NASA awards $28.5M for Goddard Space Flight Center facility design and construction services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,495,247 ($28.5M)
Contractor: Ptsi Managed Services Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2013-05-31
End Date: 2016-04-18
Contract Duration: 1,053 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH A MULTITUDE OF SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH FACILITY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, AND OTHER RELATED TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC). FUNDS FOR C2316-3000.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $28.5 million to PTSI MANAGED SERVICES INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH A MULTITUDE OF SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH FACILITY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, AND OTHER RELATED TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC). FUNDS FOR C2316-3000. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract's duration of 1053 days indicates a significant, multi-year project. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. The award was a delivery order, implying it was part of a larger contract vehicle. 5. The contractor, PTSI Managed Services Inc., is responsible for facility design and construction. 6. The project is located in Maryland, impacting the local economy and workforce.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $28.5 million for facility design and construction services at a major NASA center appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction and design contracts for federal facilities suggests this price point is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost control, though the ultimate value depends on the efficiency of the contractor and the accuracy of the initial design and construction estimates.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific delivery order. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, a competitive process was indeed followed, allowing for price discovery and selection of the most advantageous offer.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for the government by encouraging multiple firms to offer their best pricing and technical solutions.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the Goddard Space Flight Center, which will receive updated or new facilities to support its scientific and engineering missions. Services delivered include facility design, construction, and related technical support, crucial for maintaining and advancing space exploration infrastructure. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, potentially creating jobs and stimulating economic activity within the state. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for architects, engineers, construction workers, and project managers in the Maryland region.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen construction challenges arise, despite the fixed-price nature.
- Dependence on contractor performance for timely completion and adherence to quality standards.
- Risk of scope creep if project requirements evolve significantly during the contract period.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a structured procurement process.
- Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Contractor PTSI Managed Services Inc. has experience in government contracting.
- Project supports critical infrastructure for a key NASA facility.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, a significant segment of the federal contracting market. Federal spending in construction and facility management is substantial, driven by the need to maintain and modernize aging infrastructure across various agencies. This specific contract supports a high-profile research and development facility, aligning with broader government investments in science and technology.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, the subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the terms of the prime contract and the prime contractor's subcontracting plan. Without specific subcontracting data, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem, though larger prime contractors often utilize small businesses for specialized services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by NASA's contracting officers and project managers at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver within the agreed-upon cost. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General's office for NASA would have jurisdiction over potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Operations Support Contracts
- Federal Building and Facility Construction Projects
- Architectural and Engineering Services for Government Facilities
- Defense and Aerospace Facility Modernization
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen site conditions arise.
- Risk of schedule delays impacting NASA's operational timelines.
- Quality control challenges in large-scale construction projects.
- Contractor performance variability.
Tags
nasa, construction, facility-design, facility-construction, maryland, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, commercial-and-institutional-building-construction, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $28.5 million to PTSI MANAGED SERVICES INC. IGF::OT::IGF THE CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH A MULTITUDE OF SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH FACILITY DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, AND OTHER RELATED TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (GSFC). FUNDS FOR C2316-3000.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PTSI MANAGED SERVICES 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 $28.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-05-31. End: 2016-04-18.
What is the track record of PTSI Managed Services Inc. with NASA and similar federal agencies?
To assess PTSI Managed Services Inc.'s track record, one would examine their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those with NASA and other agencies involved in facility design and construction. This involves reviewing contract histories for on-time delivery, adherence to budget, quality of work, and any past performance issues or disputes. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) are crucial resources for this analysis. A history of successful project completion and positive performance reviews would indicate lower risk, while a pattern of issues might suggest higher risk for this current contract.
How does the awarded price compare to similar facility construction contracts at other NASA centers or comparable federal research facilities?
Benchmarking this $28.5 million contract against similar facility construction projects requires identifying comparable contracts based on scope (e.g., size, complexity, type of facility), location, and time of award. Data from FPDS can be used to find contracts for institutional building construction at other NASA centers (like Johnson, Kennedy, Ames) or other federal R&D facilities (e.g., NIH, DOE labs). Adjustments for inflation and regional cost differences would be necessary for a precise comparison. If this contract's cost per square foot or per major component is significantly higher than benchmarks, it could indicate potential value-for-money concerns.
What are the primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for facility design and construction of this magnitude?
The primary risk with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract of this magnitude ($28.5 million) lies with the contractor, who assumes the risk of cost overruns. However, risks for the government can still exist. These include potential impacts on quality if the contractor seeks to cut costs, delays if the contractor faces financial difficulties or unforeseen issues, and the possibility of contractor default. For the government, a key risk is ensuring adequate oversight to prevent subpar work or scope creep that could lead to change orders, which can erode the FFP benefit. Thorough initial requirements definition and robust project management are critical to mitigate these risks.
How effective are the oversight mechanisms for ensuring the successful completion of facility design and construction projects at NASA?
NASA generally employs robust oversight mechanisms for its facility design and construction projects, given the critical nature of its missions and the significant investments involved. These typically include dedicated project management teams, regular site inspections, quality assurance reviews, and adherence to strict engineering and safety standards. The use of contract clauses requiring detailed reporting, progress meetings, and independent government quality assurance personnel helps ensure accountability. The effectiveness can vary based on the specific project team's experience, resources allocated for oversight, and the contractor's cooperation. NASA's Inspector General also provides an independent layer of oversight.
What has been the historical spending trend for facility design and construction services at Goddard Space Flight Center over the last 5-10 years?
Analyzing historical spending trends for facility design and construction at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) would involve querying federal procurement databases (like FPDS) for contracts awarded to GSFC within these categories over a specified period. This would reveal the total annual spending, the types of services procured (design, new construction, renovation, maintenance), the primary contractors, and the average contract values. Understanding these trends can help contextualize the $28.5 million award, indicating whether it represents a typical investment level, an increase, or a decrease in spending for facility infrastructure at GSFC. It also highlights any shifts in procurement strategies or contractor base.
What is the potential impact of this contract on small businesses, considering it was not a small business set-aside?
Since this contract was awarded under full and open competition and was not specifically set aside for small businesses, its direct impact on small businesses is primarily through potential subcontracting opportunities. The prime contractor, PTSI Managed Services Inc., may engage small businesses for specialized design, construction, or support services. The extent of this subcontracting depends on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and the specific needs of the project. While not a direct award, successful subcontracting can provide valuable experience and revenue streams for small businesses within the aerospace and construction sectors.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, ALTER REAL PROPERTY › MAINT, ALTER, REPAIR NONBUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 100 W WALNUT ST, PASADENA, CA, 91124
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,495,247
Exercised Options: $28,495,247
Current Obligation: $28,495,247
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG11AZ08C
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2013-05-31
Current End Date: 2016-04-18
Potential End Date: 2016-04-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-02-17
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