NASA's JPSS satellite data services contract awarded for over $29.5M, supporting critical global change observation missions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,550,181 ($29.6M)
Contractor: Direktoratet for Romvirksomhet
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-08-14
End Date: 2017-08-13
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTIONS COMBINED DATA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM (JPSS) PROGRAM. THIS CONTRACT WILL ALLOW FOR THE UTILIZATION OF THE SVALBARD SATELLITE STATION GROUND STATION AND OTHER NSC DATA SERVICES RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE JPSS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS GLOBAL CHANGE OBSERVATION MISSION WATER 1, SUOMI NATIONAL POLAR-ORBITING PARTNERSHIP (NPP) MISSION, AND JPSS-1 MISSION. THE CONTRACT PRIMARILY PROVIDES SATELLITE DATA ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES FOR CURRENT POLAR ORBITING SATELLITES, AND ALSO INCLUDES MISSION PLANNING AND RELATED SUPPORT ACTIVITIES FOR THE JPSS PROGRAM AND FOR THE JPSS-1 MISSION.
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $29.6 million to DIREKTORATET FOR ROMVIRKSOMHET for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTIONS COMBINED DATA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM (JPSS) PROGRAM. THIS CONTRACT WILL ALLOW FOR THE UTILIZATION OF THE SVALBARD SATELLITE STATION GROUND STATION AND OTHER NSC DATA SERVICES RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE JPSS PROGRAM REQU… Key points: 1. Contract provides essential satellite data acquisition and distribution for polar orbiting satellites. 2. Supports vital missions including Global Change Observation Mission - Water 1, Suomi NPP, and JPSS-1. 3. Includes mission planning and related support activities, crucial for ongoing satellite operations. 4. Contract duration of 5 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 5. Awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competitive pricing and innovation. 6. Services are critical for understanding global environmental changes and weather patterns.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $29.5 million over five years for satellite data services appears reasonable given the critical nature of the JPSS program. However, without specific benchmarks for similar satellite ground station and data services, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the lack of competition limits the opportunity for potential cost savings through a competitive bidding process. Further analysis would require comparing this contract's unit costs for data acquisition and processing against industry standards or other government contracts for similar services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. The rationale for this approach is not detailed in the provided data, but it suggests that only one vendor was deemed capable of providing the required specialized satellite data services. This lack of competition means that NASA did not benefit from a bidding process that could have potentially driven down costs or spurred innovation from multiple offerors. The absence of competition limits the ability to benchmark pricing against market alternatives.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without a bidding process, there is less assurance that the price reflects the most economical option available.
Public Impact
Benefits scientists and policymakers by providing crucial data for climate and weather research. Delivers essential satellite data for monitoring global environmental changes and natural disasters. Supports the operational continuity of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program. Enables continued data acquisition and distribution from current and future polar-orbiting satellites. Impacts national security and public safety through improved weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits price discovery and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
- Lack of competition may reduce incentives for contractor to innovate or improve service efficiency.
- Contract duration of five years without re-competition could lead to vendor lock-in.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential services for critical national and international scientific missions.
- Contract ensures continuity of vital satellite data for climate and weather research.
- Fixed-price contract offers cost certainty for the duration of the award.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the broader aerospace and information technology sectors, specifically focusing on satellite ground systems and data services. The market for such specialized services is typically characterized by high barriers to entry due to technological complexity and significant capital investment. Companies operating in this space often possess unique expertise in satellite operations, data processing, and ground station management. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more granular data on the specific services provided, but government spending on satellite operations and data management is substantial, reflecting the strategic importance of space-based assets.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract, nor does it mention subcontracting plans specifically targeting small businesses. Given the specialized nature of satellite data services and ground station operations, it is possible that the prime contractor is a large, established entity. Further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or if there are opportunities for their participation in future procurements of this nature.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specific oversight mechanisms are not detailed, but typically include contract performance monitoring, financial reviews, and adherence to technical requirements. NASA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases and public reporting, though detailed operational performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.
