NASA's $35M Rosetta Project contract to Caltech for R&D shows long-term investment in physical sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,109,540 ($35.1M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2004-07-29
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,985 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: US ROSETTA PROJ, PHASE E
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $35.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: US ROSETTA PROJ, PHASE E Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, indicating a focus on foundational scientific advancement. 2. The contract duration of nearly 8 years suggests a significant, long-term commitment to the project's objectives. 3. Sole-source award raises questions about potential missed opportunities for competitive pricing and broader contractor engagement. 4. The project's location in California aligns with established hubs for aerospace and scientific research. 5. A Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract type suggests performance incentives were tied to achieving specific project milestones. 6. The relatively high number of delivery orders (51) may indicate a complex project with evolving requirements or phased execution.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific R&D contract is challenging due to its specialized nature and sole-source award. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure implies that the final cost was influenced by performance, making direct price comparisons difficult without detailed performance data. However, the total award amount of over $35 million over nearly eight years suggests a substantial investment in scientific research, which, if successful, could yield significant long-term benefits.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning NASA did not conduct a competitive bidding process. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when circumstances necessitate a direct award. While it can expedite project initiation, it limits the potential for price discovery through competition and may result in higher costs compared to a fully competed contract.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government does not benefit from the price reductions typically achieved through competitive bidding.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely NASA and the scientific community, through advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. The contract supports research and development activities, contributing to scientific knowledge and potentially leading to technological innovations. The project's geographic impact is centered in California, potentially benefiting the local research and technology ecosystem. While not directly tied to a large workforce, the contract supports specialized scientific and research personnel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pressure, potentially impacting cost-effectiveness.
- Cost Plus Award Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential scope creep or changing research priorities.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable institution (Caltech) suggests a high likelihood of technical expertise.
- Focus on R&D indicates investment in potentially groundbreaking scientific advancements.
- Long-term nature of the contract allows for sustained focus on complex research objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This sector is characterized by innovation, long project timelines, and often involves specialized institutions like universities and research centers. NASA's R&D spending is crucial for maintaining technological leadership and exploring new frontiers in space exploration and related scientific fields. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish for highly specialized R&D projects, but the scale of this award indicates a significant investment in a particular research area.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions, as indicated by 'sb': false. Given the sole-source nature and the nature of the work (advanced R&D), it is less likely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would be a primary focus or requirement unless explicitly mandated. The primary contractor, Caltech, is a large research institution, and the focus is on specialized research rather than broad service delivery where small business subcontracting is more common.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's contracting and program management offices. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure implies performance metrics and milestones that would be monitored to determine award fees. Transparency might be limited due to the sole-source nature and the proprietary aspects often associated with R&D. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to ensure the proper use of funds and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Federal Grants for Scientific Research
- Aerospace Research and Development
- Physical Sciences Research Funding
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit cost-effectiveness.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
- CPAF structure requires careful performance monitoring.
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, california, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee, physical-sciences, engineering, life-sciences, long-term-contract, delivery-order
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $35.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. US ROSETTA PROJ, PHASE E
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 $35.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-07-29. End: 2012-09-30.
What was the specific scientific objective of the US Rosetta Project, Phase E, awarded to Caltech?
The provided data does not detail the specific scientific objectives of the 'US ROSETTA PROJ, PHASE E'. However, given the contract's classification under NAICS code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and the awarding agency (NASA), it is highly probable that the project aimed to advance fundamental knowledge in areas relevant to space exploration, astrophysics, planetary science, or related engineering disciplines. Phase E typically denotes the later stages of a project, suggesting this work might have involved data analysis, final experimentation, or dissemination of findings from earlier phases of the Rosetta initiative.
How does the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure typically function in R&D contracts like this one?
A Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract is a type of cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a fee. The fee consists of a fixed base amount and an award amount that is determined based on the contractor's performance against pre-defined criteria. For this NASA contract with Caltech, the award fee would likely have been tied to achieving specific research milestones, technical objectives, or quality standards within the physical, engineering, and life sciences domain. NASA's contracting officers would evaluate performance against these criteria to determine the extent of the award fee, incentivizing Caltech to exceed minimum performance expectations.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source R&D contract of this duration?
Sole-source R&D contracts, especially those spanning nearly eight years like the US Rosetta Project, carry several risks. Firstly, the lack of competition can lead to higher costs for the government, as there is no market pressure to drive down prices. Secondly, without competitive benchmarking, it can be difficult to ascertain if the contractor is delivering optimal value for money. Thirdly, the long duration increases the risk of scope creep, where project objectives may expand beyond the original intent, leading to cost overruns. Finally, reliance on a single contractor might limit access to potentially innovative approaches or technologies that other firms could offer if the contract were competed.
Can the performance of Caltech on this contract be benchmarked against other NASA R&D awards?
