NASA's JASON-1 TOPEX/POSEIDON contract awarded to Caltech for $45.8M, spanning 9 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $45,860,979 ($45.9M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-17
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,301 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: JASON-1 TOPEX/POSEIDON
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $45.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: JASON-1 TOPEX/POSEIDON Key points: 1. Significant investment in satellite technology for Earth observation. 2. Sole-source award to a research institution suggests specialized expertise. 3. Long contract duration may indicate ongoing research and development needs. 4. High cost for a single project warrants scrutiny of value for money.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's total award of $45.8M over 9 years for a satellite project is substantial. Without specific performance metrics or comparable projects, assessing its value is difficult. The cost-plus award fee structure can incentivize performance but also carries risk of cost overruns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, awarded directly to the California Institute of Technology. Sole-source awards can be justified for unique capabilities but limit price discovery and competitive innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity without competitive bidding, potentially missing opportunities for cost savings or better technological solutions.
Public Impact
Supports critical Earth science research and climate monitoring. Potential for advancements in satellite technology and data analysis. Long-term commitment to a specific research institution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus award fee structure
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Supports important scientific research
- Awarded to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but often involves high risk and long development cycles, making direct cost comparisons challenging.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was a sole-source award to a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants careful oversight to ensure the funds are used efficiently and effectively towards the stated research objectives. NASA's internal review processes would be 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 competitive bidding
- Potential for cost overruns due to cost-plus structure
- Limited transparency on specific deliverables and outcomes
- Long duration may obscure initial cost-benefit analysis
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 $45.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. JASON-1 TOPEX/POSEIDON
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 $45.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-17. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific scientific advancements or data were achieved through this $45.8M investment over 9 years?
The JASON-1 TOPEX/POSEIDON mission aimed to provide precise measurements of sea-surface height, contributing to climate change research and oceanography. Specific advancements would include improved climate models, better understanding of ocean currents, and enhanced weather forecasting capabilities derived from its data.
What were the justifications for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternatives considered?
Sole-source justification typically arises when only one entity possesses the unique expertise, technology, or facilities required for a project. For JASON-1, Caltech's established role in previous related missions like TOPEX/Poseidon likely made them the sole viable option, though a thorough review should confirm no competitive alternatives existed.
How does the cost-plus award fee structure ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns for this long-term R&D project?
The cost-plus award fee structure allows the contractor to recover allowable costs plus an additional fee that is adjusted based on performance against pre-defined criteria. This incentivizes meeting technical goals and schedule, but requires robust oversight to manage costs and ensure the fee is earned appropriately.
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: $46,770,743
Exercised Options: $46,770,743
Current Obligation: $45,860,979
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: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-09-21
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