NASA's $257M SAMDA Contract Awarded to Science Systems and Applications, Inc. for R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $256,687,397 ($256.7M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-03-01
End Date: 2025-05-31
Contract Duration: 3,013 days
Daily Burn Rate: $85.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT FOR ATMOSPHERES, MODELING, AND DATA ASSIMILATION (SAMDA)
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $256.7 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT FOR ATMOSPHERES, MODELING, AND DATA ASSIMILATION (SAMDA) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Full and open competition was utilized after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. The sector is Research and Development, a critical area for technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $256.7M over approximately 8 years suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts would be necessary for a precise pricing assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method suggests a competitive bidding process was initiated, but specific sources were excluded. This could impact the breadth of competition and potentially the final price.
Taxpayer Impact: The significant contract value implies substantial taxpayer investment in scientific research and development.
Public Impact
Supports critical atmospheric research and data assimilation, potentially impacting climate modeling and weather forecasting. Funds advanced scientific research, contributing to NASA's mission and technological innovation. The long duration of the contract suggests a sustained commitment to the research area. The contract's focus on R&D can lead to breakthroughs with broad societal benefits.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Exclusion of sources in competition may limit price discovery.
- Long contract duration increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research and development.
- Utilizes a competitive bidding process.
- Long-term investment in a key technological area.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be subject to long development cycles and uncertain outcomes.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus, as the 'sb' field is false. This suggests the prime contractor is likely a larger entity, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and the long duration of the contract. NASA's program management and contracting officers will need to ensure rigorous monitoring of costs and performance to safeguard taxpayer funds.
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
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Exclusion of sources in competition.
- Long contract duration.
- Research and Development inherently carries uncertainty of outcome.
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 $256.7 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT FOR ATMOSPHERES, MODELING, AND DATA ASSIMILATION (SAMDA)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, 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 $256.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-03-01. End: 2025-05-31.
What specific advancements or deliverables are expected from the SAMDA research and development efforts?
The SAMDA contract aims to advance research in atmospheres, modeling, and data assimilation. Expected deliverables likely include improved scientific models for climate and weather, enhanced data processing techniques, and potentially new technologies for atmospheric observation. Specific advancements would be detailed in NASA's research objectives and the contractor's technical proposals.
How does the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process impact the overall risk to the government?
Excluding sources can limit the pool of potential bidders, potentially reducing competitive pressure and leading to higher prices or less innovative solutions. The risk is mitigated if the excluded sources were genuinely unqualified or if the remaining competition was robust. A thorough justification for exclusion is necessary to ensure fair competition and value for taxpayer money.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of this R&D contract?
Effectiveness KPIs for this R&D contract would likely focus on scientific milestones achieved, the accuracy and utility of developed models, successful data assimilation, and timely delivery of research findings. Peer review of published research, successful integration of new technologies into NASA missions, and adherence to budget and schedule would also be critical measures.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG15543215R
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10210 GREENBELT RD STE 600, LANHAM, MD, 20706
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $298,177,085
Exercised Options: $298,177,085
Current Obligation: $256,687,397
Actual Outlays: $195,759,675
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 124
Total Subaward Amount: $176,208,696
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-03-01
Current End Date: 2025-05-31
Potential End Date: 2025-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
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