Lockheed Martin awarded $151.6M for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences by NASA
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,160,420 ($15.2M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-10-01
End Date: 2009-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NRA AWARD FOR PIXIE
Place of Performance
Location: PALO ALTO, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94304
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $15.2 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: NRA AWARD FOR PIXIE Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract's duration of approximately 6 years indicates a long-term research and development effort. 3. Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure may present cost overrun risks if not managed carefully. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 points to significant investment in scientific research. 5. Awarded by NASA, this contract likely supports advanced technological development for space exploration or related fields. 6. The contract was awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to Lockheed Martin Corporation. 7. The contract's base value is $69.19 million, with potential for growth up to $151.6 million.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure requires careful monitoring to ensure value for money, as it allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. Without detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics, it's challenging to benchmark against similar R&D contracts. The potential value of $151.6 million over nearly six years suggests a substantial investment, but the actual value realized will depend on the successful completion of research objectives and effective cost management by the contractor.
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 number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The agency likely sought the best technical solution and value through a structured evaluation process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective and technically superior research and development services for NASA's objectives.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and potentially the broader scientific and technological community through advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Services delivered include research and development activities crucial for space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. The geographic impact is primarily centered around Lockheed Martin's operations in California, where the contract is managed. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for scientists, engineers, and support staff within Lockheed Martin and its potential subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can incentivize contractors to incur costs, potentially leading to budget overruns if not rigorously managed.
- The long duration of the contract (nearly 6 years) increases the risk of scope creep or evolving research needs that may not align with initial objectives.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's track record and potential for success.
- The significant potential value ($151.6M) necessitates robust oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively towards stated research goals.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive environment that should drive better value.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation is a major defense and aerospace contractor with extensive experience in R&D, indicating a capable performer.
- The contract supports critical research and development for NASA, aligning with national strategic interests in science and technology.
- The contract has a defined base value and a ceiling, providing some level of budget control and predictability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is characterized by innovation, long development cycles, and significant government investment, particularly in areas like aerospace. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale R&D contracts awarded by NASA and other federal agencies to major aerospace and technology firms for similar scientific endeavors.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside. However, as a large prime contractor, Lockheed Martin may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or components, contributing to the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, who are responsible for monitoring performance, costs, and adherence to contract terms. Accountability measures would be tied to the achievement of research milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract awards databases and reporting requirements, though specific R&D details may be sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Programs
- Aerospace Technology Development
- Advanced Scientific Research Contracts
- Lockheed Martin Corporation Contracts
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type may pose risks of cost escalation.
- Long contract duration increases potential for scope creep and evolving requirements.
- R&D inherently carries a risk of uncertain outcomes and potential for failure.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data hinders detailed value assessment.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, lockheed-martin-corporation, california, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, large-contract, aerospace, science-and-technology, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $15.2 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. NRA AWARD FOR PIXIE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN 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 $15.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-10-01. End: 2009-09-30.
What is Lockheed Martin Corporation's track record with NASA on similar R&D contracts?
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a long-standing and significant contractor for NASA, involved in numerous high-profile projects across various domains, including space exploration, satellite development, and aeronautics research. Their track record with NASA on R&D contracts is extensive, often involving complex, multi-year endeavors. While specific performance details for every contract are not publicly available, their continued selection for major programs suggests a generally positive and capable performance history. However, like any large contractor, there may have been instances of cost overruns or schedule delays on specific projects, which are common in the inherently uncertain field of R&D. A deeper analysis would require examining individual contract performance reports and award fee evaluations where available.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other R&D contract types in terms of value for money?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure is common for R&D contracts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, making it difficult to establish a firm fixed price. In CPFF, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This structure shifts some cost risk to the government compared to Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts. While it allows for flexibility in R&D, it can incentivize cost incurrence. Value for money is achieved through rigorous oversight, clear performance metrics, and effective negotiation of the fixed fee. Compared to FFP, CPFF may offer less upfront price certainty but greater adaptability for exploratory research. Other structures like Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) can better align contractor incentives with government goals by adjusting the fee based on performance.
What are the primary risks associated with a nearly six-year R&D contract of this magnitude?
The primary risks associated with a nearly six-year R&D contract of this magnitude include: 1. **Scope Creep:** The extended duration increases the likelihood that research objectives may evolve, leading to changes in scope that could increase costs and extend timelines beyond initial estimates. 2. **Technological Obsolescence:** Rapid advancements in science and technology could render the research outcomes outdated before the contract concludes. 3. **Cost Overruns:** The CPFF structure, while flexible, carries a risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently, as the contractor is reimbursed for incurred costs. 4. **Performance Uncertainty:** R&D inherently involves uncertainty; breakthroughs are not guaranteed, and the project may not yield the desired results within the allocated timeframe or budget. 5. **Contractor Performance:** Maintaining consistent high performance from the contractor over such a long period requires sustained oversight and effective relationship management.
How does this contract fit within NASA's broader strategic goals for scientific and technological advancement?
This contract, focused on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, directly aligns with NASA's core mission of advancing scientific knowledge and developing new technologies for space exploration and Earth observation. Such R&D efforts are crucial for developing next-generation spacecraft, propulsion systems, life support technologies, and scientific instruments needed for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Furthermore, advancements in these fields often have significant spillover benefits for terrestrial applications, contributing to innovation in areas like materials science, robotics, medicine, and environmental monitoring, thereby supporting broader national interests in technological leadership and economic growth.
What historical spending patterns exist for NASA's R&D contracts with large aerospace firms like Lockheed Martin?
NASA historically allocates substantial portions of its budget to Research and Development (R&D), particularly through contracts with large aerospace and defense firms such as Lockheed Martin. These contracts are often multi-year, high-value awards supporting complex projects in areas like space exploration, aeronautics, and Earth science. Spending patterns show a consistent reliance on these prime contractors for their expertise and infrastructure. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget appropriations and program priorities, NASA's R&D spending with major players like Lockheed Martin typically represents a significant investment in maintaining technological leadership and achieving mission objectives. Analysis of historical data would reveal trends in contract types, funding levels, and the distribution of R&D funds across different scientific and engineering disciplines.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 999
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)
Address: 3251 HANOVER STREET, PALO ALTO, CA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,167,723
Exercised Options: $15,167,723
Current Obligation: $15,160,420
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-10-01
Current End Date: 2009-09-30
Potential End Date: 2009-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-09-20
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