NASA's CLOUDSAT Mission: $41M for R&D, awarded to California Institute of Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $41,045,641 ($41.0M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-11
End Date: 2006-08-13
Contract Duration: 1,067 days
Daily Burn Rate: $38.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CLOUDSAT MISSION
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $41.0 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: CLOUDSAT MISSION Key points: 1. Significant investment in space-based Earth observation research. 2. Sole awardee suggests potential lack of broad market competition. 3. Cost-plus award fee contract type can incentivize performance but requires careful oversight. 4. Focus on physical and engineering sciences aligns with NASA's core mission.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's total value of $41M over three years for a complex R&D mission appears within a reasonable range for specialized scientific endeavors. Benchmarking against similar NASA research contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may not leverage the full competitive landscape, potentially impacting overall cost-effectiveness.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards a specific research institution for a specialized mission, with the value proposition dependent on the scientific outcomes achieved.
Public Impact
Advances understanding of Earth's climate through satellite data. Supports scientific research and technological development in aerospace. Potential for long-term benefits in climate modeling and prediction.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Limited transparency on performance metrics
Positive Signals
- Supports critical climate research
- Awarded to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be complex to benchmark due to the unique nature of R&D projects.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the California Institute of Technology, a large research institution. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's cost-plus award fee structure necessitates robust oversight from NASA to ensure performance objectives are met and costs are managed effectively. Regular reviews and audits are critical.
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
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns without strict oversight.
- Lack of transparency on specific performance metrics and award fee determination.
- Potential for limited small business subcontracting opportunities.
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 $41.0 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. CLOUDSAT MISSION
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 $41.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-11. End: 2006-08-13.
What were the specific criteria for selecting the California Institute of Technology as the sole-source awardee for the CLOUDSAT mission?
The data does not specify the criteria for the sole-source award. Typically, sole-source justifications are based on factors such as unique capabilities, critical need, or lack of alternative sources. A detailed review of NASA's justification documentation would be required to understand the specific rationale.
How does the cost-plus award fee structure impact the risk of cost overruns for this R&D mission?
Cost-plus award fee contracts allow for the reimbursement of allowable costs plus an additional fee that is based on performance. While this can incentivize meeting objectives, it also carries a risk of cost overruns if performance targets are not clearly defined or if oversight is insufficient. NASA's management of the award fee component is crucial.
What are the expected scientific or technological returns on investment for the $41 million allocated to the CLOUDSAT mission?
The CLOUDSAT mission aims to provide valuable data for understanding Earth's climate. The return on investment is measured by the scientific advancements, improved climate models, and potential applications derived from the satellite's observations. The long-term impact on climate science and policy will ultimately determine the ROI.
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: 1
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: $43,544,089
Exercised Options: $43,544,089
Current Obligation: $41,045,641
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-11
Current End Date: 2006-08-13
Potential End Date: 2006-08-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-05-01
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