NASA's $17.2M International Astronautical Federation Membership Purchase Order awarded to a single entity
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,259 ($17.3K)
Contractor: Federat Internat Astronautique
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-02-26
End Date: 2026-04-10
Contract Duration: 43 days
Daily Burn Rate: $401/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $17,259.1 to FEDERAT INTERNAT ASTRONAUTIQUE for work described as: INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP Key points: 1. Value for money is difficult to assess due to the lack of competition and limited performance period. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a sole-source award, raising concerns about price discovery and potential overpayment. 3. Risk indicators include the sole-source nature and a short performance duration, which may limit oversight. 4. Performance context is limited to a brief membership period, making it hard to gauge long-term impact. 5. Sector positioning is within professional organizations, supporting international collaboration in space exploration.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The value of this $17.2 million purchase order for International Astronautical Federation membership is questionable given the sole-source award and short duration. Without competitive bidding, it's challenging to benchmark the pricing against market rates or similar organizational memberships. The fixed price nature provides some cost certainty, but the lack of comparative data prevents a robust assessment of whether the government is receiving optimal value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded as a sole-source purchase order. This means that only one vendor, the International Astronautical Federation, was solicited for this membership. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore alternative providers or negotiate more favorable terms, potentially leading to a higher cost than if multiple bids were considered.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for this membership due to the absence of a competitive bidding process. The sole-source nature bypasses opportunities for cost savings that could arise from market competition.
Public Impact
Benefits include continued participation and engagement for NASA personnel in international space policy discussions and collaborations. Services delivered encompass access to forums, conferences, and networking opportunities within the global space community. Geographic impact is global, fostering international relationships and advancing space exploration initiatives worldwide. Workforce implications include professional development and enhanced collaboration opportunities for NASA employees involved in international space affairs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price negotiation and potential cost savings.
- Short performance period may not fully leverage the benefits of membership.
- Lack of competition makes it difficult to assess fair market value.
- Limited transparency on the specific activities and deliverables associated with the membership fee.
Positive Signals
- Supports NASA's strategic goals for international cooperation in space.
- Provides access to a critical global network for space policy and exploration.
- Fixed price contract offers some cost predictability for the membership duration.
Sector Analysis
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) operates within the professional organizations sector, specifically focusing on space exploration and astronautics. This contract represents NASA's investment in maintaining its membership within this key international body. The global space industry is a rapidly growing sector, and organizations like the IAF play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, setting standards, and promoting advancements. Comparable spending benchmarks for such memberships are difficult to establish publicly, as they are often unique to the organization and the member's level of engagement.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides or subcontracting opportunities, as it is a direct purchase order with the International Astronautical Federation. The nature of the award suggests it is a direct membership fee rather than a service contract where small businesses could typically participate as prime contractors or subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this purchase order would primarily fall under NASA's internal procurement and financial management systems. Given the sole-source nature and short duration, extensive external oversight mechanisms may not be directly applicable. Transparency is limited by the lack of competitive bidding documentation. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected in the procurement process.
Related Government Programs
- International Space Cooperation Programs
- Space Policy and Diplomacy Initiatives
- Professional Development and Training
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Limited performance period
- High dollar value for a membership
Tags
nasa, international-astronautical-federation, membership, purchase-order, sole-source, professional-organizations, space-exploration, international-collaboration, fixed-price, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $17,259.1 to FEDERAT INTERNAT ASTRONAUTIQUE. INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FEDERAT INTERNAT ASTRONAUTIQUE.
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 $17,259.1.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-02-26. End: 2026-04-10.
What is the track record of the International Astronautical Federation in providing value to its members, particularly government agencies?
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) has a long-standing history, established in 1951, of serving as a global network for space professionals and organizations. Its primary value proposition lies in facilitating international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and dialogue on space policy and exploration. Government agencies, including NASA, benefit from IAF membership through access to its annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC), specialized workshops, and working groups that address critical issues in space law, science, and technology. The organization provides a unique platform for networking with international counterparts, fostering collaborative projects, and staying abreast of global space trends. While direct financial returns are not typical, the strategic benefits of enhanced international relationships, shared research insights, and participation in global space governance discussions are significant for agencies like NASA.
How does the $17.2 million cost compare to similar international organizational memberships for government agencies?
Directly comparing the $17.2 million cost of this International Astronautical Federation (IAF) membership to other international organizational memberships for government agencies is challenging due to the unique nature and scope of the IAF. The IAF is a broad federation encompassing national space agencies, industry companies, academic institutions, and professional societies from around the world. Its membership fees are structured to reflect this diverse and extensive network. Unlike memberships in smaller, more specialized international bodies, the IAF's fee likely covers a wide array of benefits, including access to its flagship annual congress (one of the largest space events globally), numerous technical committees, policy forums, and collaborative initiatives. Without specific details on what this $17.2 million precisely covers (e.g., number of delegates, specific event sponsorships, duration of the agreement), a precise benchmark is difficult. However, considering the global reach and comprehensive offerings of the IAF, the cost may be justifiable if it aligns with NASA's strategic objectives for international engagement and leadership in space exploration.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for this type of membership?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for this International Astronautical Federation (IAF) membership revolve around cost and value. Firstly, without competition, there is a significant risk of paying a premium price, as the vendor (IAF) faces no pressure to offer the most competitive rate. This lack of price discovery means NASA may be overpaying compared to what could have been achieved through a competitive bidding process. Secondly, the absence of competition can lead to a reduced incentive for the vendor to provide exceptional service or value, as there are no alternative providers to switch to. Thirdly, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of market research or planning, potentially missing opportunities to engage with other organizations that might offer similar or complementary benefits at a lower cost or with different strategic advantages. Finally, it can raise perceptions of fairness and transparency in government procurement.
What is the expected effectiveness of this membership in achieving NASA's international collaboration goals?
The effectiveness of this International Astronautical Federation (IAF) membership in achieving NASA's international collaboration goals is expected to be high, provided the membership is actively utilized. The IAF serves as a premier global platform for dialogue, networking, and cooperation among spacefaring nations and organizations. By maintaining membership, NASA gains direct access to a diverse community of international partners, fostering opportunities for joint research, policy alignment, and the exchange of best practices in space exploration and technology development. The annual International Astronautical Congress (IAC), a key benefit of IAF membership, provides unparalleled opportunities for NASA scientists, engineers, and policymakers to present their work, engage in critical discussions, and forge new collaborations. The effectiveness hinges on NASA's strategic engagement with the IAF's various committees, working groups, and events to advance its specific international objectives and maintain its leadership role in the global space arena.
How does this spending compare to NASA's historical spending on international partnerships and memberships?
Assessing how this $17.2 million purchase order compares to NASA's historical spending on international partnerships and memberships requires a broader look at NASA's budget allocation. NASA consistently invests significant resources in international cooperation, which includes contributions to the International Space Station (ISS) program, joint missions with international partners (e.g., ESA, JAXA, CSA), and participation in various international forums and organizations. While specific line items for 'IAF Membership' might not be readily available in historical budget summaries, the overall expenditure on international collaboration typically runs into hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars annually, especially when considering major programs like the ISS. This $17.2 million, while substantial for a single membership, likely represents a fraction of NASA's total international engagement budget. Its significance lies in its direct support for a key organizational membership that underpins broader collaborative efforts, rather than representing the entirety of NASA's international spending.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations › Professional Organizations
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 100 AVENUE DE SUFFREN, PARIS 15
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, International Organization, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,259
Exercised Options: $17,259
Current Obligation: $17,259
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-02-26
Current End Date: 2026-04-10
Potential End Date: 2026-04-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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