NASA's Cassini Program Office at JPL awarded $99.7M to Caltech for R&D, facing limited competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $99,665,561 ($99.7M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-08-06
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 786 days
Daily Burn Rate: $126.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CASSINI PROGRAM OFFICE AT JPL
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $99.7 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: CASSINI PROGRAM OFFICE AT JPL Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced physical and engineering research. 2. Sole-source award to a highly specialized research institution. 3. Potential for high-impact scientific discoveries. 4. Long-term project duration suggests sustained R&D effort.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The award amount of $99.7M over approximately two years for R&D is substantial. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the cost-plus award fee structure suggests performance incentives are tied to cost and schedule.
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 increases costs compared to a competitive environment. The justification for sole-source is likely based on unique capabilities or prior work.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity for specialized research, with the expectation of significant scientific return.
Public Impact
Advancement of space exploration and scientific understanding. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries in planetary science. Investment in cutting-edge research and development capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs.
- Cost-plus award fee can incentivize spending.
- Long duration may present budget risks.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical NASA mission objectives.
- Leverages specialized expertise of Caltech/JPL.
- Potential for significant scientific and technological advancements.
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 technological innovation and scientific advancement, often characterized by high upfront investment and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
This award does not appear to involve small businesses, as it is a sole-source contract with a large research institution. Opportunities for small business subcontracting are not evident from the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the awarding agency, implying established oversight mechanisms for research grants and contracts. The use of a Cost Plus Award Fee structure suggests performance monitoring.
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 competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus award fee structure can inflate costs.
- Long project duration increases budget uncertainty.
- 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 $99.7 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. CASSINI PROGRAM OFFICE AT JPL
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 $99.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-08-06. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific scientific or technological advancements are expected from this $99.7M investment, and how will their value be measured?
The expected advancements likely relate to the Cassini mission's scientific objectives, such as understanding Saturn's atmosphere, rings, and moons. Value measurement would involve peer review of scientific publications, data analysis, and potential technological spin-offs. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure aims to incentivize achieving these objectives within budget and schedule constraints.
Given the sole-source nature, what due diligence was performed to ensure the price was fair and reasonable for the scope of work?
For sole-source contracts, agencies typically conduct price analysis using historical data, commercial price lists, or independent government cost estimates. They may also negotiate profit margins and review the contractor's cost accounting system. The justification for sole-source procurement would detail why competition was not feasible and how price reasonableness was determined.
How does the performance of this contract align with NASA's broader strategic goals for space exploration and scientific discovery?
This contract directly supports NASA's strategic goals by funding critical research and development for a major space science mission. The Cassini program's scientific return has been immense, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Saturnian system. The contract's effectiveness is measured by its contribution to mission success and scientific output.
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
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: $140,380,295
Exercised Options: $140,380,295
Current Obligation: $99,665,561
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-08-06
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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