capabilities. Understanding their track record on Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts specifically would be important, as this contract type requires effective cost management and performance incentivization. A positive history with NASA on complex R&D projects would indicate a lower risk for the MOSSI II award.
How does the awarded amount of $253.6 million compare to similar R&D support contracts awarded by NASA or other agencies?
Benchmarking the $253.6 million award for the MOSSI II contract against similar Research and Development (R&D) support contracts is essential for evaluating value for money. This comparison should consider contracts of similar scope, duration (approximately 4 years), and complexity, particularly those awarded by NASA or other agencies with comparable R&D missions (e.g., DoD, DOE). Factors such as the specific scientific disciplines covered, the level of technical expertise required, and the geographic location of the work can influence pricing. If comparable contracts are significantly lower in value for similar services, it might suggest that the MOSSI II award is on the higher end. Conversely, if it aligns with or is lower than benchmarks, it indicates competitive pricing.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract of this magnitude and duration?
The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract of this magnitude ($253.6 million) and duration (over 4 years) revolve around cost control and performance management. For the government, the risk is that costs could escalate beyond initial projections, even with award fee incentives, if the contractor's cost accounting or management practices are not robust. There's also a risk that the award fee criteria may not be sufficiently stringent or that the evaluation process is subjective, leading to unwarranted fee payments. For the contractor, the risk lies in not meeting the performance targets required to earn the maximum award fee, impacting their profitability. Effective oversight by NASA is critical to mitigate these risks by ensuring rigorous performance monitoring, transparent cost tracking, and objective award fee determinations.
How does the 'full and open competition' procurement method impact the potential effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the MOSSI II contract?
The 'full and open competition' procurement method for the MOSSI II contract is designed to maximize effectiveness and cost-efficiency by allowing any responsible source to submit an offer. This broadens the pool of potential contractors, increasing the likelihood that NASA will receive proposals from highly qualified firms capable of delivering superior R&D support. Competition typically drives down prices as contractors vie for the award, potentially leading to better value for taxpayers. Furthermore, a competitive process can foster innovation as bidders propose diverse approaches to meet NASA's requirements. The effectiveness is enhanced by selecting the contractor best suited to the technical challenges, while cost-efficiency is promoted through market-driven pricing.
What are the implications of the contract being awarded in Alabama for local economic impact and workforce development?
The award of the MOSSI II contract to Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., headquartered in Alabama, has significant implications for the local economy and workforce development in that state. The contract's value of $253.6 million is likely to create or sustain numerous high-skilled jobs in fields such as engineering, scientific research, systems integration, and technical support. This influx of federal spending can stimulate local businesses through direct employment and indirect effects via supply chains and contractor spending. Furthermore, it can foster the growth of specialized technical expertise within Alabama's workforce, potentially attracting further investment in the aerospace and R&D sectors. The long duration of the contract provides a stable economic outlook for the region.
What specific types of Research and Development (R&D) activities are encompassed by the NAICS code 541715 and how does this contract align with them?
The NAICS code 541715, 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology),' covers a broad spectrum of scientific and technical endeavors. This includes basic and applied research, as well as experimental development, across disciplines like physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, and various engineering fields. Contracts under this code typically involve activities aimed at discovering new knowledge, developing new products or processes, or improving existing ones. The MOSSI II contract, supporting NASA's R&D, would likely involve activities such as developing advanced materials, designing new propulsion systems, conducting space environment research, or creating innovative mission support technologies, all falling squarely within the scope of 541715.
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: 80MSFC21R0006
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Address: 300 SPARKMAN DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $588,409,197
Exercised Options: $284,711,811
Current Obligation: $253,581,556
Actual Outlays: $208,348,581
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 29
Total Subaward Amount: $145,189,308
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-09
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2030-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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