NASA's $31.2M PLANCK Contract Awarded to Caltech for Research and Development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,211,701 ($31.2M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2008-08-25
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,497 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PLANCK - PHASE E
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $31.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: PLANCK - PHASE E Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competition. 2. Significant funding allocated to R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Cost-plus award fee contract type may incentivize cost overruns. 4. Long duration of 1497 days suggests a complex, multi-year project.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts is difficult without more specific details on the scope of work.
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 potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher overall cost to taxpayers compared to a competitively bid contract.
Public Impact
Funding for advanced scientific research. Potential for technological advancements stemming from the R&D. Impact on the scientific community and future research endeavors.
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 in physical, engineering, and life sciences
- Awarded to a reputable institution (Caltech)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be prone to cost overruns due to the inherent uncertainties in research.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for cost-plus award fee contracts to ensure performance and prevent unnecessary spending. The duration of the contract necessitates consistent monitoring by NASA.
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 and price discovery.
- Cost-plus award fee structure can lead to higher costs.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
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 $31.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. PLANCK - 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 $31.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-08-25. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific research objectives does the PLANCK - PHASE E contract aim to achieve, and how do these align with NASA's strategic goals?
The PLANCK - PHASE E contract, awarded to Caltech, likely supports advanced research in areas relevant to NASA's mission, potentially in astrophysics, space science, or related engineering disciplines. Specific objectives would detail the scientific questions being addressed or technological capabilities being developed, directly contributing to NASA's long-term exploration and scientific discovery objectives.
Given the sole-source nature, what measures were taken to ensure the cost-plus award fee structure incentivized efficient and effective research outcomes?
To ensure efficiency with a sole-source, cost-plus award fee contract, NASA would typically establish clear performance metrics and award fee criteria tied to specific research milestones and deliverables. Robust oversight and regular reviews are essential to monitor progress, control costs, and ensure the contractor is meeting objectives effectively, justifying the fee awarded.
How will the outcomes of this R&D contract be evaluated for their broader impact and potential for future technological application or scientific advancement?
The evaluation of outcomes would involve rigorous scientific peer review, assessment of published research, and analysis of any developed technologies or methodologies. NASA would likely track the contract's contribution to its strategic goals and assess its potential for spin-off applications in other fields or for future space missions, ensuring taxpayer investment yields significant scientific and technological returns.
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: $34,507,064
Exercised Options: $34,507,064
Current Obligation: $31,211,701
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-08-25
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-18
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