NASA awards $20.7M for R&T services to DynCorp, highlighting a 5-year contract for scientific and engineering support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,696,311 ($20.7M)
Contractor: Dynamac Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-09-01
End Date: 2014-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,855 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (R&T) - PROVIDING SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL, AND DOCUMENTATION SUPPORT FOR THE VARIOUS AREAS OF RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT WORK WITHIN, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE SCIENCE DIRECTORATE AT NASA ARC. EXAMPLES ARE REGENERATIVE LIFE SUPPORT RESEARCH, GRAVITATIONAL BIOLOGY RESEARCH, INFRARED DETECTOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, CRYOGENICS RESEARCH, ETC.
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $20.7 million to DYNAMAC CORPORATION for work described as: RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (R&T) - PROVIDING SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL, AND DOCUMENTATION SUPPORT FOR THE VARIOUS AREAS OF RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT WORK WITHIN, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE SCIENCE DIRECTORATE AT NASA ARC. EXAMPLES ARE REGENERATI… Key points: 1. Contract provides crucial scientific and engineering support across various research areas for NASA's Science Directorate. 2. The contract spans five years, indicating a long-term need for specialized R&T services. 3. Services encompass a broad range of scientific disciplines, from life support to cryogenics research. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 5. The contractor, DynCorp, has a significant history in providing technical and support services to government agencies. 6. This contract represents a substantial investment in advancing NASA's research and technology development capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award of $20.7 million over five years for research and technology development services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar R&T support contracts at NASA and other agencies suggests that the overall value is competitive. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type allows for flexibility in research but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value for money. Without detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award provides some assurance.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple qualified vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. The presence of 5 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for these specialized research and technology development services. This competitive environment generally leads to better pricing and innovation as contractors vie for the award.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces. It also provides assurance that NASA is receiving the best possible services at a competitive price.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's Science Directorate by providing essential scientific, engineering, and technical support. Enables advancements in critical research areas such as regenerative life support, gravitational biology, and infrared detector technology. Supports the development of cutting-edge technologies that can have broader applications beyond space exploration. Contributes to the scientific community by fostering innovation and discovery in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The contract supports a workforce of scientists, engineers, and technical personnel, contributing to employment in the R&D sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
- The broad scope of research areas may present challenges in ensuring consistent quality across all support activities.
- Reliance on a single contractor for such a wide array of R&T support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market and likely fair pricing.
- The five-year duration suggests a stable, long-term partnership, allowing for deep integration and expertise development.
- The contractor, DynCorp, has a demonstrated history of providing similar services, implying relevant experience and capability.
- The contract supports a diverse range of critical NASA research initiatives, aligning with agency goals.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for R&D services is characterized by specialized expertise, innovation, and often long-term project cycles. Comparable spending in this sector involves significant government investment in scientific advancement and technological innovation, with agencies like NASA, DoD, and NIH being major clients. The size of this contract is moderate within the broader federal R&D landscape.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services, which would indirectly benefit them.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), specifically the contracting officer and program managers within the Science Directorate. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates robust financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, and the Inspector General's office at NASA would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations into fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Science Mission Directorate Contracts
- NASA Research and Technology Development Programs
- Federal R&D Spending
- Aerospace Research Support Services
- Scientific and Engineering Consulting Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contracts.
- Ensuring consistent quality across diverse R&T support areas.
- Contractor performance risk over a five-year period.
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical support functions.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, science-directorate, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, california, scientific-support, engineering-support, technology-development, long-term-contract, aerospace, dynacorp-corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $20.7 million to DYNAMAC CORPORATION. RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (R&T) - PROVIDING SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING, TECHNICAL, AND DOCUMENTATION SUPPORT FOR THE VARIOUS AREAS OF RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT WORK WITHIN, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE SCIENCE DIRECTORATE AT NASA ARC. EXAMPLES ARE REGENERATIVE LIFE SUPPORT RESEARCH, GRAVITATIONAL BIOLOGY RESEARCH, INFRARED DETECTOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, CRYOGENICS RESEARCH, ETC.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DYNAMAC CORPORATION.
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 $20.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-01. End: 2014-09-30.
What is DynCorp Corporation's track record with NASA and other federal agencies for similar R&T support services?
