NASA's $17.1M Extragalactic Database contract awarded to Caltech for R&D in physical sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,165,735 ($17.2M)
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: $5.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NASA EXTRAGALACTIC DB
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $17.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: NASA EXTRAGALACTIC DB Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competitive pricing. 2. Long contract duration of nearly 9 years suggests a sustained need for the service. 3. Research and Development focus indicates investment in scientific advancement. 4. The contract's value is moderate within the context of large federal R&D investments. 5. Geographic concentration in California for this federal award. 6. The contract type (Cost Plus Award Fee) allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
This contract's value of $17.1 million over its duration is difficult to benchmark without comparable contracts for similar extragalactic database services. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure means the final cost could vary based on performance, making a direct price comparison challenging. However, the lack of competition suggests potential for higher costs than if multiple bids were considered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, the California Institute of Technology, was considered. This approach is typically used when a unique capability or specialized knowledge is required, or in cases of urgent need. The absence of a competitive bidding process limits the opportunity for price discovery and potentially reduces the incentive for cost efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means there was no opportunity to benefit from competitive pressures that could have driven down the price. The government relies on negotiation and oversight to ensure fair pricing in such instances.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which gains access to critical data for its astronomical research. The contract supports the development and maintenance of the Extragalactic Database, a key resource for scientific inquiry. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, where the contractor is located. This contract likely supports specialized research personnel and technical staff within the scientific community.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
- Sole-source award raises questions about the availability of alternative providers or potential for innovation through competition.
- Long contract duration could indicate a lack of market dynamism or difficulty in finding alternative solutions.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution (Caltech) suggests a high likelihood of technical success.
- The contract supports a specific scientific endeavor (Extragalactic Database) which is a clear objective.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure incentivizes performance, potentially leading to better outcomes if managed well.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and astronomy. The market for specialized scientific databases and research services is often niche, with a limited number of highly qualified institutions capable of undertaking such work. Federal spending in this area supports scientific advancement and technological innovation, often through grants and contracts with universities and research organizations.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the specialized nature of scientific research and database management, it is unlikely that small businesses would be the primary contractors for such a project, though they may participate as subcontractors if applicable.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's contracting and program management offices. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates robust performance monitoring and evaluation to ensure the contractor meets objectives and justifies the award fees. Transparency would depend on NASA's reporting practices regarding contract performance and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Scientific Data Management Services
- Astronomy Research Support
- Federal Research Grants
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires strong oversight
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, california, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee, scientific-research, database-management, physical-sciences, caltech, extragalactic-db
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $17.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. NASA EXTRAGALACTIC DB
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 $17.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-30. End: 2012-09-30.
What is the track record of the California Institute of Technology in managing large federal research contracts?
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a world-renowned research university with a long history of successfully managing complex federal research grants and contracts, particularly those funded by agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation. Their track record typically involves significant contributions to scientific discovery and technological innovation. While specific performance metrics for this particular contract are not detailed here, Caltech's general reputation suggests a strong capability in scientific research execution and project management. Their extensive experience in astrophysics and related fields positions them well to manage projects like the Extragalactic Database.
How does the $17.1 million value compare to similar federal contracts for scientific databases?
Benchmarking the $17.1 million value of this contract is challenging without direct comparisons to identical services. However, within the broader category of federal R&D contracts, especially those supporting large-scale scientific data initiatives, this amount is considered moderate. Large physics experiments, space missions, or advanced computing infrastructure projects can easily run into hundreds of millions or billions of dollars. Contracts for specialized database development and maintenance, particularly for niche scientific fields like extragalactic astronomy, often involve smaller, more focused investments. The value here reflects the specific scope and duration of the Extragalactic Database project.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source contract of this nature?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source contract like this include potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competitive bidding, reduced incentive for innovation from the contractor, and a lack of market validation for the chosen solution. Without competition, there's a risk that the government may not be getting the best possible price or the most efficient service. Furthermore, if the contractor faces unforeseen technical challenges or cost overruns, the government has limited leverage compared to a competitive scenario. The reliance on a single entity also introduces a risk if that entity experiences significant operational issues or decides to discontinue the service.
How effective is the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract type in ensuring program effectiveness for R&D?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract type is designed to provide flexibility for R&D projects where the scope may evolve and outcomes are not entirely predictable. It allows the contractor to incur costs deemed reasonable and necessary, plus a fee that is composed of a base amount and an award amount. The award amount is determined by the government based on the contractor's performance against pre-defined criteria. This structure can be effective in incentivizing high performance and achieving specific objectives, as the contractor is motivated to exceed expectations to earn the full award fee. However, it requires rigorous government oversight and well-defined performance metrics to prevent cost overruns and ensure value.
What are the historical spending patterns for NASA's Extragalactic Database or similar initiatives?
Historical spending patterns for NASA's Extragalactic Database or similar astronomical data initiatives are not readily available in this dataset. However, federal agencies like NASA typically fund such projects through multi-year R&D contracts or grants awarded to research institutions. Spending can fluctuate based on scientific priorities, budget allocations, and the lifecycle of specific research programs. Long-term projects involving large datasets often see consistent, albeit potentially variable, funding over many years to ensure data continuity and ongoing analysis. The $17.1 million awarded here over nearly 9 years suggests a sustained, moderate level of investment for this specific database.
What are the implications of awarding this contract to Caltech in California for the broader scientific community?
Awarding this contract to Caltech in California has several implications for the broader scientific community. Firstly, it reinforces Caltech's position as a leading institution in astronomical research and data management, potentially attracting top talent to work on the project. Secondly, it ensures the continued development and accessibility of the Extragalactic Database, a valuable resource for researchers worldwide, facilitating collaboration and new discoveries. Thirdly, it represents a significant federal investment in a specific area of scientific inquiry, potentially influencing research directions and priorities. While the direct benefits are concentrated, the data and insights generated are intended for global scientific dissemination.
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: $17,564,199
Exercised Options: $17,564,199
Current Obligation: $17,165,735
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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