Benchmarking Caltech's performance on this specific contract against other NASA R&D awards is challenging without access to detailed performance evaluations and award fee determinations. The 'US ROSETTA PROJ, PHASE E' was a sole-source award, making direct comparisons to competed contracts less meaningful in terms of pricing. While Caltech is a highly reputable research institution, the success and value derived from this particular R&D effort would depend on the specific scientific outcomes achieved, which are not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive benchmark would require analyzing similar sole-source R&D contracts or comparing the project's scientific output against its cost over its lifespan.
What does the number of delivery orders (51) suggest about the execution of this contract?
The issuance of 51 delivery orders under this contract suggests a highly phased or modular approach to executing the research and development work. This could indicate that the project was broken down into numerous smaller tasks or work packages, each requiring a separate order. Such a structure might be used to manage evolving research requirements, allow for flexibility in funding allocation, or facilitate the integration of findings from different sub-tasks. It could also imply a complex project management structure where specific deliverables or research phases were formally initiated through these orders over the contract's nearly eight-year duration.
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: $37,891,355
Exercised Options: $37,891,355
Current Obligation: $35,109,540
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-07-29
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-18
More Contracts from California Institute of Technology
- Europa Clipper Project the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Nasa and the California Institute of Technology-Contractor, a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center-Ffrdc Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office-Nmo Contracting Officers. Nasa-Sponsored Work: Jpls Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate-Smd in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1. Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2. Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3. Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4. Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5. Perform Project Tasks Involving: I-Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, Ii-Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And-Or Iii-Ground-Based Systems. 6. Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7. JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasas Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8. JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics-Stem Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $2.9B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mars Science Laboratory — $1.7B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mars Sample Return (MSR) Program - Phase a 40-108270 — $1.6B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Deep Space Network (DSN) the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (nasa) and the California Institute of Technology (contractor), a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center (ffrdc) Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers. Nasa - Sponsored Work: Jpl's Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1) Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2) Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3) Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4) Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5) Perform Project Tasks Involving: (I) Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, (II) Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And/Or (III) Ground-Based Systems. 6) Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7) JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasa S Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8) JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (stem) Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- 2020 Mars Science Rover Project - Phase a the Contract IS the Sponsoring Agreement Between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (nasa) and the California Institute of Technology (contractor), a Private Nonprofit Educational Institution, Which Establishes the Relationship for the Operation of the Federally Funded Research and Development Center (ffrdc) Known AS the JET Propulsion Laboratory. the Contractor, JPL, IS Required to Perform Work That IS Designated in Task Orders Issued by the Nasa Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers. Nasa - Sponsored Work: Jpl's Primary Mission IS to Support the Nasa Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in Carrying OUT the Specific Objectives Identified in the SMD Science Plan. the Four Broad Scientific Areas ARE: Earth Science, Planetary Science, Heliophysics, and Astrophysics. in Performance of This Contract, JPL Shall: 1) Supply a Broad Base of Scientific and Technical Capabilities Relevant to Nasa Program and Project Responsibilities and Assignments. 2) Foster ITS Unique Relationship With a Top-Tier University to Facilitate the Involvement of Scientists, Engineers, and Students From the University and Research Communities in Nasa Mission and in Supporting Other Government Agencies. 3) Support Nasa in Enabling Program and Institutional Capabilities. 4) Develop Spacecraft and Instruments That ARE Sent to Various Destinations With OUR Solar System, Including Earth Orbit, Planets, Planetary Satellites, Asteroids, and Comets. These Missions MAY BE Orbiters, Landers, or Rovers, and Typically Include Cutting-Edge Technologies Required to Meet Scientific Requirements. 5) Perform Project Tasks Involving: (I) Autonomous Deep-Space, Inner-Space and Earth-Orbiting Spacecraft or Major Subsystems, (II) Experiments, Instruments, or Other Devices Which MAY BE Carried AS Payload on Spacecrafts in Missions Managed by Others, And/Or (III) Ground-Based Systems. 6) Beyond ITS Primary Mission, JPL MAY Perform Work for Other Nasa Mission Directorates or Offices. 7) JPL IS Also Responsible for the Operation, Research, Technology Insertion, and Management of Nasa S Deep Space Network to Provide Telecommunication and Operation Services, Including Data Acquisition and Data Delivery Required to Meet Established Agency Objectives. 8) JPL IS Also Required to Maintain and Conduct an Education Program in Close Coordination With the Nasa Headquarters Education Office, the Academic Community AT Large, and in Support to Nasa Strategic Objectives to Improve Student Retention in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (stem) Disciplines. Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors: JPL MAY Perform Work for Non-Nasa Sponsors. This Work Will BE Designated in Task Orders Issued by NMO Contracting Officers Based on Task Plans Initiated by the Contractor — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all California Institute of Technology federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →