NASA's $15M R&D Contract for Solar System Bodies Awarded to Caltech
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,044,671 ($15.0M)
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: $4.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OSS R&A SOLAR SYS BODIES
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $15.0 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: OSS R&A SOLAR SYS BODIES Key points: 1. Significant investment in fundamental research for space exploration. 2. Sole-source award to a leading research institution. 3. Long contract duration raises questions about initial scope and flexibility. 4. Focus on physical and engineering sciences within the space sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's cost-plus award fee structure can incentivize performance but may lead to higher costs without strict oversight. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized R&D nature.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
Awarded sole-source to Caltech, limiting price discovery and competition. This approach is often used for highly specialized research where only one entity possesses the required expertise.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity for specialized research, with the value dependent on the scientific breakthroughs achieved.
Public Impact
Advances scientific understanding of solar system bodies. Supports cutting-edge research in astrophysics and planetary science. Potential for discoveries impacting future space missions and technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type can inflate costs.
- Long duration may indicate scope creep or lack of initial clarity.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a reputable research institution.
- Focus on critical scientific R&D.
- Potential for significant scientific advancement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement and national competitiveness, often involving long-term, high-risk, high-reward projects.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to small businesses, indicating a focus on large, specialized research institutions for this particular R&D effort.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the cost-plus award fee structure is managed effectively and that research objectives are met efficiently.
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
- Cost-plus award fee contract type
- Long contract duration (9 years)
- Lack of small business participation
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 $15.0 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. OSS R&A SOLAR SYS BODIES
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 $15.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-30. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific scientific advancements or technological applications have resulted from this $15 million investment in solar system body research?
The primary value lies in advancing fundamental scientific knowledge about celestial bodies, which can inform future space missions, astrobiology research, and our understanding of planetary formation. Specific technological spin-offs are less common in pure R&D but could emerge from the methodologies or instruments developed.
Given the sole-source nature and cost-plus award fee structure, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate cost overruns and ensure research effectiveness?
While sole-source limits competition, oversight typically involves rigorous review of research progress, adherence to milestones, and justification of costs by the agency. The award fee structure incentivizes performance, but effective management requires clear performance metrics and active monitoring by NASA to control spending and ensure research goals are met.
How does this contract align with NASA's broader strategic goals for space exploration and scientific discovery?
This contract directly supports NASA's mission to explore the unknown in our solar system and beyond. Research into solar system bodies provides foundational knowledge essential for planning future crewed and robotic missions, understanding planetary evolution, and searching for signs of life.
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: $18,025,764
Exercised Options: $18,025,764
Current Obligation: $15,044,671
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: 2021-02-17
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