NASA's $10.3M R&D Contract with Caltech: Long-Term Engagement for Physical Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,339,293 ($10.3M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2004-06-16
End Date: 2010-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,144 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPC TECH COL&RESEARCH
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $10.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: SPC TECH COL&RESEARCH Key points: 1. Significant long-term investment in specialized R&D. 2. Sole-source award to a single, highly specialized institution. 3. Potential for high value in scientific advancement, but limited competition. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for flexibility but can lead to costs exceeding initial estimates. Without comparable contracts, assessing value is difficult, but the long duration suggests sustained need.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This was a sole-source award, indicating a belief that only the California Institute of Technology could perform the specialized research. This limits price discovery and competition, potentially leading to higher costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity for specialized research, with the primary impact being the advancement of scientific knowledge rather than direct cost savings.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge scientific research with potential for significant breakthroughs. Long-term funding provides stability for complex, multi-year research projects. Benefits a highly specialized research institution, fostering scientific expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus award fee structure
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Specialized research focus
- Established research institution
- Potential for scientific advancement
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is often characterized by long-term investments, specialized expertise, and a focus on innovation rather than immediate commercial returns.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to a small business. The specialized nature of the research likely necessitates large, well-established institutions with extensive research infrastructure and personnel.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure justification for lack of competition. NASA's oversight would focus on the scientific progress and responsible use of funds.
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 justification
- Potential for cost overruns
- Limited visibility into alternative solutions
- Long-term commitment without immediate tangible deliverables
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $10.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. SPC TECH COL&RESEARCH
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 $10.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-06-16. End: 2010-04-30.
What is the specific scientific return on investment expected from this long-term, sole-source R&D contract?
The specific scientific return is difficult to quantify upfront in R&D. However, the contract's focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences suggests potential advancements in areas critical to NASA's mission, such as space exploration technology, materials science, or fundamental physics. The long duration implies a commitment to achieving significant, potentially groundbreaking, research outcomes.
How does NASA mitigate the risks associated with a sole-source award for specialized research?
NASA likely mitigates sole-source risks through rigorous technical evaluations of the contractor's capabilities and proposed research plan. Performance metrics and milestone reviews are crucial for monitoring progress and ensuring accountability. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure also incentivizes the contractor to meet or exceed performance objectives, indirectly managing risk.
What is the long-term effectiveness of investing heavily in a single institution for specialized research?
The effectiveness hinges on the institution's continued leadership and innovation in its field. While it fosters deep expertise, it can also create dependencies and limit broader scientific collaboration. NASA's strategy likely balances this by potentially having other, competitively awarded contracts in related or different research areas.
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, 28
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,000,000
Exercised Options: $15,000,000
Current Obligation: $10,339,293
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-06-16
Current End Date: 2010-04-30
Potential End Date: 2010-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-03-12
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