NASA awards $141.5M for liquid research to California Institute of Technology over 7 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,150,663 ($14.2M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2005-11-26
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,500 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: 3755-REPLACE LIQUID
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $14.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: 3755-REPLACE LIQUID Key points: 1. Significant investment in advanced physical and engineering sciences. 2. Sole-source award to a leading research institution. 3. Long contract duration may pose risks if objectives shift. 4. Focus on R&D suggests potential for future technological advancements.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus award fee structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of the research.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This was a sole-source award, meaning competition was not sought. While potentially justified for unique expertise, it limits price discovery and may not yield the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a single entity without competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than a competed contract.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge in physical and engineering sciences. Potential for breakthroughs in areas like materials science or propulsion. Supports a leading research institution and its scientific workforce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Long contract duration
- Cost-plus award fee structure
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable research institution
- Focus on critical R&D area
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 innovation but can be difficult to benchmark due to its specialized and often unique nature.
Small Business Impact
No indication of small business involvement in this sole-source award to a large research institution.
Oversight & Accountability
The cost-plus award fee structure necessitates robust oversight from NASA to ensure performance objectives are met and costs are managed effectively.
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 may lead to inflated costs.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
- Cost-plus award fee can incentivize spending without strict cost controls.
- Research outcomes are inherently uncertain and may not yield desired results.
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 $14.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. 3755-REPLACE LIQUID
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 $14.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-11-26. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will their successful completion be measured?
The contract focuses on 'REPLACE LIQUID' research, likely pertaining to advanced materials or fluid dynamics critical for NASA's missions. Success metrics would typically involve achieving specific technical milestones, demonstrating novel properties or behaviors of the researched substances, and producing comprehensive research reports and data sets for NASA's review and utilization.
Given the sole-source nature, what due diligence was performed to ensure the California Institute of Technology was the only viable source?
Sole-source justifications usually require extensive documentation demonstrating unique capabilities, specialized facilities, or critical prior research that only the selected entity possesses. NASA would have likely conducted market research and technical assessments to confirm that no other organization could fulfill the specific requirements of this advanced liquid research project within the required timeframe.
How will NASA ensure the long-term value and relevance of the research outcomes, considering the 7-year duration?
NASA will likely employ phased reviews and milestone-based payments within the cost-plus award fee structure. Regular engagement with the researchers, periodic technical reviews, and adaptation of research goals based on emerging scientific findings or evolving mission needs will be crucial to maintain relevance and maximize the long-term value of the research.
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: $14,150,663
Exercised Options: $14,150,663
Current Obligation: $14,150,663
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-11-26
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-03-16
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