NASA's $29M AEMMS Contract Awarded to Science & Technology Corporation for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,141,823 ($29.1M)
Contractor: Science & Technology Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-08-01
End Date: 2016-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,160 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: AERONAUTICS AND EXPLORATION MISSION MODELING AND SIMULATION (AEMMS)SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $29.1 million to SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: AERONAUTICS AND EXPLORATION MISSION MODELING AND SIMULATION (AEMMS)SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources was used. 3. The contract value is $29.14 million over a period of 2160 days. 4. This contract falls under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount of $29.14 million is a significant investment for the specified R&D services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process but with specific exclusions. This method aims for fair pricing through competition while potentially narrowing the field of bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for advanced research and development, with the expectation of technological advancements and scientific discovery.
Public Impact
Supports NASA's mission in aeronautics and exploration through advanced modeling and simulation. Potential for breakthroughs in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Investment in scientific and technological advancement for national benefit.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Exclusion of sources in competition may limit optimal pricing.
- Contract duration is long (2160 days), increasing risk of scope creep or obsolescence.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a degree of market vetting.
- Focus on critical R&D for national space exploration goals.
- Contract awarded to a single entity for specialized support.
Sector Analysis
This contract is within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and maintaining technological leadership.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to oversight from various government accountability offices. The use of competitive bidding, even with exclusions, suggests an attempt at accountability in awarding funds.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Exclusion of sources in competition.
- Long contract duration.
- No small business set-aside indicated.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $29.1 million to SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. AERONAUTICS AND EXPLORATION MISSION MODELING AND SIMULATION (AEMMS)SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 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 $29.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-08-01. End: 2016-06-30.
What specific modeling and simulation capabilities does Science & Technology Corporation bring to NASA's AEMMS program?
Science & Technology Corporation likely provides specialized expertise in developing and implementing advanced computational models and simulation environments. This could include areas like aerodynamic analysis, spacecraft trajectory planning, mission feasibility studies, and virtual testing of aerospace systems. Their capabilities are expected to enhance NASA's ability to design, test, and optimize complex aeronautical and space exploration missions efficiently and cost-effectively.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for R&D services?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D is that the contractor has less incentive to control costs, as their fee is fixed regardless of the actual expenses incurred. This can lead to cost overruns if the government does not maintain rigorous oversight of the contractor's spending. Additionally, defining the scope of R&D work precisely upfront can be challenging, potentially leading to disputes over allowable costs or contract modifications.
How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method impact the effectiveness of this contract?
This procurement method aims to balance broad competition with specific needs. By excluding certain sources, NASA may have targeted specific expertise or capabilities deemed essential. While this can lead to a more focused competition among qualified vendors, it potentially limits the pool of bidders and may not always yield the absolute lowest price achievable through unrestricted competition. The effectiveness hinges on whether the excluded sources were truly unnecessary or if their exclusion inadvertently reduced competitive pressure.
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: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10 BASIL SAWYER DR, HAMPTON, VA, 23666
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $33,867,410
Exercised Options: $33,867,410
Current Obligation: $29,141,823
Actual Outlays: $164,861
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-08-01
Current End Date: 2016-06-30
Potential End Date: 2016-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-11-04
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