NASA's $14.7M Atmospheric CO2 Observation Contract Awarded to Caltech
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,710,549 ($14.7M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-05-14
End Date: 2012-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,052 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ATMOSPHERIC CO2 OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE SCIENCE PLAN
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $14.7 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: ATMOSPHERIC CO2 OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE SCIENCE PLAN Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical atmospheric CO2 observation research. 2. Sole-source award to Caltech raises questions about competition. 3. Potential for cost overruns given the Cost Plus Award Fee structure. 4. Spending aligns with R&D in physical sciences sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure allows for costs plus a fee that is earned based on performance. Without a competitive benchmark, assessing the value for money is difficult, but the fee structure incentivizes meeting objectives.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning NASA did not compete it. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than if multiple vendors had bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for the research and development services provided.
Public Impact
Supports vital climate change research through space-based CO2 monitoring. Caltech's expertise in space science is leveraged for this critical mission. The 5-year duration suggests a long-term commitment to atmospheric observation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure can lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical scientific need for CO2 observation.
- Leverages specialized expertise from a leading research institution.
- Long contract duration indicates sustained effort in a key area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and understanding complex phenomena like climate change.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses, and the sole-source nature of the award further limits opportunities for SMB participation in this particular contract.
Oversight & Accountability
While the contract is with a reputable institution, the sole-source nature warrants oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective execution of the research objectives. NASA's internal review processes would be key.
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
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure
- Lack of small business participation
- Potential for cost overruns
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 $14.7 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. ATMOSPHERIC CO2 OBSERVATIONS FROM SPACE SCIENCE PLAN
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 $14.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-05-14. End: 2012-03-31.
What was the justification for awarding this contract sole-source instead of competing it?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or urgent needs that only a specific entity can fulfill. For NASA's atmospheric CO2 observations, Caltech might possess proprietary technology, unique data access, or unparalleled expertise essential for the mission's success, making competition impractical or detrimental to mission goals.
How does the Cost Plus Award Fee structure compare to fixed-price contracts for similar R&D projects?
Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts are generally more flexible for R&D where scope can be uncertain, allowing costs plus a fee tied to performance. Fixed-price contracts offer more cost certainty but can stifle innovation or lead to disputes if scope changes. For complex, cutting-edge research like space science, CPAF can incentivize meeting challenging technical goals, though it carries higher cost risk for the government compared to fixed-price.
What is the long-term scientific impact of these atmospheric CO2 observations?
These observations are crucial for understanding the Earth's carbon cycle, monitoring climate change, and validating climate models. By providing precise, space-based data on atmospheric CO2 concentrations, the research contributes to global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, inform policy decisions, and predict future climate scenarios with greater accuracy.
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: $14,725,666
Exercised Options: $14,725,666
Current Obligation: $14,710,549
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-05-14
Current End Date: 2012-03-31
Potential End Date: 2012-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-09-11
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 →