NASA's JUNO PHASE E Contract: $21.8M for R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,812,424 ($21.8M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2011-07-12
End Date: 2013-03-28
Contract Duration: 625 days
Daily Burn Rate: $34.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: JUNO PHASE E
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $21.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: JUNO PHASE E Key points: 1. Contract awarded to California Institute of Technology for JUNO PHASE E. 2. Focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Significant taxpayer investment in space exploration and scientific advancement. 4. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $21.8M for a 625-day period suggests a reasonable allocation for advanced R&D. Benchmarking against similar NASA research contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. While potentially efficient for specialized expertise, it limits price discovery and competitive innovation.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than a fully competed contract.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge scientific research with potential for significant discoveries. Advances understanding in physical, engineering, and life sciences, benefiting multiple fields. Contributes to NASA's broader mission of space exploration and scientific inquiry. Invests in specialized research capabilities at a leading academic institution.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
Positive Signals
- Awarded to reputable institution
- Supports critical R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710). Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and scientific understanding, often involving long-term, high-risk, high-reward projects.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to the California Institute of Technology, a large research institution, and does not appear to involve small business participation based on the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
As a sole-source award for a significant R&D project, oversight would focus on milestone achievement, adherence to the fixed-fee structure, and the scientific merit of the research conducted 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
- Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns
- Lack of small business participation noted
- Long duration for R&D projects can introduce uncertainty
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 $21.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. JUNO 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 $21.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-07-12. End: 2013-03-28.
What specific research objectives does JUNO PHASE E aim to achieve, and how do they align with NASA's strategic goals?
JUNO PHASE E likely focuses on specific scientific investigations or technological developments related to NASA's broader space exploration objectives, such as planetary science or advanced propulsion. A detailed review of the contract's SOW would clarify these objectives and their strategic alignment, ensuring taxpayer funds are directed towards impactful and mission-critical research.
What are the potential risks associated with a cost-plus fixed-fee contract for this type of R&D, and how are they mitigated?
Cost-plus contracts carry inherent risks of cost overruns if not tightly managed. Mitigation strategies for JUNO PHASE E would include rigorous oversight of expenditures, clear performance metrics, and defined milestones. NASA's contracting officers would monitor the contractor's financial reporting and progress to ensure adherence to the fixed fee and prevent unnecessary cost escalation.
How will the effectiveness of the research conducted under JUNO PHASE E be measured and evaluated to ensure scientific and technological value?
Effectiveness will be measured through the successful completion of defined research objectives, peer-reviewed publications, and the development of any specified technologies. NASA's program managers will likely assess interim and final research reports, presentations, and the overall contribution to scientific knowledge or mission capabilities, ensuring the investment yields tangible 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
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
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: $42,996,201
Exercised Options: $42,996,201
Current Obligation: $21,812,424
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-07-12
Current End Date: 2013-03-28
Potential End Date: 2013-03-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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