NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Contract Exceeds $255M for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $255,542,557 ($255.5M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-15
End Date: 2012-08-24
Contract Duration: 3,266 days
Daily Burn Rate: $78.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MARS RECON ORBITER: C/D
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $255.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: MARS RECON ORBITER: C/D Key points: 1. Significant investment in space exploration R&D. 2. Sole-source contract awarded to California Institute of Technology. 3. Long duration suggests complex, ongoing research. 4. Potential for cost overruns in cost-plus contracts.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's cost-plus award fee structure can incentivize contractor performance but also carries a risk of cost escalation. Without clear benchmarks for similar deep-space missions, assessing value is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The sole-source nature of this contract limits competitive pricing. Awarding to Caltech without competition may have resulted in a higher price than if multiple bids were considered.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed to a single entity for a long-term, high-cost project without competitive pressure to reduce expenses.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge about Mars. Development of cutting-edge aerospace technology. Potential for future commercial applications of research findings.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
- Lack of competition
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research
- Potential for technological innovation
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but often involves high risk and long development cycles.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is a sole-source award to a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for cost-plus contracts to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively towards mission objectives. NASA's internal review processes are key.
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 contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Long contract duration
- Limited transparency on performance metrics
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $255.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. MARS RECON ORBITER: C/D
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 $255.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-15. End: 2012-08-24.
What specific scientific objectives does the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter aim to achieve, and how does the contract value align with these goals?
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) aims to study Mars' geology, climate, and potential for past or present life. Its instruments provide high-resolution imagery and atmospheric data. The $255M contract supports its operational phase, including data collection and analysis, which is essential for achieving these scientific objectives. The value is justified if it enables groundbreaking discoveries and comprehensive understanding of the Martian environment.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus award fee contract for a long-duration space mission?
The primary risks include a lack of competitive pressure leading to inflated costs, potential for scope creep without rigorous oversight, and contractor inefficiency if performance incentives are not well-defined. For a long-duration mission like MRO, these risks are amplified over time, potentially leading to significant budget overruns and delays if not managed proactively by the awarding agency.
How effective has the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter been in achieving its scientific mission goals, and does the contract performance reflect this effectiveness?
The MRO has been highly effective, delivering unprecedented data and imagery that have significantly advanced our understanding of Mars. Its findings have informed subsequent missions and scientific research. The 'award fee' component suggests performance is evaluated, and the contract's continuation implies NASA deemed Caltech's performance satisfactory in meeting mission milestones and scientific objectives.
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: $256,247,828
Exercised Options: $256,247,828
Current Obligation: $255,542,557
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-15
Current End Date: 2012-08-24
Potential End Date: 2012-08-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-10-20
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