NASA's LDSD Tech Demo Mission Awarded $19.6M to Caltech, Focusing on R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,654,354 ($19.7M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2011-08-15
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 412 days
Daily Burn Rate: $47.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LOW DENSITY SUPERSONIC DECELERATOR TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION MISSION (LDSD)
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $19.7 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: LOW DENSITY SUPERSONIC DECELERATOR TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION MISSION (LDSD) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development, a critical area for technological advancement. 2. Competition was not utilized, raising questions about potential price discovery and value. 3. The risk profile is moderate, given the R&D nature and lack of competition. 4. Spending falls within the R&D sector, which often involves higher inherent risks and potential rewards.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's value is difficult to assess without competitive benchmarks. Given the 'NOT COMPETED' status, it's unclear if the $19.6M represents a fair market price.
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 may result in higher costs compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have received the best possible price for this R&D effort.
Public Impact
Advancement of supersonic deceleration technology for future space missions. Potential for breakthroughs in atmospheric entry systems. Investment in cutting-edge scientific research and development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- R&D focus with inherent uncertainty
Positive Signals
- Supports critical NASA mission objectives
- Invests in advanced technology demonstration
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this sector is often characterized by innovation, higher risk, and the potential for significant technological advancements.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded directly to a research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is likely managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers. The cost-plus fixed-fee structure requires careful monitoring of costs and progress to ensure value.
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
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for cost overruns with cost-plus contract
- Uncertainty inherent in R&D projects
- Sole-source award may not represent best value
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 $19.7 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. LOW DENSITY SUPERSONIC DECELERATOR TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION MISSION (LDSD)
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 $19.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-08-15. End: 2012-09-30.
What is the justification for the sole-source award, and how was the price determined to be fair and reasonable?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities or circumstances where only one source can fulfill the requirement. Without further details on the justification, it's challenging to assess the price determination process. A thorough review would examine the basis for uniqueness and the negotiation strategy employed to ensure fair and reasonable pricing.
What are the specific performance metrics and milestones for this technology demonstration, and how is progress being tracked?
Performance metrics and milestones for a technology demonstration mission are crucial for tracking progress and ensuring the R&D objectives are met. These would typically include specific technical achievements, testing phases, and data analysis requirements. NASA's oversight would involve regular reviews of progress reports, technical reviews, and potentially site visits to monitor adherence to the plan and identify any deviations or challenges.
What is the potential return on investment or long-term benefit expected from this $19.6M investment in LDSD technology?
The expected return on investment for R&D, especially in advanced space technology, is often measured in terms of future mission capabilities, scientific discovery, and technological spin-offs. Successful demonstration of LDSD technology could significantly reduce the cost and risk of future Mars sample return or human missions by enabling larger payloads to land safely. Quantifying this ROI is complex and often realized over many years.
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: $28,425,542
Exercised Options: $28,425,542
Current Obligation: $19,654,354
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-08-15
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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