NASA's $15.8M JPL Earth Explorer Contract Awarded to Caltech, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,841,223 ($15.8M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2004-03-15
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,121 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: JPL EARTH EXPLORER MSN
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $15.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: JPL EARTH EXPLORER MSN Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $15.8 million for Earth exploration research. 2. Sole-source award to California Institute of Technology raises competition concerns. 3. Long contract duration (2004-2012) suggests a substantial, ongoing project. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $15.8 million represents fair value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to California Institute of Technology. This lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may have resulted in higher costs than if the contract had been competitively bid.
Public Impact
Advancement of Earth science research through the JPL Earth Explorer program. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Investment in scientific exploration and understanding of our planet.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Supports critical Earth science research
- Awarded to a reputable institution (Caltech)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement but requires careful oversight due to its often complex and long-term nature.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the awardee is a large research institution. Therefore, small businesses likely had no direct role in this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded as a sole-source delivery order, suggesting limited initial oversight on competition. Ongoing oversight would be critical to manage costs and ensure performance under the Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
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 competition
- Cost-plus contract type can inflate costs
- Long contract duration may indicate potential for cost creep
- 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 $15.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. JPL EARTH EXPLORER MSN
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 $15.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-03-15. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific scientific advancements or discoveries resulted from this $15.8 million contract?
The contract supported the JPL Earth Explorer program, which aims to advance Earth science research. While specific discoveries are not detailed in the provided data, such programs typically contribute to a deeper understanding of Earth's systems, climate change, natural hazards, and resource management through data collection, analysis, and modeling.
What were the justifications for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one responsible source is available or capable of meeting the agency's needs. For a specialized research program like the JPL Earth Explorer, the justification might have been the unique expertise, facilities, or prior work of the California Institute of Technology, making them the only viable option.
How effectively was the Cost Plus Award Fee structure managed to ensure taxpayer value?
Effective management of a Cost Plus Award Fee contract requires robust oversight of costs incurred and clear, measurable performance metrics for award fees. Without detailed performance reports or cost audits, it's difficult to assess the effectiveness of this management. The long duration and lack of competition necessitate strong agency oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure mission objectives are met efficiently.
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: $19,444,420
Exercised Options: $19,444,420
Current Obligation: $15,841,223
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-03-15
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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