NASA's $33.2M Exoplanet Exploration Contract Awarded to Caltech for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,199,925 ($33.2M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-06-25
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,193 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: EXOPLANET EXPLORATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $33.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: EXOPLANET EXPLORATION AND TECHNOLOGY Key points: 1. Contract focuses on advanced research and development in physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Sole-source award to a leading research institution suggests specialized expertise was required. 3. Contract duration of over 3 years indicates a significant, long-term research effort. 4. Cost-plus award fee structure incentivizes performance while allowing for cost flexibility. 5. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in exoplanet exploration and related technologies. 6. Geographic concentration in California for contract performance.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $33.2 million over approximately three years for specialized R&D in exoplanet exploration appears reasonable given the complexity and cutting-edge nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale, sole-source research contracts is challenging due to unique project scopes. However, the cost-plus award fee structure allows for performance-based adjustments, suggesting an effort to ensure value for money. The absence of direct price comparisons due to the sole-source nature necessitates a focus on the contractor's demonstrated capabilities and the project's scientific merit.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating that the California Institute of Technology was identified as the only responsible source capable of performing the required research and development. This approach is often taken for highly specialized scientific endeavors where a specific institution possesses unique expertise, facilities, or intellectual property. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was not a factor in this award.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards limit opportunities for other businesses to compete for federal funds, potentially reducing taxpayer value through the absence of competitive pricing pressures.
Public Impact
Benefits the scientific community through advancements in exoplanet detection and characterization. Delivers critical research and development services to NASA's scientific objectives. Primarily impacts the scientific and research sectors, with potential for broader technological spin-offs. Supports a highly skilled workforce of scientists, engineers, and researchers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential for broader economic participation.
- Cost-plus award fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
Positive Signals
- Award to a highly reputable research institution (Caltech) suggests strong technical capability.
- Focus on exoplanet exploration aligns with significant national and international scientific interest.
- Long contract duration indicates a substantial and important research program.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences, with a specialization in exoplanet exploration. The R&D sector is characterized by innovation and discovery, often involving long-term projects with uncertain outcomes but potentially high rewards. Comparable spending in this area is difficult to pinpoint due to the unique nature of space exploration R&D, but it represents a critical investment in advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities for agencies like NASA.
Small Business Impact
As a sole-source award to a large research institution, this contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. The focus on specialized R&D at a major university setting typically involves direct research personnel rather than a broad network of small business suppliers.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), likely through its scientific mission directorates and contracting officers. The cost-plus award fee structure necessitates close monitoring of performance against defined award criteria and adherence to budget. Transparency is generally maintained through NASA's public reporting of contract awards and research outcomes, although the specifics of R&D progress may be subject to scientific publication timelines and proprietary considerations.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program
- Astrophysics Research Grants
- Space Science Missions
- University Research Partnerships
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- R&D projects inherently carry scientific and technical risks.
Tags
research-and-development, exoplanet-exploration, caltech, nasa, sole-source, cost-plus-award-fee, california, science, astrophysics, delivery-order
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $33.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. EXOPLANET EXPLORATION AND TECHNOLOGY
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 $33.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-06-25. End: 2012-09-30.
What is the specific scientific objective of this contract and how does it advance exoplanet exploration?
The contract, awarded to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), focuses on Research and Development (R&D) in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, with a specific emphasis on exoplanet exploration and technology. While the provided data does not detail the precise scientific objectives, such contracts typically aim to develop new methods for detecting exoplanets, characterizing their atmospheres, understanding planetary formation, and potentially identifying habitable worlds. This work directly supports NASA's broader goals in astrophysics and planetary science, contributing to our understanding of the universe and our place within it. The R&D could involve theoretical modeling, instrument development, data analysis techniques, or laboratory experiments simulating exoplanetary conditions.
How does the 'Cost Plus Award Fee' (CPAF) contract type function in this context?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract type means that the contractor (Caltech) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred during the performance of the contract, plus a fixed fee that is earned based on achieving specific performance objectives. In this exoplanet exploration contract, NASA would define criteria related to research milestones, scientific discoveries, technological advancements, or project management. Caltech would then be evaluated against these criteria, and an award fee, determined by NASA, would be paid in addition to the base fee. This structure incentivizes the contractor to perform exceptionally well while providing flexibility for the evolving nature of R&D, though it requires robust oversight from NASA to ensure costs remain reasonable and objectives are met.
What is the significance of awarding this contract solely to the California Institute of Technology?
The sole-source award to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) signifies that NASA determined Caltech to be the only entity capable of fulfilling the unique requirements of this exoplanet exploration R&D contract. This often occurs when a specific institution possesses highly specialized expertise, proprietary technology, unique research facilities, or a critical mass of leading researchers in a niche field. Caltech is renowned for its strengths in science and engineering, particularly in areas relevant to space exploration and astrophysics. This designation suggests that the project's scope was so specialized that a competitive bidding process was deemed impractical or less effective than directly engaging Caltech's established capabilities.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus award fee contract for R&D?
Sole-source contracts carry the inherent risk of reduced price competition, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple bidders were involved. For a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract, there's a risk that costs could escalate beyond initial projections if the R&D proves more complex or time-consuming than anticipated. Furthermore, the 'award fee' component requires careful definition of performance metrics; if these are poorly defined or subjective, it could lead to disputes or fail to adequately incentivize the desired outcomes. Effective oversight by NASA is crucial to mitigate these risks, ensuring that costs are reasonable, performance is aligned with objectives, and the overall value proposition is strong.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader strategic goals in space exploration?
This contract directly supports NASA's strategic goals in space exploration by advancing fundamental scientific knowledge and developing enabling technologies. Exoplanet exploration is a key area of focus for NASA's Astrophysics Division, aiming to answer profound questions about the formation of planetary systems and the potential for life beyond Earth. By investing in R&D with leading institutions like Caltech, NASA seeks to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, improve observational capabilities, and develop the next generation of space science instruments and mission concepts. The outcomes of this research can inform future flagship missions and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the cosmos.
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: $49,581,400
Exercised Options: $49,581,400
Current Obligation: $33,199,925
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-06-25
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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