NASA's $19.8M TRACE contract to Lockheed Martin for R&D spanned nearly a decade
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,790,218 ($19.8M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2001-12-15
End Date: 2010-04-30
Contract Duration: 3,058 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEFINITION STUDY FOR TRANSITION REGION&CORONAL EXPLORER (TRACE)
Place of Performance
Location: PALO ALTO, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94304
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $19.8 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION for work described as: DEFINITION STUDY FOR TRANSITION REGION&CORONAL EXPLORER (TRACE) Key points: 1. The contract's long duration suggests a sustained need for research and development in space exploration. 2. A single awardee indicates a specialized area of expertise or a highly competitive initial bid. 3. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure incentivizes cost control while allowing for flexibility in research scope. 4. Performance context is crucial given the extended timeline and the evolving nature of scientific research. 5. This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering. 6. The significant dollar value over its lifespan warrants scrutiny of ongoing value and deliverables.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking this contract's value is challenging due to its specialized R&D nature and long duration. The total award of nearly $20 million over approximately 8.5 years averages to roughly $2.3 million annually. Without specific deliverables or milestones, it's difficult to compare directly to similar contracts. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure implies that costs were expected to fluctuate, and the fixed fee represents the contractor's profit. The value proposition hinges on the scientific advancements achieved, which are not quantifiable in standard financial terms.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple entities had the opportunity to bid. The fact that Lockheed Martin Corporation was the sole awardee implies they possessed the most advantageous proposal based on technical merit, cost, or a combination thereof. The presence of two bidders indicates a degree of competition, but the limited number might suggest a niche market or high barriers to entry for other potential contractors.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovation. However, with only two bidders, the potential for price suppression might be limited compared to contracts with a larger number of offers.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, gaining insights into solar physics and space weather. The contract delivered research and development services essential for understanding the sun's corona and its influence. The geographic impact is national, contributing to U.S. leadership in space science and exploration. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in advanced research.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Extended contract duration of nearly 9 years could indicate potential scope creep or unforeseen challenges in R&D.
- The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not managed diligently.
- Limited competition (2 bidders) might suggest a concentrated market, potentially impacting future pricing.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the true value delivered.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, ensuring a fair process.
- Long-term commitment suggests a critical and ongoing need for the research, indicating strategic importance.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation is a reputable contractor with extensive experience in aerospace and defense.
- The contract supported advanced scientific research with potential long-term benefits for understanding space weather.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This sector is characterized by innovation and the pursuit of new knowledge. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the specific technological advancements or scientific breakthroughs targeted. However, NASA's overall R&D spending is substantial, and contracts like this represent a significant investment in scientific exploration and technological advancement.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Given the specialized nature of the R&D and the prime contractor (Lockheed Martin Corporation), it is possible that small businesses were involved as subcontractors, but this information is not detailed here. The absence of set-aside provisions suggests the primary focus was on securing the best technical solution from established entities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would have been primarily managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, NASA would have closely monitored expenditures to ensure they remained within the scope of the research objectives and that the fixed fee was justified. Accountability measures would involve regular progress reports, technical reviews, and financial audits. Transparency would be facilitated through NASA's procurement data systems, though detailed scientific outcomes might be subject to publication schedules or proprietary considerations.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Science Mission Directorate
- Heliophysics Research Programs
- Space Science Missions
- Aerospace Research and Development
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Limited competition
- Cost-plus contract type
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, california, definitive-contract, large-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, space-exploration, heliophysics, lockheed-martin-corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $19.8 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION. DEFINITION STUDY FOR TRANSITION REGION&CORONAL EXPLORER (TRACE)
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 $19.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-12-15. End: 2010-04-30.
What were the specific scientific objectives and deliverables of the TRACE Definition Study?
The TRACE (Transition Region and Coronal Explorer) mission was designed to observe the Sun's transition region and corona with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. The 'Definition Study' likely involved preliminary research, design, and feasibility analysis for the TRACE spacecraft and its instruments. Specific deliverables would have included technical reports, design specifications, feasibility assessments, and potentially preliminary scientific data analysis plans. The goal was to lay the groundwork for the subsequent development and launch of the TRACE satellite, which ultimately provided crucial data on solar flares and coronal dynamics.
How did the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure influence the management and outcome of this contract?
The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract structure meant that Lockheed Martin Corporation was reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred during the research and development period, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing their profit. This structure is often used for R&D where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve. For NASA, it provided flexibility to adapt the research as needed but required diligent oversight to control costs. For Lockheed Martin, it offered a guaranteed profit margin, incentivizing efficient performance within the defined scope. The long duration of this contract (nearly 9 years) suggests that cost management and oversight were critical to ensure the project remained within budget expectations.
What is the significance of Lockheed Martin Corporation being the sole awardee under full and open competition?
Being the sole awardee under full and open competition suggests that Lockheed Martin Corporation's proposal was deemed the most advantageous to the government among all submitted bids. This could be due to a combination of factors, including superior technical approach, relevant past performance, lower overall cost (considering the CPFF structure), or unique capabilities. In a specialized field like space-based solar observation R&D, it's possible that only a limited number of contractors possess the requisite expertise and infrastructure. The presence of only two bidders indicates a relatively concentrated market for this specific type of research.
How does this contract fit into NASA's broader strategic goals for heliophysics research?
This contract directly supported NASA's strategic goals in heliophysics, the study of the Sun and its influence on the solar system. The TRACE mission, for which this was a definition study, aimed to enhance our understanding of solar activity, such as flares and coronal mass ejections, which can impact Earth's technological systems and astronauts. By investing in R&D for advanced solar observation capabilities, NASA sought to improve space weather forecasting and mitigate potential risks associated with solar phenomena, contributing to both scientific knowledge and national security.
What are the potential risks associated with a nearly 9-year R&D contract of this magnitude?
A nearly 9-year R&D contract of this magnitude carries several potential risks. Firstly, the extended timeline increases the possibility of technological obsolescence if advancements occur rapidly in the field. Secondly, cost overruns are a risk, especially with CPFF contracts, if unforeseen technical challenges arise or if project management is not rigorous. Thirdly, the scientific objectives themselves might evolve or become less relevant over such a long period due to new discoveries or changing priorities. Finally, maintaining contractor focus and performance over an extended duration requires robust oversight and clear communication channels to ensure continued alignment with NASA's evolving needs.
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
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)
Address: 3251 HANOVER ST BLDG 201, PALO ALTO, CA, 94304
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,513,530
Exercised Options: $18,513,530
Current Obligation: $19,790,218
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-12-15
Current End Date: 2010-04-30
Potential End Date: 2010-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-10-05
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