NASA's $80.9M Remote Manipulator System contract awarded to Canadian Commercial Corporation, lacking competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $80,919,963 ($80.9M)
Contractor: Canadian Commercial Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2000-05-03
End Date: 2002-12-31
Contract Duration: 972 days
Daily Burn Rate: $83.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: REMOTE MANIPULATOR SYSTEM (RMS) OPERATION
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $80.9 million to CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION for work described as: REMOTE MANIPULATOR SYSTEM (RMS) OPERATION Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $80.9M for specialized engineering services. 2. Sole-source award to Canadian Commercial Corporation raises questions about competition. 3. Potential risk associated with a single-source provider for critical systems. 4. Engineering Services sector, NAICS 541330, often involves complex, specialized requirements.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $80.9M for engineering services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar specialized manipulator system contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no competitive pressure to drive down the price.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award means taxpayers may have paid a premium for the Remote Manipulator System services.
Public Impact
Impacts NASA's ability to operate and maintain critical space infrastructure. Potential for higher costs due to the absence of competitive bidding. Highlights reliance on a specific international commercial partner for advanced technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
- Potential for inflated costs
Positive Signals
- Award to established entity (Canadian Commercial Corporation)
- Long-term operational support for critical NASA systems
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector characterized by high technical expertise and often specialized, project-specific needs. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project complexity and agency requirements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the Canadian Commercial Corporation, and there is no indication of small business involvement. This suggests a focus on large, established international entities for this specialized service.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the price paid was justified and that future procurements explore competitive options where feasible to maximize taxpayer value.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits price competition.
- Potential for higher costs due to lack of bidding.
- No small business participation noted.
- Reliance on international entity for critical technology.
- Contract duration extends over two years.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $80.9 million to CANADIAN COMMERCIAL CORPORATION. REMOTE MANIPULATOR SYSTEM (RMS) OPERATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CANADIAN COMMERCIAL 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 $80.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-05-03. End: 2002-12-31.
What specific factors necessitated a sole-source award for the Remote Manipulator System, and were alternatives explored?
The data indicates a 'NOT COMPETED' status, suggesting a sole-source award. Without further documentation, the specific justifications (e.g., unique capabilities, urgent need, proprietary technology) are unknown. NASA's procurement regulations typically require exploring competitive options unless specific exceptions apply, such as a demonstrated lack of market capacity or a critical, time-sensitive requirement that only one source can meet.
How does the $80.9M cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar remote manipulator system operations and maintenance?
Benchmarking this $80.9M contract is challenging without detailed specifications of the services provided and the specific RMS technology. Engineering services contracts, especially for highly specialized aerospace applications like space robotics, can vary significantly. A lack of competitive bids makes direct cost comparison difficult, but a thorough review of similar NASA or international space agency contracts for comparable systems would be necessary.
What is the long-term strategic risk of relying on a single, non-US entity for critical space operation technology?
Relying on a single, non-US entity for critical technology like an RMS introduces strategic risks including potential supply chain disruptions, geopolitical influences on service availability, and challenges in intellectual property management or future upgrades. It also limits opportunities for US-based small and large businesses to develop and provide these essential services, potentially impacting domestic technological advancement and economic benefits.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Government of Canada (UEI: 241015486)
Address: 50 O'CONNOR ST SUITE 1100, OTTAWA
Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $45,943,462
Exercised Options: $45,943,462
Current Obligation: $80,919,963
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-05-03
Current End Date: 2002-12-31
Potential End Date: 2002-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-10-31
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