NASA's $13.8M R&D Contract with Caltech: A 7-Year Look at Research Spending
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,836,514 ($13.8M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-09-25
End Date: 2010-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,654 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
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $13.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D. 2. Sole-source award to a single research institution suggests specialized capabilities. 3. Potential for high value if research yields significant scientific breakthroughs. 4. Limited competition raises questions about price discovery and potential overspending.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $13.8M over 7 years is difficult to assess without specific deliverables or comparable projects. The cost-plus award fee structure can incentivize cost growth if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The sole-source nature of this award indicates NASA likely identified the California Institute of Technology as uniquely qualified for this specific research. However, this limits competitive pressure, potentially impacting price efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity, emphasizing the need for strong oversight to ensure value for money and alignment with research objectives.
Public Impact
Supports advanced scientific research with potential for long-term societal benefits. Funding directed to a prestigious academic institution, fostering innovation. Lack of competition may limit transparency in how funds are utilized. Long duration suggests a sustained commitment to a particular research area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus award fee structure
- Long contract duration without clear performance metrics
Positive Signals
- Investment in critical R&D
- Partnership with a leading research 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 can be challenging to benchmark due to the unique nature of research projects.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as it was awarded directly to the California Institute of Technology, a large research university.
Oversight & Accountability
The cost-plus award fee structure requires robust oversight from NASA to ensure that costs are reasonable and that the contractor is meeting performance objectives to earn the award fee.
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 limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus award fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed.
- Long contract duration may obscure performance and value realization.
- Lack of transparency in specific research deliverables and outcomes.
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 $13.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. See the official description on USAspending.
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 $13.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-09-25. End: 2010-12-31.
What specific research outcomes were achieved, and did they justify the $13.8M investment over seven years?
Without detailed reporting on the research conducted and its tangible results, it's impossible to definitively state if the $13.8M investment was fully justified. The value hinges on the scientific advancements, technological innovations, or critical data generated that align with NASA's mission objectives.
How did NASA ensure fair pricing and prevent cost overruns in a sole-source, cost-plus award fee contract?
NASA would typically employ rigorous cost analysis, regular audits, and detailed performance reviews to manage a cost-plus award fee contract. The 'award fee' component requires meeting specific performance targets, incentivizing efficiency, but the sole-source nature necessitates strong internal controls to validate costs.
What is the long-term strategic importance of this research area for NASA's mission?
The long-term strategic importance depends on the specific field of research. If it pertains to areas like space exploration propulsion, advanced materials, or fundamental physics relevant to space travel, it could be critical for future missions, technological superiority, and scientific understanding of the universe.
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: $13,860,300
Exercised Options: $13,860,300
Current Obligation: $13,836,514
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-09-25
Current End Date: 2010-12-31
Potential End Date: 2010-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-09-19
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