NASA's $10.6M Rotary Wing Engineering Contract Awarded to Monterey Technologies Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,582,056 ($10.6M)
Contractor: Monterey Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2007-04-04
End Date: 2013-04-03
Contract Duration: 2,191 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ROTARY WING ENGINEERING MODELING AND SIMULATION
Place of Performance
Location: MONTEREY, MONTEREY County, CALIFORNIA, 93940
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $10.6 million to MONTEREY TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: ROTARY WING ENGINEERING MODELING AND SIMULATION Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized engineering services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust market for these services. 3. The definitive contract type indicates a long-term relationship for specific requirements. 4. The contract duration of six years points to sustained program needs. 5. Engineering services sector is critical for aerospace innovation and development. 6. Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while managing contractor profit.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The total award of over $10.5 million over six years suggests a substantial but not exceptionally large investment for specialized engineering services in the aerospace sector. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while common for R&D and complex services, can lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed. Without detailed breakdowns of labor hours, rates, and overhead, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a healthy level of interest from the market for this type of specialized engineering support.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among potential contractors.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's rotary wing research and development efforts. Supports the advancement of engineering modeling and simulation technologies. Likely impacts a specialized workforce of engineers and technical experts. Geographic impact is centered around NASA facilities and contractor locations in California.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize higher spending if not closely monitored.
- Long contract durations may not always reflect the most current technological needs.
- Limited public data on specific performance outcomes makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting market validation.
- Definitive contract type provides stability for critical engineering services.
- Focus on specialized engineering modeling and simulation is key for aerospace advancement.
Sector Analysis
The aerospace engineering services sector is characterized by high technical expertise and significant R&D investment. Contracts like this are crucial for maintaining technological superiority and innovation. The market includes specialized firms capable of complex modeling and simulation. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale engineering support contracts within NASA or the Department of Defense for similar aerospace applications.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb: false'. The prime contractor, Monterey Technologies Inc., is likely a mid-to-large-sized business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could represent missed opportunities for the small business ecosystem to participate in this significant federal contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would fall under NASA's contracting and program management offices. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure adherence to the contract's objectives and budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements, though specific details of ongoing oversight are not publicly detailed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) oversight (potential)
- Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS)
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Risk of technological obsolescence over the six-year duration.
- Limited public data on specific performance metrics and value assessment.
Tags
nasa, engineering-services, rotary-wing, modeling-and-simulation, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, california, research-and-development, aerospace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $10.6 million to MONTEREY TECHNOLOGIES INC. ROTARY WING ENGINEERING MODELING AND SIMULATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MONTEREY TECHNOLOGIES INC.
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 $10.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-04-04. End: 2013-04-03.
What is the track record of Monterey Technologies Inc. with NASA and similar government contracts?
Monterey Technologies Inc. has a history of performing various engineering and technical services for government agencies, including NASA. Their contract portfolio often includes support for aerospace, defense, and research initiatives. Specific to this contract, their performance would be evaluated against the defined scope of work for rotary wing engineering modeling and simulation. A review of past performance evaluations and any contract modifications or disputes would provide further insight into their reliability and capability. Without access to NASA's internal contractor performance assessment reporting (CPARs) for this specific contract, a comprehensive assessment of their track record remains limited to publicly available contract award data and general company profiles.
How does the $10.6 million award compare to other rotary wing engineering contracts?
Comparing this $10.6 million award requires context regarding the scope, duration, and specific services provided. Rotary wing engineering, particularly involving advanced modeling and simulation, is a specialized field. Contracts of this nature can range significantly in value. For instance, larger platform development or sustainment contracts might reach hundreds of millions or billions. However, for a focused engineering support contract over a six-year period, $10.6 million represents a moderate investment. Benchmarking against similar, narrowly defined R&D or specialized engineering support contracts within NASA or the DoD would be necessary for a precise comparison. The 'full and open' competition suggests the market deemed this value appropriate for the required services.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for engineering services?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns. While the contractor is guaranteed a fixed fee, the 'cost plus' element means the government pays the actual allowable costs incurred by the contractor. If the contractor's costs exceed initial estimates, the government bears that burden. This structure can incentivize contractors to incur higher costs if not meticulously managed and overseen. For complex engineering projects like modeling and simulation, where technical challenges and unforeseen issues are common, cost escalation is a significant risk. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives value.
How effective is 'full and open competition' in ensuring value for taxpayer money in specialized engineering services?
Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money, especially in specialized fields like engineering services. It allows the widest possible pool of qualified contractors to bid, fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. This process helps establish a market-based price for the services required. When multiple bidders submit proposals, the government can compare technical approaches and costs, selecting the best overall value. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the clarity of the solicitation, the government's ability to accurately define requirements, and the thoroughness of the evaluation process. For highly specialized services, ensuring enough bidders possess the requisite expertise is also critical.
What are the implications of the contract's duration (6 years) on technological relevance?
A six-year contract duration for engineering services, particularly in a rapidly evolving field like modeling and simulation, presents a potential risk regarding technological relevance. While long-term contracts provide stability and continuity for critical programs, technology can advance significantly within such a timeframe. The modeling and simulation tools and techniques used at the beginning of the contract might become outdated by its end. To mitigate this, contracts often include provisions for incorporating new technologies, periodic reviews, or options for modernization. NASA's oversight would be crucial to ensure that the services provided remain current and leverage the latest advancements in rotary wing engineering technology throughout the contract's life.
What is the significance of the 'Engineering Services' (NAICS 541330) classification for this contract?
The NAICS code 541330, 'Engineering Services,' signifies that the primary purpose of this contract is to procure professional engineering services. This classification covers firms that provide specialized engineering expertise across various disciplines, including aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. For this specific contract, it indicates that Monterey Technologies Inc. is providing analytical, design, and consulting engineering services related to rotary wing aircraft. This code is important for tracking federal spending within the engineering sector, understanding market dynamics, and identifying potential contractors for similar requirements. It helps categorize the type of work performed and its contribution to government objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 24600 SILVER CLOUD CT # 103, MONTEREY, CA, 93940
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,607,391
Exercised Options: $10,607,391
Current Obligation: $10,582,056
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-04-04
Current End Date: 2013-04-03
Potential End Date: 2013-04-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-08-23
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