NASA's $13.7M JPL contract to Caltech for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences awarded via sole-source
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,680,832 ($13.7M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-02-21
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,413 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MAP
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $13.7 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: MAP Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive price discovery. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a broad category with significant government investment. 3. The contract duration of over 2000 days suggests a long-term commitment to the research area. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can incentivize performance but may lead to higher costs. 5. The geographic location of the contractor in California is noted. 6. The contract was awarded by NASA, a primary agency for scientific research and development.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging due to its specific R&D nature and sole-source award. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if the pricing reflects market rates or represents optimal value for money. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance incentives, but also carries the risk of cost overruns if not managed tightly. Comparing it to similar sole-source R&D 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 there was no open competition. This typically occurs when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when the agency determines that competition is not feasible or not in the government's best interest. The lack of competition means that taxpayers did not benefit from potential cost savings that could arise from a bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit the government's ability to leverage competition to secure the best possible prices, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the California Institute of Technology, which receives funding for its research activities. The contract supports research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, potentially leading to scientific advancements and technological innovation. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, where the contractor is located. The contract may have implications for the scientific workforce, supporting researchers and technical staff.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
- Cost Plus Award Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed effectively.
- Long contract duration increases the risk of scope creep or evolving research needs not being optimally met.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution (Caltech) suggests a focus on quality research.
- NASA's involvement indicates a commitment to significant scientific and technological advancement.
- The contract supports critical R&D in vital scientific fields.
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-term investment, and often involves specialized knowledge and facilities. Government spending in R&D is crucial for driving technological progress and maintaining national competitiveness. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale R&D contracts awarded by agencies like NASA, NSF, or DOD to research institutions.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The award to a large research institution like Caltech typically means the primary work is performed in-house or through collaborations with other large entities. This contract's structure is unlikely to directly benefit the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's program management and contracting officers. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure implies performance metrics that would be monitored to determine award fees. Transparency would depend on NASA's public reporting practices for R&D contracts. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Operations
- Research and Development in Physical Sciences
- Research and Development in Engineering Sciences
- Research and Development in Life Sciences
- Federal Funding for Scientific Research
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award may limit price competition.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires diligent performance monitoring.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope drift or obsolescence.
Tags
nasa, caltech, jet-propulsion-laboratory, research-and-development, physical-sciences, engineering-sciences, life-sciences, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee, california, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $13.7 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. MAP
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 $13.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-02-21. End: 2012-09-30.
What is the historical spending pattern for NASA's R&D contracts with the California Institute of Technology?
Analyzing NASA's historical spending with Caltech requires accessing detailed contract databases. However, it is generally known that Caltech, through its management of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), is a long-standing and significant recipient of NASA funding for space exploration and related research. Past awards have likely encompassed a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, often involving large, multi-year commitments. The total dollar value and frequency of these awards would indicate a strong, ongoing partnership. Without specific data for this particular contract's predecessors, a precise historical spending pattern cannot be detailed, but the relationship is established and substantial.
How does the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure typically impact contractor performance and cost for R&D contracts?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract type is designed to incentivize contractor performance by allowing for a base cost reimbursement plus an award fee determined by the government based on performance against pre-defined criteria. For R&D contracts, this can be effective in encouraging innovation and meeting challenging technical objectives. However, it also introduces complexity in performance evaluation and can lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as the government aims to reward exceptional outcomes. Effective administration requires clear metrics and rigorous oversight to ensure the award fees are justified and that costs remain controlled.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source R&D contract of this magnitude and duration?
Sole-source R&D contracts of significant value and long duration carry several risks. Firstly, the lack of competition means the government may not achieve the most cost-effective pricing. Secondly, the extended timeline increases the risk of technological obsolescence or shifts in research priorities that may not be adequately addressed by the original scope. There's also a risk of 'contractor lock-in,' where the agency becomes overly reliant on a single provider, potentially stifling innovation from other sources. Finally, without competitive benchmarking, assessing the true value for money and ensuring efficient use of funds requires robust internal oversight and performance management.
What specific scientific or technological advancements are expected from this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' awarded to the California Institute of Technology. While the specific advancements are not detailed in the summary data, this broad categorization suggests potential contributions to fields such as astrophysics, planetary science, materials science, robotics, biotechnology, or fundamental physics. Given Caltech's role in managing JPL, advancements could relate to space exploration technologies, deep space missions, or understanding planetary environments. The exact outcomes would be defined by the detailed statement of work within the contract, which is not publicly available in this summary.
How does NASA ensure accountability and oversight for sole-source R&D contracts awarded to institutions like Caltech?
NASA employs a multi-layered approach to ensure accountability and oversight for sole-source R&D contracts. This includes the appointment of dedicated Contracting Officers and Technical Representatives responsible for monitoring contract performance against the Statement of Work (SOW). For CPAF contracts, performance metrics are established, and regular reviews are conducted to determine award fees, ensuring alignment with program objectives. Financial oversight involves audits and reviews to ensure proper use of funds. Furthermore, NASA's Office of Inspector General provides an independent layer of oversight to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, ensuring that taxpayer funds are used effectively and ethically.
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: $16,169,233
Exercised Options: $16,169,233
Current Obligation: $13,680,832
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-02-21
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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 →