NASA awards $7M+ contract for SBIR/STTR program support, with 3 bidders competing
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $7,067,094 ($7.1M)
Contractor: Bryce Space and Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-05-01
End Date: 2027-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CALL ORDER 2 UNDER ESIP SUPPORT SERVICES MULTIPLE AWARD BPAS FOR SBIR/STTR PROGRAM OPERATIONS, AWARD VEHICLE, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH, AND CENTER SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $7.1 million to BRYCE SPACE AND TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: CALL ORDER 2 UNDER ESIP SUPPORT SERVICES MULTIPLE AWARD BPAS FOR SBIR/STTR PROGRAM OPERATIONS, AWARD VEHICLE, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH, AND CENTER SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical support services for the SBIR/STTR program, aiming to enhance innovation and technology transfer. 2. The award vehicle is a BPA Call, indicating a pre-competed framework for efficient task order issuance. 3. Competition involved 3 bidders, suggesting a moderately competitive environment for this specific call order. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. Performance is expected over approximately four years, aligning with long-term program support needs. 6. The contractor, Bryce Space and Technology, LLC, will provide services including stakeholder engagement and outreach.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of over $7 million for a four-year period for administrative management and general management consulting services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar support contracts for federal innovation programs is necessary for a definitive value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for NASA, though it relies on accurate initial cost estimation by the contractor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, utilizing a BPA Call mechanism. Three bidders participated in this specific call order, indicating a healthy level of competition for the services required. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that the marketplace has sufficient capacity and interest in supporting NASA's SBIR/STTR program operations.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition, with multiple bidders, likely resulted in a more competitive price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.
Public Impact
Small and medium-sized businesses participating in the SBIR/STTR program will benefit from enhanced operational support and stakeholder engagement. The contract will deliver critical services for program operations, stakeholder engagement, and outreach, fostering innovation. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting the broader U.S. innovation ecosystem. Workforce implications include potential support roles for program management, analysis, and outreach specialists.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for contractor lock-in if future task orders are heavily reliant on this specific BPA call.
- Ensuring continued competitive pricing across multiple call orders under the same BPA requires ongoing market analysis.
Positive Signals
- Award under a BPA Call suggests a pre-vetted contractor pool, potentially streamlining future awards.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides budget predictability for NASA.
- The contractor's specialization in technology and innovation support aligns well with the SBIR/STTR program goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are crucial federal initiatives designed to stimulate technological innovation. Contracts supporting these programs are vital for their effective operation and outreach, ensuring that federal funding translates into commercializable technologies and economic growth.
Small Business Impact
While this specific contract was not a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false), the underlying SBIR/STTR programs are fundamentally designed to benefit small businesses. The services provided under this contract, such as stakeholder engagement and outreach, are intended to help small businesses navigate and succeed within these innovation programs. The effectiveness of these support services directly impacts the small business innovation ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will likely be managed by NASA's program officials responsible for the SBIR/STTR program. Accountability is established through the firm fixed-price contract terms and performance expectations. Transparency is facilitated by federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
- Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
- NASA Acquisition and Grants
- Federal Grant Management Support Services
Risk Flags
- Contract performance risk
- Cost estimation accuracy
- Stakeholder engagement effectiveness
Tags
nasa, sbir-sttr, bpa-call, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, administrative-management-consulting, virginia, professional-scientific-technical-services, innovation-support, stakeholder-engagement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $7.1 million to BRYCE SPACE AND TECHNOLOGY, LLC. CALL ORDER 2 UNDER ESIP SUPPORT SERVICES MULTIPLE AWARD BPAS FOR SBIR/STTR PROGRAM OPERATIONS, AWARD VEHICLE, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH, AND CENTER SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BRYCE SPACE AND 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 $7.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.
What is Bryce Space and Technology, LLC's track record with NASA and similar federal innovation programs?
Bryce Space and Technology, LLC has a demonstrated history of supporting federal agencies, including NASA, in areas related to technology commercialization, innovation program management, and market analysis. Their expertise often involves assisting programs like SBIR/STTR by providing strategic guidance, stakeholder engagement, and outreach services. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving program operations and support for innovation initiatives, would reveal their capacity to effectively manage this award. Specific contract history with NASA, including performance evaluations and any past issues, would provide further insight into their reliability and effectiveness in fulfilling the requirements of this BPA Call.
How does the $7.07 million contract value compare to similar support services for federal innovation programs?
The $7.07 million contract value for approximately four years of support services for NASA's SBIR/STTR program operations, stakeholder engagement, and outreach needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. Similar federal programs often require significant administrative and strategic support. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of program operations, the scale of outreach efforts, and the required expertise. A comparison with contracts awarded by agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) or the Department of Defense (DoD) for their respective SBIR/STTR or similar innovation support functions would provide a relevant context. Without specific comparable data, it's challenging to definitively assess if this represents optimal value, but the firm fixed-price nature suggests NASA sought cost certainty.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks for this contract include potential underperformance by the contractor in delivering critical support services, leading to inefficiencies in the SBIR/STTR program. Another risk is the possibility of cost overruns if the firm fixed-price estimate was inaccurate, although this risk is primarily borne by the contractor. Programmatic risks could arise if the contractor fails to effectively engage stakeholders or conduct outreach, impacting the program's reach and success. Mitigation strategies likely include clear performance work statements, regular progress reviews, defined deliverables, and the contractor's own risk management processes inherent in a firm fixed-price contract. NASA's oversight mechanisms are crucial for monitoring performance and addressing any emerging issues promptly.
How effective are contracts like this in enhancing the overall success and impact of the SBIR/STTR programs?
Contracts providing dedicated support services are generally crucial for the effective operation and success of complex federal programs like SBIR/STTR. These services often fill critical gaps in program management, outreach, and stakeholder engagement that government personnel alone may not be able to address. By leveraging specialized contractors, agencies can enhance the efficiency of program administration, improve communication with potential applicants and awardees, and facilitate the commercialization of technologies developed through the programs. The effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to provide high-quality, relevant support that aligns with program goals and adapts to evolving needs within the innovation landscape.
What are the historical spending patterns for SBIR/STTR program support services at NASA?
Historical spending patterns for SBIR/STTR program support services at NASA would reveal the agency's commitment to outsourcing these functions and the typical investment levels. Analyzing past contracts for similar services, including their duration, value, and the types of contractors engaged, can indicate trends. Consistent or increasing spending in this area suggests a recognized need for external support. Conversely, fluctuating or decreasing spending might indicate shifts in program strategy or internal capacity. Understanding these patterns provides context for the current $7.07 million award, helping to assess if it aligns with historical investment levels or represents a significant change in approach.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 80NSSC23Q0034
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1737 KING ST STE 601, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,162,321
Exercised Options: $7,809,284
Current Obligation: $7,067,094
Actual Outlays: $5,042,147
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $741,293
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80NSSC23AA004
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-05-01
Current End Date: 2027-04-30
Potential End Date: 2028-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-17
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