NASA's GRACE Mission OP Phase E Contract Exceeds $20.9M for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,937,043 ($20.9M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-10
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,308 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: GRACE MISSION OP PHASE E
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $20.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: GRACE MISSION OP PHASE E Key points: 1. Contract awarded to California Institute of Technology for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Significant spending of over $20.9 million allocated to the GRACE Mission OP Phase E. 3. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential price discovery. 4. This R&D spending falls under NAICS code 541710, encompassing scientific research services.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
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 may result in higher costs than if competitive bids were solicited.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have received the best possible price for the services rendered.
Public Impact
Supports critical Earth science research through the GRACE mission. Funding contributes to advancements in understanding Earth's gravity field. Long-term operational phase of a significant scientific endeavor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 65 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type
Positive Signals
- Supports important scientific research
- Long contract duration
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending benchmarks for R&D can vary widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded to a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight mechanisms would be crucial in managing the Cost Plus Award Fee structure to ensure efficient use of funds and prevent unnecessary costs.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited transparency on specific deliverables
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $20.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. GRACE MISSION OP PHASE E
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
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 $20.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-10. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific research objectives were achieved with the $20.9M spent on GRACE Mission OP Phase E?
The GRACE Mission OP Phase E aimed to continue the operational phase of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission. This involved collecting and processing data related to Earth's gravity field, crucial for understanding climate change, sea-level rise, and water resource management. The funding supported the ongoing scientific analysis and data dissemination from the GRACE satellites.
What are the risks associated with a sole-source, Cost Plus Award Fee contract for a long-duration R&D project?
Sole-source contracts eliminate competitive pressure, potentially leading to inflated costs and reduced incentive for efficiency. A Cost Plus Award Fee structure, while allowing for flexibility, carries the risk of cost overruns if performance incentives are not tightly defined and monitored. For long-duration R&D, these risks are amplified due to the extended period for potential cost escalation and the inherent uncertainties in research outcomes.
How effectively did this contract contribute to NASA's broader scientific goals in Earth observation?
The GRACE mission is a cornerstone of NASA's Earth observation program, providing unique insights into global water cycles and climate dynamics. The operational phase funded by this contract was essential for maintaining data continuity and advancing scientific understanding in these critical areas. Its effectiveness is measured by the quality and impact of the scientific discoveries and data products generated, which have been significant.
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: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4800 OAK GROVE DR, PASADENA, CA, 91109
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,573,057
Exercised Options: $21,573,057
Current Obligation: $20,937,043
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-10
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-10-19
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