Related Government Programs
- NOAA JPSS Program
- NASA Satellite Operations
- Space-Based Environmental Monitoring
- Polar-Orbiting Satellite Data Services
- Ground Station Operations
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Potential lack of competitive pricing
- Reliance on a single provider for critical services
Tags
nasa, satellite-data-services, jpcss, polar-orbiting-satellites, sole-source, firm-fixed-price, it-services, computer-systems-design, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, global-change-observation, weather-forecasting, climate-monitoring
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $29.6 million to DIREKTORATET FOR ROMVIRKSOMHET. IGF::CT::IGF CRITICAL FUNCTIONS COMBINED DATA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE JOINT POLAR SATELLITE SYSTEM (JPSS) PROGRAM. THIS CONTRACT WILL ALLOW FOR THE UTILIZATION OF THE SVALBARD SATELLITE STATION GROUND STATION AND OTHER NSC DATA SERVICES RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THE JPSS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS GLOBAL CHANGE OBSERVATION MISSION WATER 1, SUOMI NATIONAL POLAR-ORBITING PARTNERSHIP (NPP) MISSION, AND JPSS-1 MISSION. THE CONTRACT PRIMARILY PROVIDES SATELLITE DATA ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES FOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DIREKTORATET FOR ROMVIRKSOMHET.
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 $29.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-08-14. End: 2017-08-13.
What is the track record of DIREKTORATET FOR ROMVIRKSOMHET (Norwegian Space Agency) in providing similar satellite data services to the US government?
The provided data indicates that the contractor is DIREKTORATET FOR ROMVIRKSOMHET, which is the Norwegian Space Agency. This suggests the contract is an international collaboration or a service procured from a foreign entity. Information regarding the Norwegian Space Agency's specific track record in providing satellite data services directly to the US government, particularly NASA, is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such contracts would involve rigorous vetting of foreign partners' capabilities, security protocols, and past performance. Further research into the agency's history with US federal agencies, especially NASA, would be necessary to fully assess their track record for this specific contract. Without this context, it's difficult to evaluate their experience beyond their general role as a national space agency.
How does the cost of this contract compare to similar satellite data acquisition and distribution services procured by other US federal agencies?
A direct cost comparison is challenging without access to detailed pricing structures and service level agreements for comparable contracts. The total value of $29.5 million over five years averages to approximately $5.9 million per year. This figure encompasses data acquisition, distribution, mission planning, and ground station utilization. Agencies like NOAA, which also operates polar-orbiting satellites, procure similar services. However, contract specifics, including the volume of data, the number of satellites supported, and the complexity of processing, vary significantly. The sole-source nature of this award also limits the ability to benchmark against competitively bid contracts, which often yield lower prices. A thorough comparison would require analyzing unit costs for data volume, processing time, and ground station access across multiple agency contracts.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical satellite data services?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for critical satellite data services include potential overpricing due to the lack of competitive pressure, reduced incentive for the contractor to innovate or improve service efficiency, and the risk of vendor lock-in. Without competition, taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value for their money. Furthermore, if the sole-source provider experiences performance issues, financial instability, or decides to exit the market, NASA could face significant disruptions to the JPSS program, as finding and transitioning to a new provider would be complex and time-consuming. The lack of alternative providers also means less leverage for NASA in negotiating terms and conditions.
What is the expected impact of these services on the continuity and effectiveness of the JPSS program?
These services are fundamental to the continuity and effectiveness of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program. The contract ensures the reliable acquisition and distribution of data from current and future polar-orbiting satellites, which are essential for monitoring weather, climate, and environmental hazards. By covering mission planning and related support activities, the contract helps maintain the operational integrity of the satellite constellation. The utilization of the Svalbard Satellite Station ground station and other NSC data services resources provides critical infrastructure for data downlink and processing. Without these services, the JPSS program would be unable to collect, process, and disseminate the vital data needed for forecasting, climate research, and disaster management, significantly impacting its overall effectiveness.
How has federal spending on satellite data services evolved, and where does this contract fit within that trend?
Federal spending on satellite data services has generally increased over the years, driven by the growing reliance on space-based assets for national security, scientific research, weather forecasting, and environmental monitoring. Agencies like NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Defense consistently invest in satellite operations, data acquisition, and processing. This $29.5 million contract for JPSS data services represents a significant, albeit specific, investment within this broader trend. It reflects the ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing capabilities for polar-orbiting satellite missions, which are crucial for understanding global change. The trend is towards more sophisticated data analysis and integration, requiring robust data services infrastructure, making contracts like this essential for fulfilling program objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Nærings- OG Fiskeridepartementet
Address: DRAMMENSVEIEN 165, OSLO
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $31,005,388
Exercised Options: $31,005,388
Current Obligation: $29,550,181
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-08-14
Current End Date: 2017-08-13
Potential End Date: 2017-08-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-10-07
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