NASA's $21.6M contract for DIVIN LUN RADIO development awarded to California Institute of Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,586,725 ($21.6M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2005-04-05
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,735 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEV OF DIVIN LUN RADIO
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $21.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: DEV OF DIVIN LUN RADIO Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a cost-plus-award-fee basis, allowing for flexibility but requiring close oversight. 2. The contract duration of 2735 days (over 7 years) suggests a long-term, complex research and development effort. 3. Awarded to a single entity, raising questions about the extent of competition and potential for price optimization. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 indicates a focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research. 5. The contract was issued as a delivery order, implying it may be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle or a previously established agreement. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests the primary contractor is not a small business, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly mandated. 7. The contract's geographic location in California (st: CA) may indicate a concentration of specialized research facilities or talent in that region.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Assessing the value for money on this cost-plus-award-fee contract is challenging without detailed performance metrics and cost breakdowns. The extended duration and the nature of R&D make direct comparisons difficult. However, the significant total award amount suggests a substantial investment in the development of the DIVIN LUN RADIO. Benchmarking this against similar advanced radio development contracts would be necessary for a more precise value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is often used when a specific entity possesses unique capabilities, intellectual property, or a prior relationship essential for the project's success. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was limited, and the government relied on negotiation and oversight to ensure a fair price.
Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means the absence of competitive pressure that could drive down costs. While justified in cases of unique expertise, it necessitates robust government negotiation and monitoring to prevent overspending.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is NASA, which gains access to potentially advanced radio technology for its missions. The services delivered involve research and development, specifically focused on the 'DIVIN LUN RADIO'. The geographic impact is primarily in California, where the contractor, California Institute of Technology, is located. Workforce implications include specialized scientific and engineering roles at the contractor's facility.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs than a competed contract.
- Cost-plus-award-fee structure requires diligent oversight to manage costs and ensure performance.
- Long contract duration increases the risk of cost overruns or scope creep without strict management.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution (Caltech) suggests high technical capability.
- Focus on R&D indicates investment in potentially groundbreaking technology.
- Delivery order structure might imply efficient procurement if part of a larger framework.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering. The market for specialized radio technology development is often niche, driven by specific government or commercial needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely involve other government contracts for advanced communication systems or scientific instrumentation development, often awarded to universities or specialized research firms.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the specialized R&D capabilities of the California Institute of Technology. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses, which could limit opportunities for smaller firms to participate in this specific contract's execution.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this cost-plus-award-fee contract would primarily fall under NASA's contracting officer and technical representatives. They are responsible for monitoring costs, ensuring adherence to the statement of work, and evaluating performance to determine award fees. Transparency is dependent on NASA's reporting practices and any public disclosures related to the DIVIN LUN RADIO project. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Advanced Communications Technology Development
- Space Exploration Technology Procurement
- University Research Partnerships
- Physical Sciences Research Grants
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus-award-fee requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation.
- Lack of explicit small business subcontracting requirements.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, large-contract, cost-plus-award-fee, delivery-order, physical-sciences, engineering, radio-technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $21.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. DEV OF DIVIN LUN RADIO
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 $21.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-04-05. End: 2012-09-30.
What is the specific technological objective of the 'DIVIN LUN RADIO' and its intended application within NASA's missions?
The provided data does not specify the exact technological objective or intended application of the 'DIVIN LUN RADIO'. However, given the contractor is the California Institute of Technology and the NAICS code is for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, it is highly probable that this radio technology is intended for advanced scientific research, communication, or data transmission purposes, potentially related to space exploration, deep space communication, or specialized scientific instrumentation. Further details would require access to the contract's statement of work or related project documentation.
How does the $21.6 million total award amount compare to typical R&D contracts for similar advanced radio technologies?
Without specific details on the 'DIVIN LUN RADIO's' complexity and novelty, a direct comparison is difficult. However, $21.6 million over a period of approximately 7.5 years (2735 days) represents a significant investment in research and development. Contracts for advanced, specialized R&D, particularly those involving unique scientific challenges or cutting-edge technology, can range widely. For highly specialized projects awarded to leading research institutions like Caltech, this figure could be within a reasonable range, especially if it covers extensive personnel, equipment, and testing. However, a definitive assessment would require benchmarking against contracts for comparable technological advancements in radio frequency engineering or related scientific fields.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to determine award fees under this Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract?
The specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for R&D contracts, KPIs would relate to achieving specific technical milestones, demonstrating successful prototype development, meeting performance specifications (e.g., signal strength, bandwidth, power efficiency), adhering to project timelines, and managing costs effectively. The 'award fee' component suggests that NASA has defined criteria for exceptional performance, and the contractor earns additional fee based on meeting or exceeding these predefined objectives, as assessed by the government.
What is the track record of the California Institute of Technology as a government contractor, particularly with NASA?
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has a long and distinguished history of receiving significant federal funding, particularly from NASA, for scientific research and development. As a premier research institution, Caltech frequently partners with government agencies on complex scientific and engineering projects. While specific contract performance details are proprietary, Caltech's consistent ability to secure substantial research grants and contracts from agencies like NASA indicates a strong track record of technical expertise, research capability, and successful project execution in areas relevant to space science and technology.
Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the contractor remains accountable for cost and performance?
For sole-source CPAF contracts, accountability is primarily managed through rigorous government oversight. NASA's contracting officer and technical team are responsible for closely monitoring the contractor's expenditures against the estimated cost and evaluating progress against the defined technical objectives and milestones. The 'award fee' structure itself incentivizes performance, as the contractor only receives the maximum potential fee if they meet or exceed performance expectations. Regular progress reviews, audits, and clear communication channels are essential to ensure the contractor remains accountable for both cost control and the successful delivery of research outcomes.
What is the historical spending pattern for similar radio development projects by NASA or other agencies?
Historical spending on similar radio development projects by NASA and other agencies can vary significantly based on the technology's complexity, intended application (e.g., deep space communication, satellite payloads, terrestrial research), and the duration of the development effort. Projects involving cutting-edge research, advanced materials, or highly specialized components tend to command higher budgets. Contracts awarded to leading research institutions often reflect the high cost of specialized expertise and facilities. Without more specific details on the 'DIVIN LUN RADIO,' it's difficult to pinpoint exact historical spending patterns, but NASA has historically invested millions, and sometimes tens or hundreds of millions, in developing advanced communication and sensor technologies for its missions.
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: $22,617,403
Exercised Options: $22,617,403
Current Obligation: $21,586,725
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-04-05
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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