NASA awards $12.4M for VLWIR Focal Plane Development to California Institute of Technology
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,438,002 ($12.4M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2004-12-22
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,839 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: DEV OF VLWIR FOC PLANE
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $12.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: DEV OF VLWIR FOC PLANE Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in physical sciences. 2. Competition was not utilized for this award. 3. The contract duration is substantial at over 2800 days. 4. The awardee is a single, well-known research institution.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, which can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns for similar R&D efforts.
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 process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for advanced research, with potential long-term benefits but immediate cost implications due to lack of competition.
Public Impact
Development of advanced sensor technology for scientific research. Potential for breakthroughs in astronomical observation or other scientific fields. Funding directed towards a specific research institution for specialized development.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on advanced R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for scientific advancement but often lacks clear cost benchmarks due to its innovative nature.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it was awarded directly to a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would focus on ensuring the research progresses as planned and that costs are managed effectively under the Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
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 contract type
- Long contract duration
- 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 $12.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. DEV OF VLWIR FOC PLANE
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 $12.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-12-22. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific technological advancements are expected from this VLWIR focal plane development?
The Very Long Wavelength Infrared (VLWIR) focal plane development is expected to yield advancements in sensor technology capable of detecting longer infrared wavelengths. This could enable more sensitive astronomical observations, improved atmospheric sensing, or enhanced capabilities in other scientific research areas requiring detection of faint signals in the extended infrared spectrum.
What are the risks associated with a sole-source R&D contract of this nature?
The primary risks of a sole-source R&D contract include potential cost overruns due to the absence of competitive pressure, and the possibility that alternative, potentially more innovative or cost-effective solutions might exist but were not explored. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in and reduced incentive for the contractor to optimize performance or cost.
How will the effectiveness of this research and development be measured?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of technical milestones, performance metrics defined in the contract, and the successful demonstration of the VLWIR focal plane's capabilities. Peer review of research findings, publications, and the eventual integration of the technology into scientific instruments or missions will also serve as indicators of success.
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, 91109
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,029,800
Exercised Options: $14,029,800
Current Obligation: $12,438,002
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-12-22
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-01-19
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