Nasa's Mars Telecom Orbiter Contract Awarded to Caltech for $19.56M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,557,084 ($19.6M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-30
End Date: 2006-01-29
Contract Duration: 852 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MARS TELECOM ORBITER
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $19.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: MARS TELECOM ORBITER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, indicating potential lack of competition. 2. Significant funding allocated for research and development in physical sciences. 3. Contract duration of 852 days suggests a complex, long-term project. 4. The 'COST PLUS AWARD FEE' structure may incentivize performance but could lead to cost overruns.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.56M for a 852-day R&D project appears within a reasonable range for complex space missions. However, without specific benchmarks for similar orbiter development contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitive bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could mean taxpayers are not receiving the best possible price for this research and development effort.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge in space exploration. Potential for new technologies and discoveries from the Mars mission. Public interest and engagement in space science initiatives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D in space science
- Awarded to a reputable research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and scientific discovery, often involving high costs and inherent risks.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific involvement or set-aside for small businesses in this contract. The award to the California Institute of Technology suggests a focus on large, established research institutions.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The 'COST PLUS AWARD FEE' structure requires careful monitoring to ensure performance objectives are met and costs are controlled effectively.
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 limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation.
- High value R&D contract with inherent technical risks.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $19.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. MARS TELECOM ORBITER
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 $19.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-30. End: 2006-01-29.
What specific scientific objectives does the MARS TELECOM ORBITER aim to achieve, and how does the contract value align with these goals?
The specific scientific objectives of the MARS TELECOM ORBITER are not detailed in the provided data. However, the $19.56M contract value suggests a significant undertaking, likely involving complex data transmission and communication capabilities for Mars exploration. A thorough assessment would require understanding the mission's scope, required instrumentation, and expected data return.
Given the sole-source nature of the award, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate potential cost overruns and ensure fair pricing?
The 'COST PLUS AWARD FEE' (CPAF) contract type includes incentives for performance, but also carries inherent risks of cost escalation. NASA's oversight would typically involve rigorous review of cost proposals, regular performance evaluations, and potentially negotiation of fee adjustments based on milestones achieved and cost controls implemented to mitigate risks.
How will the data and technological advancements from this orbiter contribute to future space exploration efforts and NASA's broader mission effectiveness?
The MARS TELECOM ORBITER is expected to enhance communication relays and data transmission capabilities for future Mars missions, potentially enabling more complex surface operations and scientific investigations. Advancements in telecommunications technology developed under this contract could also have broader applications across NASA's deep space exploration portfolio, improving mission efficiency and data acquisition.
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, 28
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $20,173,099
Exercised Options: $20,173,099
Current Obligation: $19,557,084
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-30
Current End Date: 2006-01-29
Potential End Date: 2006-01-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-03-12
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