NASA awards $96.7M contract for Science Mission Directorate support, including proposal evaluation and research strategy development
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $96,683,376 ($96.7M)
Contractor: Arctic Slope Technical Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2016-02-01
End Date: 2021-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $52.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGFS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATES (SMDS) SOLICITATION AND PEER REVIEW PROGRAM PORTFOLIO AS DESCRIBED IN THE REMAINDER OF THIS STATEMENT OF WORK. THE PORTFOLIO CONSISTS OF SOLICITATIONS, SUBORDINATE PROGRAM ELEMENTS, SCIENCE PLANNING WORKSHOPS, AND AD HOC MEETINGS THAT SUPPORT THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OR DEFINITION OF SMDS STRATEGIC RESEARCH OBJECTIVES. THE CONTRACTOR'S ACTIVITIES ASSIST NASA WITH DEVELOPING AND ANNOUNCING RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES; RECEIVING, PROCESSING, AND EVALUATING PROPOSALS; AND MAKING SELECTION DECISIONS THAT RESULT IN RESEARCH AWARDS. THE CONTRACTOR'S WORK ALSO FACILITATES SCIENCE COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS PARTICIPATION IN EVENTS THAT ADVANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NASAS RESEARCH STRATEGY.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20546
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $96.7 million to ARCTIC SLOPE TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGFS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATES (SMDS) SOLICITATION AND PEER REVIEW PROGRAM PORTFOLIO AS DESCRIBED IN THE REMAINDER OF THIS STATEMENT OF WORK. THE PORTFOLIO CONSISTS OF SOLICITATIONS, SUBORDINATE PROGRAM ELEMENTS, SCIENCE PLANNING WORKS… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorates (SMD) by managing solicitations, peer reviews, and proposal evaluations. 2. Key activities include assisting in the development and announcement of research opportunities and facilitating community participation in strategy development. 3. The contractor plays a crucial role in the selection process for research awards, impacting the direction of NASA's scientific endeavors. 4. This contract aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of NASA's research funding and strategic planning processes.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $96.7 million over five years appears reasonable for comprehensive support of NASA's Science Mission Directorate's solicitation and peer review processes. Benchmarking against similar large-scale scientific program management contracts would provide further context.
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 bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair pricing and ensure the best value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical scientific research support.
Public Impact
Supports the advancement of scientific research by streamlining the proposal and selection process. Facilitates community engagement in shaping NASA's future research directions. Ensures efficient management of research opportunities and awards. Contributes to NASA's strategic goals in scientific exploration and discovery.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Competitive award process
- Clear statement of work
- Support for strategic research objectives
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting administrative and program management functions for a major government science agency. Spending in this area is critical for the effective execution of research initiatives.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which has established oversight mechanisms for its procurement and program execution. The specific oversight details for this delivery order would be within NASA's internal processes.
Related Government Programs
- Office Administrative Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Reliance on contractor for critical administrative functions
- Need for continuous performance monitoring
Tags
office-administrative-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $96.7 million to ARCTIC SLOPE TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGFS THE CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPORT THE SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATES (SMDS) SOLICITATION AND PEER REVIEW PROGRAM PORTFOLIO AS DESCRIBED IN THE REMAINDER OF THIS STATEMENT OF WORK. THE PORTFOLIO CONSISTS OF SOLICITATIONS, SUBORDINATE PROGRAM ELEMENTS, SCIENCE PLANNING WORKSHOPS, AND AD HOC MEETINGS THAT SUPPORT THE CONCEPTUALIZATION OR DEFINITION OF SMDS STRATEGIC RESEARCH OBJECTIVES. THE CONTRACTOR'S ACTIVITIES ASSIST NASA WITH DEVELOPING AND ANNOUNCING RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES; RECEIVING,
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ARCTIC SLOPE TECHNICAL 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 $96.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-02-01. End: 2021-01-31.
What is the specific impact of the contractor's support on the timeliness and quality of NASA's research proposal evaluations?
The contractor's support is intended to streamline the solicitation and peer review process, directly impacting the timeliness of proposal evaluations. By managing the intake, processing, and initial assessment of proposals, the contractor frees up NASA scientists to focus on the scientific merit. The quality is influenced by the contractor's ability to ensure all documentation is complete and properly routed for expert review, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the selection process.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for such a critical function in the research lifecycle?
Relying on a single contractor for critical functions like proposal evaluation carries risks such as potential vendor lock-in, reduced incentive for innovation if performance is not rigorously monitored, and vulnerability to disruptions if the contractor faces financial or operational issues. Ensuring robust performance metrics, clear contract terms, and contingency plans are essential to mitigate these risks and maintain the integrity of NASA's research funding process.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's overall effectiveness in achieving its scientific research objectives?
This contract is vital for NASA's effectiveness by ensuring a structured and efficient process for identifying, evaluating, and funding cutting-edge research. By managing the administrative and logistical complexities of solicitations and peer reviews, the contractor allows NASA's scientific leadership to concentrate on strategic priorities and scientific merit. This focused approach enhances the agency's ability to select high-impact research, ultimately contributing to the achievement of its broader scientific exploration and discovery goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (UEI: 076637073)
Address: 7000 MUIRKIRK MEADOWS DR, BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $117,498,664
Exercised Options: $117,498,664
Current Obligation: $96,683,376
Actual Outlays: $29,020,318
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNH16CO92B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-02-01
Current End Date: 2021-01-31
Potential End Date: 2021-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
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