NASA's $23.5M Genesis Project R&D contract awarded to California Institute of Technology, a sole-source procurement
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,526,268 ($23.5M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-16
End Date: 2010-09-26
Contract Duration: 2,567 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $23.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E Key points: 1. The contract focused on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, indicating a specialized technical need. 2. Awarded as a sole-source procurement, suggesting unique capabilities or prior relationship with the contractor. 3. The contract duration of over 2500 days highlights a long-term research endeavor. 4. The 'COST PLUS AWARD FEE' contract type implies performance incentives tied to achieving specific project milestones. 5. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates no specific provisions for small business participation. 6. The contract was awarded to a single entity, raising questions about the breadth of competitive pricing. 7. The project name 'GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E' suggests it is part of a larger, ongoing research initiative.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its sole-source nature and specialized R&D focus. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if the cost-plus award fee structure yielded optimal value for money. The significant duration suggests substantial resource allocation, but the specific outcomes and their cost-effectiveness relative to market alternatives are not readily apparent from the provided data. Further analysis would require understanding the project's specific technical goals and the justification for a sole-source award.
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. This typically occurs when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or when there is a compelling justification for avoiding full and open competition. The lack of multiple bidders means there was no direct price competition, which can sometimes lead to higher costs for the government compared to a competitively awarded contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit opportunities for other qualified vendors to compete, potentially excluding more cost-effective solutions and reducing taxpayer value through lack of price discovery.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the scientific community and NASA, through advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. The services delivered are advanced research and development, contributing to scientific knowledge and technological innovation. The geographic impact is primarily within California, where the contractor is located, but the scientific findings can have global implications. Workforce implications include employment for specialized researchers, scientists, and support staff at the California Institute of Technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may have resulted in suboptimal pricing.
- Cost-plus award fee contracts can sometimes incentivize cost overruns if not carefully managed.
- Sole-source justification requires rigorous review to ensure necessity and prevent potential contractor lock-in.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution like Caltech suggests high technical capability.
- Long contract duration indicates a sustained commitment to a potentially significant research objective.
- The 'award fee' component suggests a mechanism for incentivizing performance and achieving specific research outcomes.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is characterized by innovation, long project timelines, and often requires specialized expertise. Comparable spending in this area can vary widely depending on the specific scientific domain and the scale of the research. NASA's R&D spending is a significant portion of its budget, supporting exploration, technology development, and fundamental scientific inquiry.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for them. As a sole-source award to a large research institution, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for specific support services, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's program management and contracting officers. The 'COST PLUS AWARD FEE' structure implies performance monitoring against defined milestones to determine award fee payouts. Transparency would depend on NASA's reporting practices for R&D contracts and any public dissemination of research findings. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Cost Plus Award Fee Contracts
- Sole Source Procurements
- Scientific Research Grants
- Aerospace Technology Development
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- Potential for cost escalation in CPAF contracts if not managed.
- Lack of transparency on specific R&D outcomes.
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, california, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee, science-and-technology, long-term-project, academic-research, physical-sciences, engineering, life-sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $23.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. GENESIS PROJECT: 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 $23.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-16. End: 2010-09-26.
What specific scientific advancements or technological innovations resulted from the GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E?
The provided data does not detail the specific scientific advancements or technological innovations resulting from the GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E. As a research and development contract, its primary output would be new knowledge, methodologies, or prototypes within the physical, engineering, and life sciences. To ascertain the specific outcomes, one would need to consult NASA's project reports, scientific publications stemming from the project, or internal NASA assessments of the project's success against its stated objectives. The 'award fee' component suggests that performance metrics were established, and understanding these metrics would offer insight into the intended deliverables and the criteria for success.
Can the $23.5 million expenditure be benchmarked against similar R&D projects in the physical, engineering, and life sciences?
Benchmarking the $23.5 million expenditure for the GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E against similar R&D projects is challenging due to several factors. Firstly, the contract was sole-source, limiting direct comparison with competitively bid projects. Secondly, the specific sub-field within physical, engineering, and life sciences is not detailed, making it difficult to find directly comparable projects. R&D costs can vary immensely based on the complexity, novelty, duration, and required resources (personnel, equipment, facilities). While $23.5 million over approximately 7 years (2003-2010) represents a significant investment, its 'value for money' can only be assessed internally by NASA based on the project's unique goals and achievements, rather than external market comparisons.
What was the justification for awarding this contract as sole-source to the California Institute of Technology?
The justification for awarding the GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E as a sole-source contract to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is not provided in the data. Typically, sole-source awards are made when there is only one responsible source capable of providing the required service or product. This could be due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, extensive prior research and development experience with the specific subject matter, or a critical need for continuity with previous work. NASA would have had to document and approve this justification, likely citing Caltech's specific expertise or unique facilities essential for the 'Genesis Project' to proceed without interruption or compromise.
How did the 'Cost Plus Award Fee' (CPAF) contract type influence project management and contractor performance?
The 'Cost Plus Award Fee' (CPAF) contract type for the GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E means that the contractor (Caltech) was reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a fee that consisted of a fixed base amount and an award amount. The award amount was determined based on the government's evaluation of the contractor's performance against pre-defined criteria. This structure incentivizes the contractor to perform well and achieve specific objectives, as higher performance leads to a higher fee. For project management, it requires NASA to establish clear performance metrics and conduct regular evaluations. It aims to balance cost reimbursement with performance incentives, encouraging efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the project's R&D goals.
What is the historical spending pattern for R&D contracts awarded to the California Institute of Technology by NASA?
The provided data only includes details for the 'GENESIS PROJECT: PHASE E' contract. It does not offer a historical overview of NASA's spending patterns with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for R&D contracts. To analyze historical spending, one would need access to broader federal procurement databases (like USASpending.gov) and filter for all contracts awarded by NASA to Caltech over a specific period, categorized under R&D or relevant NAICS codes (like 541710). This would reveal trends in contract values, types, durations, and the specific research areas funded, providing a more comprehensive picture of the relationship between NASA and Caltech.
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: $24,720,317
Exercised Options: $24,720,317
Current Obligation: $23,526,268
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-16
Current End Date: 2010-09-26
Potential End Date: 2010-09-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-12-02
More Contracts from California Institute of Technology
- Europa Clipper Project the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Nasa and the California Institute of Technology-Contractor, a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center-Ffrdc Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office-Nmo Contracting Officers. Nasa-Sponsored Work: Jpls Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate-Smd in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1. Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2. Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3. Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4. Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5. Perform Project Tasks Involving: I-Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, Ii-Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And-Or Iii-Ground-Based Systems. 6. Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7. JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasas Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8. JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-Stem Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $2.9B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mars Science Laboratory — $1.7B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mars Sample Return (MSR) Program - Phase a 40-108270 — $1.6B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Deep Space Network (DSN) the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (nasa) and the California Institute of Technology (contractor), a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center (ffrdc) Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers. Nasa - Sponsored Work: Jpl's Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1) Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2) Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3) Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4) Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5) Perform Project Tasks Involving: (I) Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, (II) Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And/Or (III) Ground-Based Systems. 6) Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7) JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasa S Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8) JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (stem) Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- 2020 Mars Science Rover Project - Phase a the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (nasa) and the California Institute of Technology (contractor), a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center (ffrdc) Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers. Nasa - Sponsored Work: Jpl's Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1) Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2) Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3) Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4) Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5) Perform Project Tasks Involving: (I) Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, (II) Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And/Or (III) Ground-Based Systems. 6) Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7) JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasa S Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8) JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (stem) Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all California Institute of Technology federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →