NASA's NuSTAR Project awards $20.4M to Caltech for R&D, facing limited competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,356,206 ($20.4M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2008-03-17
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,658 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: NUSTAR PROJECT - GSFC
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $20.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: NUSTAR PROJECT - GSFC Key points: 1. Significant R&D investment in physical sciences. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about price discovery. 3. Long contract duration (1658 days) may indicate complex project. 4. Potential for cost overruns given Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award of $20.4M over 1658 days for R&D is difficult to benchmark without more detailed cost breakdowns. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure can incentivize performance but also lead to higher costs if not managed tightly.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher price than if multiple vendors had competed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for this R&D project. The lack of competition suggests a potential for reduced value for money.
Public Impact
Supports advanced scientific research in astrophysics. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in space science. Contract awarded to a single, non-profit research institution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Supports critical R&D mission
- Awarded to reputable institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Federal spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but requires careful oversight due to the inherent uncertainties in R&D.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to the California Institute of Technology, a large research institution, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger award, suggesting some level of prior oversight. However, the sole-source nature of this specific order warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and effective use of funds.
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 Award Fee structure can lead to higher costs.
- Long contract duration increases risk of cost escalation.
- 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 $20.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. NUSTAR PROJECT - GSFC
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 $20.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-03-17. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific research objectives does the NuSTAR project aim to achieve, and how does the $20.4M funding align with these goals?
The NuSTAR project, funded by NASA, aims to conduct high-energy X-ray astronomy observations to study the most energetic and explosive phenomena in the universe, such as black holes and supernovae. The $20.4M award to Caltech likely covers instrument development, data analysis, and operational costs over its projected lifespan, supporting these ambitious scientific objectives.
Given the sole-source nature of this award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure cost reasonableness and prevent potential overruns?
While sole-source awards limit competitive pressure, NASA likely employs robust cost analysis and negotiation techniques. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure itself includes performance incentives, but oversight is critical to ensure the 'award fee' portion is justified and that the base cost remains reasonable throughout the contract's duration.
How will the effectiveness of the NuSTAR project's research be measured, and what are the key performance indicators for this contract?
Effectiveness will likely be measured by scientific output, such as peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and the successful acquisition and analysis of high-quality data. Key performance indicators for the contract would include meeting technical milestones, adhering to budget constraints, and achieving scientific objectives as defined in the contract's statement of work.
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: $21,085,058
Exercised Options: $21,085,058
Current Obligation: $20,356,206
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-03-17
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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