NASA's $32.1M Planetary Data System contract awarded to Caltech, a sole-source R&D effort
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,108,011 ($32.1M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-11
End Date: 2009-12-15
Contract Duration: 2,287 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PLANETARY DATA SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $32.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: PLANETARY DATA SYSTEM Key points: 1. Value for money is difficult to assess due to the sole-source nature and R&D focus. 2. Competition dynamics were absent, as the contract was awarded without open bidding. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, given the long duration and cost-plus award fee structure. 4. Performance context is tied to the critical function of managing planetary data. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader aerospace and scientific research domain.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and sole-source award. The cost-plus award fee structure allows for flexibility but requires robust oversight to ensure cost control. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively state if the pricing represents optimal value for the services rendered. However, the long-term nature suggests a sustained need and potentially a fair price for ongoing data management.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities or when it's deemed not to be in the government's best interest to compete. The lack of competition limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may face higher costs due to the absence of competitive pressure to drive down prices. The justification for a sole-source award needs to be exceptionally strong to ensure public funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Scientists and researchers worldwide benefit from access to curated planetary data. The contract supports the critical function of managing and disseminating data from NASA's planetary missions. Geographic impact is global, as the data is accessible to the international scientific community. Workforce implications include supporting specialized data management and scientific personnel at Caltech.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential innovation.
- Cost-plus award fee structure requires diligent oversight to manage costs effectively.
- Long contract duration (over 6 years) increases exposure to potential cost overruns.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (Caltech) suggests a high likelihood of technical competence.
- The contract supports a vital scientific mission, indicating strategic importance.
- Long-term award may reflect a stable and effective working relationship.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on scientific data management. This area is crucial for advancing our understanding of the solar system and beyond. Comparable spending benchmarks in this niche are scarce, but R&D contracts often represent significant investments in specialized knowledge and infrastructure. The market for such highly specialized data management services is limited.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. Given the sole-source nature and the specialized scientific research focus, it is unlikely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would be a primary consideration or requirement. The primary focus is on the unique capabilities of the awarded contractor.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's program management and contracting officers. The cost-plus award fee structure necessitates regular performance reviews and audits to ensure that costs are reasonable and that award fees are justified. Transparency is generally maintained through NASA's public reporting of contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may be internal.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Planetary Science Division Programs
- Space Science Data Operations
- Scientific Research and Development Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit cost-effectiveness.
- Cost-plus award fee requires strong oversight to manage costs.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee, data-management, aerospace, scientific-research, delivery-order, long-term-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $32.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. PLANETARY DATA SYSTEM
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 $32.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-11. End: 2009-12-15.
What is the historical spending trend for the Planetary Data System (PDS) under NASA?
Historical spending data for the Planetary Data System (PDS) prior to this specific contract award is not directly available in the provided data. However, this contract itself, valued at approximately $32.1 million, ran from September 2003 to December 2009, indicating a significant, long-term investment in data management. NASA's overall budget for planetary science has fluctuated over the years, but the consistent need for data archiving and dissemination suggests a sustained level of funding for such critical infrastructure. Analyzing broader trends in NASA's R&D spending and specific mission support costs would provide further context on the PDS's place within the agency's financial landscape.
How does the cost-plus award fee structure impact contractor performance and cost control for this contract?
The Cost-Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure incentivizes the contractor, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), to perform well by offering potential award fees based on achieving specific performance objectives, while also reimbursing allowable costs. This structure is often used for R&D or complex services where performance outcomes are critical but difficult to define precisely upfront. For cost control, NASA's contracting officers must diligently monitor expenditures and evaluate performance against pre-defined criteria to determine the appropriate award fee. If oversight is weak, the 'cost-plus' aspect could lead to higher overall costs without commensurate performance gains. Conversely, strong oversight can drive high performance and ensure value for taxpayer money.
What are the specific risks associated with a sole-source award for a critical data system like the PDS?
A primary risk of a sole-source award for the Planetary Data System (PDS) is the lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to inflated costs and potentially less innovation compared to a competed contract. Without multiple bidders vying for the contract, there's less incentive for the incumbent contractor to aggressively seek efficiencies or introduce novel solutions. Furthermore, reliance on a single source can create a vulnerability if that contractor faces unforeseen challenges, such as financial instability or technical difficulties. NASA's justification for a sole-source award must be robust, demonstrating that no other entity can provide the required services or that competition is not feasible or in the government's best interest.
What is the track record of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in managing large-scale scientific data systems for government agencies?
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has a long and distinguished track record in scientific research and management of complex scientific endeavors, including data systems. As a leading research university, Caltech is involved in numerous NASA missions and projects, often managing critical scientific instruments and the data they generate. Their involvement with the Planetary Data System (PDS) itself, spanning over six years under this contract, demonstrates their capability in handling vast amounts of scientific data, ensuring its integrity, accessibility, and long-term preservation. Caltech's reputation in the scientific community suggests a high level of expertise and reliability in managing such vital scientific infrastructure.
How does the PDS contract contribute to NASA's broader mission objectives in planetary exploration?
The Planetary Data System (PDS) contract is fundamental to NASA's mission objectives in planetary exploration. It serves as the central repository and distribution hub for data returned from NASA's robotic missions to planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. By archiving, validating, and making this data accessible to the global scientific community, the PDS enables researchers to conduct further analysis, make new discoveries, and plan future missions. This contract ensures that the significant investments made in planetary exploration yield maximum scientific return, fostering collaboration and advancing our understanding of the solar system and the potential for life beyond Earth.
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: $47,372,124
Exercised Options: $47,372,124
Current Obligation: $32,108,011
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: 2009-12-15
Potential End Date: 2009-12-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-10-19
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