NASA's $24.6M R&D contract with Caltech for LISA Project shows long-term investment in space science
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,603,800 ($24.6M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-30
End Date: 2012-03-31
Contract Duration: 3,105 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LISA PROJ, PRE-PHASE A
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $24.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: LISA PROJ, PRE-PHASE A Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a significant duration, indicating a sustained research effort. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, suggesting performance incentives. 4. High number of modifications (51) may indicate evolving project scope or needs. 5. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competition. 6. Geographic location of contractor is California.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $24.6 million over its duration is substantial for a research project. However, without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure implies that the contractor can earn additional profit based on performance, which can incentivize good work but also requires careful oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable. Benchmarking this against similar long-term, complex R&D projects in space science would be necessary for a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach is often used when a specific entity possesses unique expertise or capabilities essential for a project, such as Caltech's established role in advanced scientific research. The lack of competition means there was no opportunity for price discovery through a bidding process, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding. Without alternative proposals, it's difficult to ascertain if the negotiated price represents the best value achievable.
Public Impact
Benefits the scientific community through advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Supports the development of technologies and understanding related to the LISA Project. Potential for long-term scientific discoveries and technological innovations. Impacts the research workforce, particularly at institutions like Caltech.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition for a significant R&D contract.
- High number of contract modifications (51) could indicate scope creep or poor initial planning.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires robust oversight to ensure cost control and fair award fees.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a reputable research institution (Caltech) with a strong track record.
- Long contract duration suggests a commitment to a critical, long-term research objective.
- Focus on R&D aligns with national priorities for scientific advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This area is characterized by innovation, long development cycles, and often requires specialized expertise. NASA's spending in this sector is crucial for maintaining technological leadership and achieving its scientific exploration goals. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale, multi-year R&D grants and contracts awarded by federal agencies for fundamental scientific research.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The nature of the work, likely requiring highly specialized research capabilities, may limit the direct involvement of small businesses as prime contractors or major subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's purview, given the agency's role as the awarding and funding body. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure that award fees are justified. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting from the contractor and potentially through NASA's internal review processes. The Inspector General's office would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Programs
- Space Science Missions
- Advanced Technology Development
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
- High number of modifications may indicate scope instability or planning issues.
- Cost Plus Award Fee requires diligent performance monitoring.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee, space-science, long-term-project, delivery-order, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $24.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. LISA PROJ, PRE-PHASE A
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 $24.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-30. End: 2012-03-31.
What is the specific nature of the 'LISA Project' and Caltech's role in it?
The LISA Project (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a proposed space-based gravitational wave observatory, a joint mission led by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Caltech, as a leading research institution in astrophysics and related fields, likely plays a crucial role in the scientific planning, instrument development, data analysis, or theoretical research associated with LISA. This contract, awarded under NAICS code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), would support these activities, potentially encompassing feasibility studies, technology maturation, or early-stage design work prior to full mission development.
How does the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure typically function in R&D contracts?
A Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract is a type of cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a fee. The fee consists of a base amount (often a small percentage of estimated costs) and an award amount. The award amount is determined based on the contractor's performance against pre-defined criteria, evaluated by the government. For R&D contracts like this one, the criteria might include achieving technical milestones, adhering to schedules, managing costs effectively, and producing innovative solutions. This structure incentivizes the contractor to exceed minimum performance requirements to earn a higher fee, while the government retains control over the award amount based on objective performance assessments.
What are the implications of 51 contract modifications over the contract's lifespan?
The high number of modifications (51) for this contract, which ran from September 30, 2003, to March 31, 2012 (approximately 8.5 years), suggests a dynamic and evolving project. Modifications can arise for various reasons, including changes in technical requirements, scope adjustments, funding reallocation, or extensions of contract duration. In an R&D context, frequent modifications are not always negative and can reflect the iterative nature of scientific discovery and technological development. However, a very large number could also indicate initial under-scoping, unforeseen challenges, or a lack of stable requirements, potentially impacting cost and schedule predictability. A detailed review of each modification would be needed to fully understand their impact.
What is the typical duration and funding profile for similar NASA R&D contracts?
NASA R&D contracts can vary significantly in duration and funding, depending on the project's complexity, phase, and strategic importance. Early-stage research or feasibility studies might last a few years with funding in the millions, while major technology development programs or foundational science initiatives can span a decade or more with funding potentially reaching hundreds of millions or even billions. This $24.6 million contract, awarded over roughly 8.5 years, appears to be a substantial, long-term investment in a specific research area, likely supporting critical foundational work for a larger scientific endeavor like the LISA Project. Its duration and funding level are consistent with significant, multi-year R&D efforts within NASA.
Are there any known risks associated with sole-source R&D procurements?
Sole-source R&D procurements carry inherent risks, primarily related to cost and innovation. Without competition, there is less pressure on the contractor to offer the lowest possible price, potentially leading to higher costs for the government. Furthermore, the absence of multiple bidders might limit the exploration of diverse technical approaches or innovative solutions that could have emerged from a competitive bidding process. To mitigate these risks, agencies must conduct thorough market research to justify the sole-source award, negotiate prices rigorously, and implement robust oversight mechanisms to ensure performance and value. For specialized R&D, the justification often rests on unique capabilities or intellectual property held by a single entity.
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: $28,883,400
Exercised Options: $28,883,400
Current Obligation: $24,603,800
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: 2012-03-31
Potential End Date: 2012-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-10-28
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