NASA Awards $182.7M for Safety & Mission Assurance Services to ARES Technical Services Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $182,732,188 ($182.7M)
Contractor: Ares Technical Services Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-06-01
End Date: 2019-11-30
Contract Duration: 2,738 days
Daily Burn Rate: $66.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE SERVICES (SMAS) SUPPORT AS NECESSARY TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT OF WORK. ON-SITE IS REQUIRED PRIMARILY FOR THOSE SMA ACTIVITIES PERFORMED DIRECTLY ON CENTER SUPPORTING SPACECRAFT AND INSTRUMENTS BEING DEVELOPED IN-HOUSE, WHEREAS, OFF-SITE SMA SUPPORT IS REQUIRED FOR SPACECRAFT AND INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT BEING DEVELOPED BY INDUSTRY, UNIVERSITIES, OTHER NASA CENTERS AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS. IN GENERAL, ON-SITE SUPPORT REQUIRES MORE TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROVIDING GREATER INSIGHT OVER DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS. OFF-SITE SUPPORT GENERALLY REQUIRES LESS TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROVIDING GENERAL OVER-SIGHT OF THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS. INSIGHT AND SUPPORT IN OVERSIGHT ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS: - INSIGHT - INSTITUTIONAL OBSERVER OF TECHNICAL AND SAFETY ADEQUACY OF THE PRODUCT, EVALUATES COMPLIANCE WITH TECHNICAL AND SAFETY STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS. - OVERSIGHT MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS TO NASA CIVIL SERVANTS TO PERMIT IT TO DIRECT AND APPROVE ITS CONTRACTORS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL EVALUATE COMPLIANCE WITH MISSION PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO NASA CIVIL SERVANTS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH QUALIFIED PERSONNEL, MATERIALS, FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED, NECESSARY TO PROVIDE SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE SERVICES SUPPORT TO THE SMA DIRECTORATE.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $182.7 million to ARES TECHNICAL SERVICES CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE SERVICES (SMAS) SUPPORT AS NECESSARY TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT OF WORK. ON-SITE IS REQUIRED PRIMARILY FOR THOSE SMA ACTIVITIES PERFORMED DIRECTL… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical safety and mission assurance support across various NASA projects. 2. Services include both on-site and off-site support, with on-site requiring more technical depth. 3. The contract spans over 7 years, indicating a long-term need for these specialized services. 4. ARES Technical Services Corporation is the sole awardee under this specific contract vehicle.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award value is substantial, but without specific unit cost data, a direct comparison is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant value of this contract means that ensuring competitive pricing is crucial for taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Ensures safety and reliability of NASA's spacecraft and instrument development. Supports both in-house NASA projects and external partnerships with industry and universities. Contributes to the successful execution of complex space missions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 67 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may impact cost-effectiveness.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
- Lack of detailed unit cost data hinders precise value assessment.
Positive Signals
- Essential services for critical NASA operations.
- Long-term contract indicates sustained need and potential for stable support.
- Broad scope of support (on-site/off-site) addresses diverse project needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is vital for technological advancement but requires rigorous oversight to ensure efficiency.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as the awardee is ARES TECHNICAL SERVICES CORPORATION. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract specifies both on-site and off-site support, requiring different levels of oversight. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method suggests a specific justification for limiting the pool of bidders, which warrants scrutiny.
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
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
- Lack of transparency in the exclusion of sources.
- Difficulty in benchmarking performance without detailed metrics.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $182.7 million to ARES TECHNICAL SERVICES CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE SERVICES (SMAS) SUPPORT AS NECESSARY TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT OF WORK. ON-SITE IS REQUIRED PRIMARILY FOR THOSE SMA ACTIVITIES PERFORMED DIRECTLY ON CENTER SUPPORTING SPACECRAFT AND INSTRUMENTS BEING DEVELOPED IN-HOUSE, WHEREAS, OFF-SITE SMA SUPPORT IS REQUIRED FOR SPACECRAFT AND INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT BEING DEVELOPED BY INDUSTRY, UNIVERSITIES, OTHER NASA CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ARES TECHNICAL SERVICES 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 $182.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-06-01. End: 2019-11-30.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the safety and mission assurance services provided?
The effectiveness of safety and mission assurance services is typically evaluated through a combination of metrics such as incident/accident rates, adherence to safety protocols, successful mission outcomes, and timely identification and mitigation of risks. Specific performance standards and key performance indicators (KPIs) should be detailed within the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and monitored through regular performance reviews.
How does NASA ensure that the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' structure does not lead to excessive contractor profits or inefficient cost management?
NASA employs several mechanisms to manage Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts. These include detailed cost audits, establishing realistic cost estimates, setting clear performance expectations, and implementing robust oversight. The 'fixed fee' portion is negotiated upfront, and any cost savings or overruns beyond a certain threshold are typically shared between NASA and the contractor according to pre-defined terms, incentivizing cost control.
What was the justification for excluding other potential sources in this 'limited competition' award?
The justification for excluding other sources in a limited competition award typically stems from specific technical requirements, unique capabilities of the incumbent or sole-source provider, urgency of the requirement, or previous performance history that makes them the only viable option. NASA would have documented this justification, often related to specialized expertise in safety and mission assurance for their unique programs.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG11346309R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1440 CHAPIN AVE STE 390, BURLINGAME, CA, 94010
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $216,000,000
Exercised Options: $216,000,000
Current Obligation: $182,732,188
Actual Outlays: $8,000,570
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 6
Total Subaward Amount: $9,719,437
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-06-01
Current End Date: 2019-11-30
Potential End Date: 2019-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-30
More Contracts from Ares Technical Services Corporation
- Kennedy Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program (LX) Support Services Contract Three (klxs III) — $111.3M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Perform a Wide Variety of Professional Safety Services — $31.6M (Department of Defense)
View all Ares Technical Services Corporation federal contracts →
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 →