NASA's $10.8M R&D Contract with Caltech for Microscopic Propulsion Research Faces Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,812,124 ($10.8M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-30
End Date: 2009-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,192 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PWR PROP ROBOT MICROSPC
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $10.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: PWR PROP ROBOT MICROSPC Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in advanced propulsion technology. 2. Sole-source award to a single academic institution raises competition concerns. 3. Long contract duration (6 years) and cost-plus structure may inflate costs. 4. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in space exploration technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's cost-plus award fee structure, while common for R&D, can incentivize spending over strict cost control. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of the research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
Awarded sole-source to Caltech, limiting competitive bidding. This approach may be justified for unique expertise but bypasses potential cost savings from competition and hinders price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition and cost-plus structure could lead to higher taxpayer costs than a competitively bid contract, though the value of the research is potentially high.
Public Impact
Advancement of space exploration capabilities through novel propulsion systems. Potential for spin-off technologies benefiting other scientific fields. Investment in cutting-edge research at a leading academic institution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- High-value R&D
- Prestigious contractor
- Potential for technological breakthroughs
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to a large academic institution and did not involve small business participation. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature and cost-plus structure warrant close oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and research objectives are met. NASA's internal review processes are critical here.
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
- Cost-plus award fee structure
- Potential for scope creep over long duration
- Difficulty in benchmarking specialized R&D costs
- Limited transparency on specific research outcomes
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 $10.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. PWR PROP ROBOT MICROSPC
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 $10.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-30. End: 2009-09-30.
What is the specific technological advancement expected from this research, and how does it align with NASA's long-term strategic goals?
The contract aims to advance microscopic propulsion systems, likely for small satellite or probe applications. This aligns with NASA's goals for more agile, cost-effective, and versatile space exploration missions, enabling access to new scientific frontiers and detailed planetary studies.
Given the sole-source award and cost-plus structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate cost overruns and ensure fair pricing?
While competitive bidding was bypassed, NASA likely employs rigorous performance metrics and milestone reviews within the cost-plus award fee structure. Regular audits and technical evaluations by contracting officers are essential to monitor progress, control costs, and ensure the contractor is delivering value.
How will the success of this R&D project be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for determining its effectiveness?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by achieving specific technical milestones outlined in the contract, such as demonstrating propulsion efficiency, system reliability, and integration capabilities. Key performance indicators could include thrust levels achieved, power consumption, operational lifespan, and successful laboratory or simulated environment testing.
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: 1
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: $10,949,414
Exercised Options: $10,949,414
Current Obligation: $10,812,124
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-30
Current End Date: 2009-09-30
Potential End Date: 2009-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-02-05
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