DynCorp Corporation has a substantial history of providing a wide range of services to government agencies, including NASA. Their experience often encompasses technical support, engineering services, and research assistance. While specific details for this exact R&T support contract require deeper investigation into past performance reviews and award histories, DynCorp's general profile suggests they are a capable provider for complex federal contracts. Their involvement in similar scientific and engineering endeavors for other agencies would be a key indicator of their suitability and past success in delivering on such requirements. A thorough review would involve examining past performance evaluations, any contract disputes, and the scope of previous related awards to assess their reliability and expertise in the R&D domain.
How does the $20.7 million contract value compare to similar R&T support contracts awarded by NASA or other agencies in recent years?
The $20.7 million contract value over five years, averaging approximately $4.14 million annually, is a moderate-sized award within the federal R&D services sector. To benchmark effectively, one would compare it against contracts for scientific, engineering, and technical support services awarded by agencies like NASA, DoD, or the National Science Foundation. Contracts for specialized R&D can range from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on the scope, duration, and criticality of the research. This particular award appears to be in line with contracts supporting specific directorates or research programs that require sustained, expert support rather than large-scale, multi-year development projects. A detailed comparison would involve analyzing contract databases for similar North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes (like 541712) and contract types (CPFF) to identify pricing trends and typical award values.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract for R&T services, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk with a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract, especially for R&T services, is the potential for cost overruns. The 'cost-plus' component means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs, which can escalate if not managed tightly. The 'fixed-fee' provides the contractor with a guaranteed profit margin, but the government bears the risk of cost increases. Mitigation strategies include robust government oversight, detailed cost monitoring and auditing, clearly defined contract requirements and milestones, and strong performance management. NASA's contracting officers and technical monitors play a crucial role in scrutinizing contractor expenditures, ensuring they are reasonable, allocable, and necessary for contract performance. Establishing clear performance metrics and incentivizing efficiency can also help manage risks.
How does the scope of services, covering areas like regenerative life support and cryogenics, align with NASA's current strategic research priorities?
The diverse range of research areas supported by this contract, including regenerative life support and cryogenics, aligns well with NASA's strategic objectives. Regenerative life support systems are critical for long-duration human spaceflight missions, such as those planned for the Moon and Mars, aiming for greater self-sufficiency in space. Cryogenics research is fundamental for advanced propulsion systems, scientific instruments (like telescopes), and maintaining sensitive equipment in space environments. By providing scientific, engineering, and technical support across these and other areas (like gravitational biology and infrared detector technology), the contract directly contributes to NASA's goals of expanding human presence in space, advancing scientific knowledge, and developing next-generation space technologies. This support is essential for the innovation and problem-solving required to achieve these ambitious objectives.
What are the historical spending patterns for R&T support services at NASA's Science Directorate or similar NASA directorates?
Historical spending patterns for R&T support services at NASA directorates like the Science Directorate typically show consistent investment in scientific and engineering expertise. Agencies like NASA rely heavily on external contractors to supplement in-house capabilities, particularly for specialized research and development. Spending in this category often fluctuates based on specific program needs, new research initiatives, and budget allocations. Over the years, NASA has consistently awarded numerous contracts for R&T support, ranging from small, targeted research grants to large, multi-year service contracts. The $20.7 million awarded here represents a significant, but not unprecedented, investment for a five-year period, reflecting the ongoing need for advanced technical support to drive NASA's ambitious scientific and exploration goals.
What is the significance of the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' contract award type?
The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award type signifies a competitive procurement process where NASA sought proposals from all responsible sources capable of meeting the requirements, but specific sources were initially excluded from a prior phase or limited solicitation. This suggests a potential refinement or re-competition after an initial period or a specific scenario where only certain types of vendors were initially considered. However, the key takeaway is that the final award was made after a broad competitive process, ensuring that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This approach aims to maximize competition, leverage market capabilities, and achieve the best value for the government, while potentially addressing specific circumstances that led to the exclusion of certain sources in earlier stages.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Dynamac International, Inc (UEI: 074828419)
Address: 1901 RESEARCH BLVD STE 220, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,500,000
Exercised Options: $26,500,000
Current Obligation: $20,696,311
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-09-01
Current End Date: 2014-09-30
Potential End Date: 2014-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-03-04
More Contracts from Dynamac Corporation
- Life Sciences — $132.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Federal Contract — $19.5M (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Technical Support — $14.1M (Environmental Protection Agency)
- On-Site Technical Support — $10.8M (Environmental Protection Agency)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →