NASA's $277M Space Science Flight Support contract awarded to Caltech for R&D services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $277,232,143 ($277.2M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-30
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,288 days
Daily Burn Rate: $84.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPACE SCIENCE FLGHT SPT
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $277.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: SPACE SCIENCE FLGHT SPT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, non-profit research institution, suggesting specialized capabilities. 2. Long duration (nearly 9 years) indicates a sustained need for these scientific services. 3. Cost-plus award fee contract type allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight. 4. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences points to fundamental scientific advancement. 5. High value suggests significant investment in space science exploration and research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and the unique capabilities of the contractor, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). As a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract, the final cost is influenced by performance, making direct price comparisons difficult without detailed performance metrics. The total value of over $277 million spread across nearly nine years suggests a substantial, long-term investment in critical research and development. Without access to specific deliverables and performance evaluations, a definitive value-for-money assessment is limited, but the duration and scope imply a recognized need for Caltech's expertise.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating that NASA identified Caltech as the only entity capable of performing the required specialized research and development services. Sole-source awards typically occur when a unique capability, proprietary technology, or urgent need exists that cannot be met through a competitive process. While this ensures access to specific expertise, it limits the potential for price competition and may result in higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards mean taxpayers do not benefit from the price reductions typically achieved through competitive bidding, potentially leading to a higher overall expenditure for the government.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the broader scientific community, gaining insights from advanced space science research. Services delivered likely include research, development, and support for space science missions and instruments. The geographic impact is national, supporting scientific endeavors across the United States, with a concentration of work in California. Workforce implications include highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians employed by Caltech and potentially its subcontractors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pressure, potentially impacting cost efficiency.
- Cost-plus award fee structure requires robust oversight to ensure performance and control costs.
- Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or evolving requirements that may not be optimally priced over time.
Positive Signals
- Award to a renowned research institution like Caltech suggests access to cutting-edge expertise and innovation.
- Sustained funding over a long period indicates the critical and ongoing nature of the research supported.
- The contract's focus on R&D aligns with NASA's strategic goals for scientific discovery and technological advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences related to space. The market for such specialized R&D is often dominated by universities and dedicated research institutions due to the high level of expertise and infrastructure required. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for advancing space exploration, understanding the universe, and developing new technologies. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of space science R&D, but this contract represents a significant investment in fundamental scientific inquiry.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. Given the sole-source nature and the contractor being a large research institution (Caltech), the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, Caltech may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services or supplies, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this Cost Plus Award Fee contract would primarily reside with NASA's contracting officers and technical monitors. They are responsible for monitoring contractor performance against established award fee criteria, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving incurred costs. The effectiveness of oversight depends on the rigor of performance evaluations and the clarity of award fee metrics. Transparency is facilitated through contract reporting requirements, though detailed performance data may not always be publicly accessible.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Space Science Mission Support
- University Research Grants
- Advanced Technology Development
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit cost efficiencies.
- CPAF contract type requires robust performance monitoring.
Tags
space-science, research-and-development, nasa, california-institute-of-technology, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee, delivery-order, california, federal-contract, science-and-technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $277.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. SPACE SCIENCE FLGHT SPT
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 $277.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-30. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific research areas does this contract cover within physical, engineering, and life sciences?
While the provided data indicates 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS 541710), the specific research areas are not detailed. Typically, for NASA's space science flight support, this could encompass a wide range of disciplines including astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, Earth science, materials science in space, life support systems for space travel, and the development of advanced scientific instruments and sensors for space missions. The 'SPACE SCIENCE FLGHT SPT' description suggests a focus on research directly supporting or enabling space flight missions, which could involve theoretical studies, experimental research, data analysis, and the development of flight-ready hardware and software.
