NASA awards $71M R&D contract to California Institute of Technology for physical, engineering, and life sciences research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $70,981,428 ($71.0M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-07-26
End Date: 2009-06-28
Contract Duration: 1,068 days
Daily Burn Rate: $66.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PROJ #446067.02.01.01
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91125
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $71.0 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: PROJ #446067.02.01.01 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-established research institution. 2. Focus on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Cost Plus Award Fee contract type suggests performance incentives. 4. Long duration of 1068 days indicates a significant research undertaking.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's Cost Plus Award Fee structure allows for performance-based incentives, potentially driving value. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts is difficult without more specific cost breakdowns, but the total award amount appears reasonable for the scope.
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 through market competition and relies heavily on the agency's negotiation and oversight to ensure fair pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.
Public Impact
Advancement of scientific knowledge in critical physical, engineering, and life sciences. Potential for groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovations stemming from the research. Supports a leading research institution, fostering scientific talent and infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a reputable institution (Caltech)
- Focus on high-impact R&D
- Potential for significant scientific advancement
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (NAICS 541710). Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation and national competitiveness, with significant government investment directed towards scientific advancement.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded directly to the California Institute of Technology, a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Award Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight from NASA to ensure the contractor meets performance objectives and manages costs effectively. Accountability is tied to the award fee structure and regular performance reviews.
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 competitive pricing.
- CPAF contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Lack of detailed research objectives makes impact assessment difficult.
- No small business participation identified.
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 $71.0 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. PROJ #446067.02.01.01
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 $71.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-07-26. End: 2009-06-28.
What specific research objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how do they align with NASA's strategic goals?
The contract focuses on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific objectives are not detailed, they likely align with NASA's broader mission of space exploration, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. Understanding the precise research areas would allow for a better assessment of its strategic importance and potential impact.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure cost control and prevent overruns given the Cost Plus Award Fee structure?
The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure includes a base fee plus an award fee determined by performance. NASA's oversight is critical, involving regular performance evaluations against defined criteria. This includes monitoring expenditures, ensuring efficient resource allocation, and potentially limiting the award fee if performance or cost targets are not met.
How will the success and impact of the research conducted under this contract be measured and disseminated?
Success will likely be measured through scientific publications, conference presentations, patent applications, and the achievement of specific research milestones outlined in the contract. NASA's program office will oversee the dissemination of findings, potentially through reports, public releases, and integration into future space missions or technologies.
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: 1
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: $70,982,627
Exercised Options: $70,982,627
Current Obligation: $70,981,428
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NAS703001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-07-26
Current End Date: 2009-06-28
Potential End Date: 2009-06-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-10-29
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