NASA's Kepler Project: $148.9M Spent on Space Research, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $148,872,053 ($148.9M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-17
End Date: 2009-05-24
Contract Duration: 2,076 days
Daily Burn Rate: $71.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: KEPLER PROJECT
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $148.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: KEPLER PROJECT Key points: 1. Significant investment in space exploration research. 2. Sole-source procurement raises questions about cost-effectiveness. 3. Long project duration (2003-2009) with a cost-plus award fee contract. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract type, combined with a lack of competition, makes it difficult to assess value. The final award fee structure could incentivize cost overruns if not carefully managed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition likely resulted in a higher price than could have been achieved through a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
Advanced understanding of exoplanets and potentially habitable worlds. Provided valuable data for astronomical research and future space missions. Inspired public interest in science and space exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long project duration
Positive Signals
- Significant scientific advancement
- High-impact research data
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but often involves high risk and long timelines.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded solely to the California Institute of Technology.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a sole-source, cost-plus award fee contract warrants scrutiny. NASA's oversight would be critical to ensure funds were used efficiently and effectively towards project goals.
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
- Limited transparency in pricing
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 $148.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. KEPLER PROJECT
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 $148.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-17. End: 2009-05-24.
Was the sole-source justification for the Kepler Project robust, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?
Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. For a project of Kepler's scope, a thorough market research and justification process would be expected. Without this documentation, it's difficult to ascertain if competitive strategies were adequately explored or if unique capabilities at Caltech were the sole determining factor.
How did the Cost Plus Award Fee structure impact the final cost and performance of the Kepler Project?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract allows the contractor to recover costs plus a fee that is composed of a base fee and an award amount. The award amount is contingent upon meeting or exceeding performance targets. While intended to incentivize performance, CPAF contracts can lead to higher costs if the award criteria are not strictly defined or if oversight is insufficient, potentially encouraging cost growth to maximize the fee.
What is the long-term scientific return on investment for the $148.9 million spent on the Kepler Project?
The Kepler Project has been highly successful in discovering thousands of exoplanets, significantly advancing our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own. The data generated continues to be analyzed, leading to new discoveries and informing future space missions. The scientific return is widely considered substantial, contributing significantly to astrophysics and the search 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: 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: $175,549,100
Exercised Options: $175,549,100
Current Obligation: $148,872,053
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-17
Current End Date: 2009-05-24
Potential End Date: 2009-05-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-06-19
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