NASA's $20.2M R&D Contract with Caltech for Planet Instrument Saw No Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,237,401 ($20.2M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-30
End Date: 2011-03-27
Contract Duration: 2,735 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OSS R&A PLANET INSTRUMNT
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $20.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: OSS R&A PLANET INSTRUMNT Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in planetary instruments. 2. Sole-source award to a single academic institution. 3. Long contract duration (2003-2011) with potential for cost overruns. 4. High value for a non-competed contract in the R&D sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee structure can incentivize performance but also lead to higher costs without strong oversight. The lack of competition makes it difficult to benchmark pricing effectively against similar R&D efforts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitive bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: Without competition, taxpayers may have paid a premium for the research and development services provided.
Public Impact
Research focused on planetary instruments, potentially advancing space exploration capabilities. Long-term funding for a single entity may limit broader scientific engagement. The lack of competition raises questions about the government's ability to secure the best value for taxpayer dollars.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long duration
- Sole-source award
Positive Signals
- Specific R&D focus
- Awarded to a reputable institution
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 innovation but requires careful oversight to ensure value, especially in sole-source awards.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the California Institute of Technology, a large research institution. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this sole-source award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny regarding the justification for not competing. Oversight would be critical to manage costs and ensure deliverables met NASA's objectives throughout the contract's long lifespan.
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 lacks competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Limited transparency on justification for non-competition.
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 $20.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. OSS R&A PLANET INSTRUMNT
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 $20.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-30. End: 2011-03-27.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?
The provided data does not include the specific justification for the sole-source award. Typically, agencies must demonstrate that only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess if competition was truly impossible or if it was simply not pursued, potentially impacting value for money.
How did the Cost Plus Award Fee structure impact the final cost and performance outcomes compared to a fixed-price contract?
Cost Plus Award Fee contracts allow for reimbursement of costs plus an additional fee based on performance. While intended to incentivize meeting objectives, they can lead to higher final costs than fixed-price contracts if not tightly managed. The long duration and lack of competition here suggest potential for cost growth without clear performance benchmarks.
What were the key deliverables and outcomes of this R&D contract, and how did they contribute to NASA's mission objectives?
The contract focused on 'OSS R&A PLANET INSTRUMNT,' suggesting research and development related to instruments for observing or interacting with planets. The specific outcomes and their contribution to NASA's broader mission, such as planetary science or exploration, are not detailed in the provided data, making it hard to assess the ultimate effectiveness.
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: $20,239,482
Exercised Options: $20,239,482
Current Obligation: $20,237,401
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-30
Current End Date: 2011-03-27
Potential End Date: 2011-03-27 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-08-13
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