How does the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure influence contractor performance and cost control for this contract?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure incentivizes the contractor (Caltech) to perform well by offering a performance-based award fee in addition to cost reimbursement. The contractor incurs costs deemed reasonable and allocable, and NASA determines the amount of award fee based on pre-defined performance criteria. This structure aims to motivate high performance in areas like scientific innovation, mission support, and adherence to project goals. For cost control, NASA's contracting officer must diligently evaluate performance against the award fee criteria. If performance is subpar, the award fee can be reduced or eliminated, thereby providing a mechanism to control costs and ensure value. However, effective implementation requires clear, measurable, and objective performance metrics.
What is the historical spending pattern for similar space science flight support contracts awarded by NASA?
Historical spending patterns for NASA's space science flight support contracts can vary significantly based on mission scope, duration, and technological requirements. Contracts of this magnitude (over $277 million) are typically long-term and awarded to institutions with demonstrated expertise, such as universities or specialized research organizations. NASA often utilizes a mix of contract types, including cost-plus and fixed-price, depending on the R&D nature and risk involved. Spending tends to be concentrated in areas like instrument development, mission operations support, scientific data analysis, and theoretical research. Analyzing past awards to institutions like Caltech, JPL (managed by Caltech), or other major aerospace research centers would reveal trends in funding levels, contract durations, and the types of services procured for space science endeavors.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate contractors under a CPAF contract for R&D services?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a CPAF contract in R&D, like this space science flight support, are crucial for determining the award fee. These KPIs are usually tailored to the specific objectives of the contract but commonly include metrics related to scientific and technical achievement (e.g., successful research outcomes, innovative solutions, quality of scientific publications), project management (e.g., schedule adherence, budget management, risk mitigation), and overall mission support (e.g., reliability of delivered systems or data, responsiveness to NASA's needs). For this contract, KPIs might involve the successful development and testing of scientific instruments, the accuracy and timeliness of data analysis, the contribution to scientific understanding, and the effective integration of research findings into NASA's broader space science objectives. NASA's evaluation of these KPIs directly impacts the award fee earned by the contractor.
What is Caltech's track record with NASA for similar research and development contracts?
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has a long and distinguished track record of collaborating with NASA on research and development projects, particularly through its management of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL, operated for NASA by Caltech, is a leading center for robotic exploration of the solar system and Earth. Caltech itself, as an institution, frequently receives grants and contracts from NASA for fundamental research across various scientific disciplines, including astrophysics, planetary science, and Earth science. Their history includes significant contributions to numerous space missions, instrument development, and scientific discovery. This specific contract, awarded on a sole-source basis, suggests a continuation of a trusted and established relationship where Caltech's unique capabilities are deemed essential for NASA's ongoing space science objectives.
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: $284,061,857
Exercised Options: $284,061,857
Current Obligation: $277,232,143
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: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-10-28
More Contracts from California Institute of Technology
- Europa Clipper Project the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Nasa and the California Institute of Technology-Contractor, a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center-Ffrdc Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office-Nmo Contracting Officers. Nasa-Sponsored Work: Jpls Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate-Smd in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1. Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2. Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3. Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4. Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5. Perform Project Tasks Involving: I-Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, Ii-Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And-Or Iii-Ground-Based Systems. 6. Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7. JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasas Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8. JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-Stem Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $2.9B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mars Science Laboratory — $1.7B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mars Sample Return (MSR) Program - Phase a 40-108270 — $1.6B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Deep Space Network (DSN) the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (nasa) and the California Institute of Technology (contractor), a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center (ffrdc) Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers. Nasa - Sponsored Work: Jpl's Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1) Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2) Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3) Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4) Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5) Perform Project Tasks Involving: (I) Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, (II) Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And/Or (III) Ground-Based Systems. 6) Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7) JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasa S Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8) JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (stem) Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- 2020 Mars Science Rover Project - Phase a the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (nasa) and the California Institute of Technology (contractor), a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center (ffrdc) Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers. Nasa - Sponsored Work: Jpl's Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1) Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2) Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3) Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4) Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5) Perform Project Tasks Involving: (I) Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, (II) Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And/Or (III) Ground-Based Systems. 6) Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7) JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasa S Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8) JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (stem) Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all California Institute of Technology federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →