NASA's $24.6M contract for aviation safety reporting systems maintained by Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,632,193 ($24.6M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2010-12-08
End Date: 2016-06-07
Contract Duration: 2,008 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE AVIATION SAFETY REPORTING SYSTEM (ASRS) AND RELATED SYSTEMS PROVIDES THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF A VOLUNTARY, INDEPENDENT, CONFIDENTIAL INCIDENT REPORTING PROGRAM, AND CONDUCTS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT USING INCIDENT REPORTS TO SUPPORT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY OF THE CURRENT AND FUTURE DOMAIN SYSTEMS. THESE SAFETY REPORTING SYSTEMS ENCOMPASS AVIATION, RAILROAD, AND POTENTIALLY OTHER DOMAINS, SUCH AS MEDICINE. IN AVIATION, THE MISSION OF THE ASRS SINCE 1976 HAS BEEN TO ACQUIRE INFORMATION CONCERNING CURRENT AND POTENTIAL DEFICIENCIES AND DISCREPANCIES IN THE OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE NATIONAL AIRSPACE SYSTEM AND TO MAXIMIZE THE EFFECTIVE USE OF THAT INFORMATION TO FURTHER AVIATION SAFETY AND SYSTEM PLANNING. THE ASRS DOMAIN FUNCTIONS THROUGH AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA). A RECENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION S FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION (FRA) AND NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER (ARC) HAS ADDED THE CONFIDENTIAL CLOSE CALL REPORTING SYSTEM (C3RS) TO THE ASRS PROGRAM. C3RS IS EXPECTED TO EXPAND THE ADVANTAGES OF THE EXISTING ASRS CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING SYSTEM TO THE AREA OF RAILROAD SAFETY. THE ASRS AND RELATED SYSTEMS IS MANAGED BY THE HUMAN SYSTEMS INTEGRATION DIVISION (CODE TH) AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER, MOFFETT FIELD, CA.
Place of Performance
Location: SUNNYVALE, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94089
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $24.6 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: THE AVIATION SAFETY REPORTING SYSTEM (ASRS) AND RELATED SYSTEMS PROVIDES THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF A VOLUNTARY, INDEPENDENT, CONFIDENTIAL INCIDENT REPORTING PROGRAM, AND CONDUCTS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT USING INCIDENT REPORTS TO SUPPORT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERFORMANCE AND… Key points: 1. This contract supports a critical voluntary, confidential incident reporting program for aviation safety. 2. The program aims to identify and mitigate deficiencies in the National Airspace System. 3. Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. has been a long-term provider for these essential safety systems. 4. The contract spans over six years, indicating a sustained need for these services. 5. The scope extends beyond aviation, with potential applications in rail and medicine. 6. Research and development using incident reports are key components, driving future safety improvements.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $24.6 million over approximately six years for operating and maintaining the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) appears reasonable given the critical nature of the service. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the unique nature of such safety reporting programs, similar large-scale data management and analysis contracts for government agencies often fall within a comparable cost range. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that costs are monitored, but the fixed fee provides a degree of predictability for the contractor's profit. Benchmarking against other professional, scientific, and technical services contracts of similar duration and complexity would be necessary for a more precise value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally expected to yield better pricing and service options for the government. The number of bidders is not specified in the provided data, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competition was sought.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives efficiency and potentially lower costs through market forces, ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment in critical safety infrastructure.
Public Impact
Aviation safety is directly enhanced through the identification and mitigation of system deficiencies. Pilots, air traffic controllers, and maintenance personnel benefit from a confidential reporting channel. The National Airspace System's performance and safety are improved through data-driven research. Future aviation technologies and operational procedures can be informed by the insights gained. The program's potential expansion to rail and medicine could improve safety across multiple critical sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed, although the fixed fee component aims to mitigate this.
- The long duration of the contract (over 6 years) necessitates ongoing vigilance to ensure continued value and performance.
- Reliance on a single contractor for such a critical, long-standing system may reduce flexibility in adapting to new technological advancements or evolving safety needs.
Positive Signals
- The contract supports a vital program that has been instrumental in enhancing aviation safety for decades.
- Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.'s long-standing involvement suggests a deep understanding of the program's requirements and a proven track record.
- The full and open competition award mechanism indicates a commitment to achieving best value through market engagement.
- The program's focus on voluntary, confidential reporting fosters a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized services, including research and development, consulting, and data analysis. The market for such services is competitive, with many firms offering expertise in areas like safety management, data analytics, and system operations. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the National Airspace System, a complex and vital piece of national infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale data management and analysis contracts awarded by government agencies for critical infrastructure oversight.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a small business set-aside. The prime contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., is a large business, and any subcontracting would be at their discretion to fulfill contract requirements.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract is primarily managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, NASA would monitor the contractor's costs to ensure they are reasonable and allowable. The fixed fee provides a level of accountability for the contractor's performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting requirements. While specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is not detailed, NASA's Office of Inspector General typically has oversight over NASA contracts to investigate fraud, waste, and abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Programs
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigations
- Department of Transportation (DOT) Research and Development
- NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
Risk Flags
- Long-term single-contractor reliance
- Potential for cost creep in CPFF contracts
- Need for continuous technological adaptation
Tags
nasa, aviation-safety, data-analysis, professional-services, booz-allen-hamilton, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, cost-plus-fixed-fee, california, national-airspace-system, safety-reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $24.6 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. THE AVIATION SAFETY REPORTING SYSTEM (ASRS) AND RELATED SYSTEMS PROVIDES THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION OF A VOLUNTARY, INDEPENDENT, CONFIDENTIAL INCIDENT REPORTING PROGRAM, AND CONDUCTS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT USING INCIDENT REPORTS TO SUPPORT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY OF THE CURRENT AND FUTURE DOMAIN SYSTEMS. THESE SAFETY REPORTING SYSTEMS ENCOMPASS AVIATION, RAILROAD, AND POTENTIALLY OTHER DOMAINS, SUCH AS MEDICINE. IN AVIATION, THE MISSION OF THE ASRS SINCE 1976 HAS BEEN TO
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $24.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-12-08. End: 2016-06-07.
