NASA's WISE Mission Phase E Contract Awarded to Caltech for $20.4M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,391,933 ($20.4M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-01-12
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 992 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY EXPLORER (WISE), PHASE E
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: WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY EXPLORER (WISE), PHASE E Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, California Institute of Technology. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. No indication of small business participation. 4. Potential for cost overruns given the Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $20.4M for a 992-day period appears reasonable for a complex scientific mission. However, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure introduces uncertainty in the final cost.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to the California Institute of Technology. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure on cost efficiency.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.
Public Impact
Supports ongoing scientific research and data analysis from the WISE space telescope. Contributes to advancements in astrophysics and our understanding of the universe. Potential for new scientific discoveries and publications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure can lead to higher costs.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research.
- Awarded to a reputable research institution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the R&D sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. This represents a missed opportunity for small business engagement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is provided by NASA. The Cost Plus Award Fee contract type requires careful monitoring of performance and costs to ensure value for money.
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
- No small business participation
- Potential for cost creep
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. WIDE-FIELD INFRARED SURVEY EXPLORER (WISE), 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 $20.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-01-12. End: 2012-09-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award to Caltech for the WISE mission's Phase E?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, prior experience, or the need for continuity with an ongoing project. For the WISE mission, Caltech's established role and expertise in operating the telescope and processing its data likely formed the basis for this award, ensuring seamless continuation of scientific operations and analysis.
What are the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract type for this scientific mission?
The primary risks with CPAF are potential cost overruns and reduced incentive for strict cost control. While the award fee component aims to incentivize performance, the contractor is still reimbursed for allowable costs. NASA must diligently monitor expenditures and performance metrics to ensure the award fee is justified and that costs remain within reasonable bounds for the scientific objectives.
How does the lack of competition impact the overall effectiveness and value for taxpayer money in this contract?
The lack of competition inherently reduces the potential for achieving the best possible price and value. While Caltech may be the most qualified entity, without a competitive bidding process, there's less assurance that the negotiated price reflects the lowest achievable cost for the required services. This could mean taxpayers are paying a premium for the research and development activities.
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: 1
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: $21,430,958
Exercised Options: $21,430,958
Current Obligation: $20,391,933
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-01-12
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-18
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