NASA's $271.7M contract for R&D in space and earth sciences managed by Adnet Systems Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $271,690,898 ($271.7M)
Contractor: Adnet Systems Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-05-15
End Date: 2012-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,330 days
Daily Burn Rate: $116.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE COMPUTER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING THE OPERATING SYSTEM AND APPLICATION SOFTWARE, THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING DATA ANALYSIS SYSTEMS, AND THE ENGINEERING EFFORTS THAT DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION FOR SPACE AND EARTH SCIENCES RESEARCH AT THE GSFC.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGE'S County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $271.7 million to ADNET SYSTEMS INC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE COMPUTER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING THE OPERATING SYSTEM AND APPLICATION SOFTWARE, THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING DATA ANALYSIS SYSTEMS, AND THE ENGINEERING EFFORTS THAT DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR SCIENTIFIC INST… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on computer system management and scientific data analysis for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). 2. Adnet Systems Inc. is the contractor, awarded under full and open competition. 3. The contract spans over 6 years, indicating a significant long-term investment in research and development. 4. Primary sector is Research and Development, specifically in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $271.7 million over approximately 6 years suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the duration and scope imply a significant but potentially reasonable cost for advanced scientific instrumentation and data analysis.
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 was initiated, though specific details on source exclusion are not provided. This method aims for price discovery through competition, but the effectiveness depends on the number and quality of bids received.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards critical scientific research and technological development for space and earth sciences, potentially leading to advancements with broad societal benefits.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge research in space and earth sciences, advancing scientific understanding. Drives technological innovation in scientific instrumentation, potentially leading to new commercial applications. Contributes to NASA's mission objectives and the nation's scientific competitiveness. The development of data analysis systems can improve the interpretation of complex scientific data.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific details on 'exclusion of sources' in competition.
- Potential for cost overruns in long-term R&D projects.
- Dependence on a single contractor (Adnet Systems Inc.) for critical R&D functions.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports critical national scientific research goals.
- Long contract duration suggests stability and commitment to R&D.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for technological advancement and scientific discovery. Benchmarks for similar large-scale R&D contracts would typically involve multi-year funding cycles and significant resource allocation for innovation.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct analysis of small business participation or impact from this specific contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. Further details on specific oversight activities, performance reviews, and accountability measures would be needed for a comprehensive assessment.
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
- Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
- Dependency on contractor's technical expertise.
- Unclear impact of 'exclusion of sources' on competition.
- Long duration may mask performance issues if not actively managed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, dca, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $271.7 million to ADNET SYSTEMS INC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE COMPUTER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING THE OPERATING SYSTEM AND APPLICATION SOFTWARE, THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING DATA ANALYSIS SYSTEMS, AND THE ENGINEERING EFFORTS THAT DEVELOP NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION FOR SPACE AND EARTH SCIENCES RESEARCH AT THE GSFC.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ADNET SYSTEMS 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 $271.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-05-15. End: 2012-09-30.
What specific technological advancements or scientific discoveries have resulted from this contract?
The contract's purpose is to provide computer system management and develop new technology for scientific instrumentation. While the contract facilitated these activities, specific outcomes like groundbreaking discoveries or patented technologies are not detailed in the provided data. Assessing the tangible scientific or technological return on investment would require reviewing project reports and publications stemming from this contract.
How did the 'exclusion of sources' impact the final contract price and competition?
The phrase 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests that while the initial solicitation was open, certain potential bidders were excluded before the final award. The impact on price and competition is unclear without knowing the criteria for exclusion and the number of bidders remaining. It could potentially limit competition and influence the final negotiated price.
What is the long-term strategic value of this R&D investment for NASA's mission?
This contract represents a significant investment in the foundational R&D necessary for NASA's space and earth sciences research. The development of advanced data analysis systems and new instrumentation directly supports NASA's core mission of exploration and scientific discovery. The long-term value lies in enabling future missions, enhancing data interpretation capabilities, and fostering technological leadership in relevant scientific fields.
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: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 164 ROLLINS AVENUE, SUITE 303, ROCKVILLE, MD, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $279,867,949
Exercised Options: $279,867,949
Current Obligation: $271,690,898
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-05-15
Current End Date: 2012-09-30
Potential End Date: 2012-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-09-20
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