NASA Awards $55.5M for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences to California Institute of Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $55,471,109 ($55.5M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-10-01
End Date: 2013-03-28
Contract Duration: 3,466 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SMD R&A LAND OCEAN POLAR
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $55.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: SMD R&A LAND OCEAN POLAR Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced research and development. 2. Sole-source award to a prominent research institution. 3. Long contract duration of nearly 10 years. 4. Potential for high impact in scientific discovery.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed effectively. Without specific benchmarks for similar R&D contracts, assessing the value is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost than if competition were present.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity without competitive pressure, potentially leading to less cost-efficiency.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge scientific research with potential for groundbreaking discoveries. Benefits a leading academic institution, fostering innovation and expertise. Long-term funding commitment allows for sustained research efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical R&D areas
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 can be difficult to benchmark due to its specialized nature.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is a large research institution, and there is no indication of small business participation in this sole-source contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the sole-source nature and cost-plus fee structure warrant close monitoring of expenditures.
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
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract
- Long contract duration
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to sole-source nature
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 $55.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. SMD R&A LAND OCEAN POLAR
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 $55.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-10-01. End: 2013-03-28.
What is the expected return on investment for this significant R&D funding?
The return on investment for R&D funding is inherently uncertain and long-term. Success will be measured by scientific breakthroughs, technological advancements, and potential commercialization of research outcomes. NASA's oversight will focus on progress towards research objectives and the scientific merit of the work conducted.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source R&D contract of this magnitude?
The primary risks include potential cost overruns due to the lack of competitive bidding and the Cost Plus Award Fee structure. There's also a risk that alternative, potentially more innovative or cost-effective solutions might be overlooked. Ensuring rigorous oversight and performance metrics is crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effectively is NASA ensuring the scientific and technical merit of the research being funded?
NASA typically employs peer review processes and expert panels to evaluate the scientific merit of research proposals. For ongoing contracts, regular technical reviews and milestone assessments are used to track progress and ensure the research remains on track and scientifically sound. The awardee's reputation also suggests a high likelihood of competent research execution.
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: $59,444,750
Exercised Options: $59,444,750
Current Obligation: $55,471,109
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-10-01
Current End Date: 2013-03-28
Potential End Date: 2013-03-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-10-21
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