What is the historical spending trend for the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) and related systems under NASA?
The provided data indicates a single contract award to Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. for the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) and related systems, with a total value of $24,632,192.57, spanning from December 8, 2010, to June 7, 2016. This represents a duration of approximately 5.5 years. The data does not provide a historical trend of spending across multiple contracts or over a longer period. To establish a trend, one would need to examine prior contracts for ASRS maintenance and operation, as well as any subsequent contracts awarded after June 2016. Understanding the annual expenditure within this contract's period would also be crucial for trend analysis. Without this broader context, it's only possible to analyze this specific contract's value and duration.
How does the cost of this contract compare to similar safety reporting or data analysis contracts managed by other federal agencies?
Directly comparing the cost of this $24.6 million NASA contract for the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) to similar contracts across other federal agencies is challenging due to the unique nature of voluntary, confidential safety reporting programs. However, we can benchmark it against contracts for large-scale data management, analysis, and professional services. For instance, contracts supporting critical infrastructure monitoring or large public safety databases often range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over several years, depending on scope and complexity. Given that ASRS involves collecting, analyzing, and disseminating sensitive safety data across the National Airspace System, its cost appears to be within a reasonable range for such a specialized and critical government function. A more precise comparison would require identifying contracts with very similar objectives, data sensitivity, and operational requirements.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) contract?
The provided data does not explicitly detail the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the ASRS contract. However, based on the program's objectives, likely KPIs would revolve around the volume and quality of incident reports received, the timeliness of data processing and analysis, the identification of emerging safety trends, and the impact of research findings on improving aviation safety. NASA would likely track metrics related to system uptime and reliability, user satisfaction (from reporters), and the successful dissemination of safety recommendations. The effectiveness of the R&D component would be measured by the actionable insights generated and their subsequent implementation to enhance safety performance within the National Airspace System.
What is Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.'s track record with NASA and similar government contracts?
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. has a significant and long-standing track record with NASA and numerous other federal agencies, particularly in areas of technology, data analytics, and professional services. Their involvement with the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) since its inception or for a substantial period suggests a strong, proven capability and a deep understanding of NASA's requirements. The company is a major government contractor, consistently ranking among the top recipients of federal contracts across various departments, including Defense, Intelligence, and civilian agencies. Their extensive experience in managing complex, large-scale IT and data-intensive programs indicates a high level of competence and reliability in fulfilling such critical government functions.
What are the potential risks associated with the long-term operation of the ASRS by a single contractor like Booz Allen Hamilton?
The primary risks associated with the long-term operation of the ASRS by a single contractor, such as Booz Allen Hamilton, include potential complacency, reduced innovation, and vendor lock-in. Over extended periods, there's a risk that the contractor might become less proactive in seeking efficiencies or adopting cutting-edge technologies if competition is not consistently present. Vendor lock-in can occur if the system becomes highly customized to the contractor's proprietary solutions, making it difficult and costly to switch providers in the future. Additionally, a prolonged single-source relationship could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing over time compared to a more competitive environment. NASA's oversight and contract management are crucial to mitigate these risks through performance reviews and potentially re-competition strategies.
How does the data collected by ASRS contribute to broader aviation safety policy and regulation?
The data collected by the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) is a crucial input for shaping aviation safety policy and regulations. By providing a confidential channel for frontline aviation personnel to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal, ASRS captures valuable information about operational hazards, system vulnerabilities, and human factors that might not be identified through other means. NASA analyzes this data to identify trends, systemic issues, and potential risks within the National Airspace System. These findings are then shared with regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as industry stakeholders. This evidence-based insight directly informs the development of new safety regulations, the revision of existing ones, and the implementation of targeted safety initiatives aimed at preventing accidents and improving overall aviation safety.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNA10317708R
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,342,295
Exercised Options: $25,042,295
Current Obligation: $24,632,193
Actual Outlays: $54,289
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-12-08
Current End Date: 2016-06-07
Potential End Date: 2016-06-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-08-22
More Contracts from Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
- Task Order (TO) 47qfca21f0018 IS Hereby Awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. (BAH) to Provide Enterprise Level Data to the Ousd(c), and ITS Strategic Partners (I.E., DOD Fourth Estate, DOD Departments, and IC Community) — $1.4B (General Services Administration)
- Transformation Twenty-One Total Technology Next Generation (T4NG) Task Order - Benefits Integrated Delivery — $1.4B (Department of Veterans Affairs)
- Federal Contract — $1.2B (General Services Administration)
- Product and Technology Ecosystem Management Services (ptems)which Includes Product Delivery and Lifecycle Management to Transform VA by Tapping Into Emerging Technologies, Connecting Developers With VA Data, and Making Human Centered Design (HCD) — $1.1B (Department of Veterans Affairs)
- Task Order Award — $1.1B (General Services Administration)
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 →