NASA awards $87.6M contract for critical information processing and storage services to Science Applications International Corporation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $87,565,171 ($87.6M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2019-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $34.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: NATIONAL CENTER FOR CRITICAL INFORMATION PROCESSING AND STORAGE (NCCIPS)
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $87.6 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: NATIONAL CENTER FOR CRITICAL INFORMATION PROCESSING AND STORAGE (NCCIPS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for computer facilities management services, indicating a need for robust IT infrastructure support. 2. The duration of the contract, over 2500 days, suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the agency. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) itself. 6. The contractor, Science Applications International Corporation, is a significant player in the federal IT services market.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $87.6 million over approximately seven years for computer facilities management services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT infrastructure contracts managed by NASA or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, but the ultimate value depends on the successful delivery of services and meeting performance metrics.
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 bids. The presence of three bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and encourages contractors to offer competitive terms and innovative solutions to win the award.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process as it typically drives down costs and ensures the government receives the best possible value for its investment in critical IT infrastructure.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA personnel and operations, who rely on the critical information processing and storage services for mission success. Services delivered include the management and maintenance of essential IT facilities, ensuring data integrity and accessibility. The geographic impact is centered around NASA facilities, likely supporting operations across its various centers. Workforce implications include the potential for Science Applications International Corporation to utilize its skilled IT professionals to fulfill the contract requirements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to the long contract duration.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure could pose a risk if performance degrades.
- Ensuring ongoing cost-effectiveness throughout the contract lifecycle will require diligent oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market for these services.
- Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
- The contractor, Science Applications International Corporation, has a significant track record in federal IT services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer facilities management. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies increasingly relying on specialized contractors for managing complex infrastructure. This contract represents a significant investment in maintaining NASA's core IT capabilities, aligning with broader government efforts to modernize and secure its digital infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are anticipated within the execution of this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by contracting officers and program managers within NASA. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's performance work statement and service level agreements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific performance metrics may be internal.
Related Government Programs
- NASA IT Infrastructure Support Contracts
- Federal Data Center Management Services
- Cloud Computing Services (if applicable)
- Information Technology Professional Services
Risk Flags
- Long-term reliance on a single vendor for critical infrastructure.
- Potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges impacting fixed-price contract.
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in managed IT facilities.
Tags
it-services, nasa, mississippi, definitive-contract, large-contract, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, computer-facilities-management, science-applications-international-corporation, information-processing, data-storage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $87.6 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. NATIONAL CENTER FOR CRITICAL INFORMATION PROCESSING AND STORAGE (NCCIPS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL 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 $87.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the track record of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in managing similar large-scale federal IT infrastructure contracts?
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has a substantial track record in providing IT services to the federal government, including managing complex infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data center operations. They have held numerous large prime contracts with agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, and others. Their experience often includes managing critical systems, ensuring high availability, and adhering to stringent security requirements. SAIC's history suggests they possess the organizational capacity and technical expertise to handle contracts of this magnitude and complexity. However, a detailed review of past performance on similar contracts, including any past performance issues or successes, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.
How does the awarded value compare to similar IT facilities management contracts awarded by NASA or other federal agencies?
The awarded value of approximately $87.6 million over seven years for computer facilities management services at NASA needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. Factors such as the scope of services (e.g., data center operations, network management, storage solutions), the specific technologies involved, and the geographic locations of the facilities will influence cost. Generally, large-scale IT infrastructure contracts for federal agencies can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on these variables. Without specific details on the exact services and scale, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the value appears within a plausible range for a significant, long-term IT support contract for a major federal agency like NASA.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance degradation by the contractor, leading to disruptions in critical IT services; cybersecurity threats targeting the managed facilities; and the risk of cost overruns if the firm fixed-price structure is not managed effectively or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust performance monitoring, clearly defined service level agreements (SLAs), stringent cybersecurity protocols, regular audits, and strong contract management by NASA. The firm fixed-price nature itself is a risk mitigation tool for the government, shifting some cost risk to the contractor. However, the long duration also presents a risk of technological obsolescence if not managed proactively.
How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific service?
The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. For computer facilities management services, where operational requirements are often predictable, FFP provides cost certainty to the government and incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize profit. This structure shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. However, if the scope is not precisely defined or if significant unforeseen technical issues arise, the contractor might be disincentivized to perform beyond the minimum requirements, or conversely, seek change orders. Effective contract administration and clear performance metrics are crucial to ensure FFP delivers optimal value.
What is the historical spending pattern for computer facilities management services at NASA, and how does this award fit in?
Historical spending patterns for computer facilities management services at NASA would reveal the agency's consistent investment in its IT infrastructure. Agencies like NASA typically have substantial and ongoing needs for data storage, processing, and network management due to the complexity of their missions. This $87.6 million award represents a significant, but likely consistent, investment in maintaining these critical capabilities over the contract's seven-year period. Understanding past spending levels for similar services would help contextualize whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in this area, potentially indicating shifts in IT strategy or operational needs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services
Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $124,082,760
Exercised Options: $107,624,300
Current Obligation: $87,565,171
Actual Outlays: $79,255,505
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 63
Total Subaward Amount: $47,439,101
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
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