NASA awards $17.6M contract for calibration and metrology services to Rohmann Services, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,617,592 ($17.6M)
Contractor: Rohmann Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2006-06-01
End Date: 2011-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CALIBRATION AND METROLOGY SERVICES (CAMS)
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $17.6 million to ROHMANN SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CALIBRATION AND METROLOGY SERVICES (CAMS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 2. The contract duration of 1825 days (5 years) suggests a long-term need for these specialized services. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but requires careful oversight. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541380 points to a specialized testing and laboratory services sector. 5. The award was made to a single contractor, Rohmann Services, Inc., for the entire duration. 6. The contract was awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), a high-profile agency.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure means the final cost could vary. However, the fixed fee component provides some predictability. Comparing this to similar calibration and metrology services contracts would require access to more granular data on scope and deliverables.
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.' This suggests that while the competition was open, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria, possibly related to qualifications or prior performance. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a broad solicitation.
Taxpayer Impact: This competitive approach aims to ensure fair pricing and access for qualified vendors, potentially leading to better value for taxpayers compared to sole-source awards.
Public Impact
This contract supports NASA's mission-critical calibration and metrology needs, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of scientific instruments and equipment. The services provided are essential for maintaining the integrity of research, development, and operational activities within NASA. The geographic impact is primarily centered around NASA facilities, likely in Texas where the contractor is located. The contract supports specialized technical roles within the metrology and calibration field.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
- The exclusion of sources in the competition, even if justified, warrants scrutiny to ensure fairness and optimal market engagement.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the full value and efficiency of the services rendered.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting a degree of market validation.
- The long contract duration indicates a stable and ongoing need for these critical services.
- The contractor, Rohmann Services, Inc., has secured a significant contract with a major federal agency.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on testing laboratories and services (NAICS 541380). This sector is crucial for industries requiring high precision and accuracy, such as aerospace, defense, and research. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for specialized equipment calibration, validation, and certification to meet stringent regulatory and operational standards.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that small business set-aside was not utilized for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from set-aside provisions for this particular award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by NASA contracting officers and program managers. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust financial oversight to monitor costs against the fixed fee and ensure compliance with contract terms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of performance and cost may not always be publicly accessible.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Federal Metrology and Calibration Services
- Scientific and Technical Services Contracts
- Aerospace Testing and Evaluation
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Competition method 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' warrants review of exclusion justification.
Tags
calibration-and-metrology, nasa, rohmnn-services-inc, cost-plus-fixed-fee, definitive-contract, full-and-open-competition, testing-laboratories-and-services, professional-scientific-and-technical-services, texas, large-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $17.6 million to ROHMANN SERVICES, INC.. CALIBRATION AND METROLOGY SERVICES (CAMS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROHMANN 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 $17.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-06-01. End: 2011-05-31.
What is the track record of Rohmann Services, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly with NASA?
Information on Rohmann Services, Inc.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially with NASA, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive analysis would require accessing federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG or SAM.gov to review past awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of contract modifications, disputes, or terminations. Understanding their past performance, especially on similar cost-plus contracts, is crucial for assessing the risk and reliability associated with this current award.
How does the $17.6 million total value compare to similar calibration and metrology service contracts?
The total contract value of $17.6 million over five years averages to approximately $3.52 million per year. To benchmark this, one would need to compare it against other federal contracts for calibration and metrology services, considering factors like the scope of work, specific equipment calibrated, geographic location, and contract type. Without access to a broader dataset of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state whether this represents high, low, or average spending. However, for a specialized agency like NASA, this value appears reasonable for comprehensive metrology support over a multi-year period.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for calibration services?
The primary risks with a CPFF contract for calibration services revolve around cost control and contractor incentive. While the fixed fee provides the contractor with a guaranteed profit margin, the 'cost plus' portion means the government reimburses allowable costs. If not managed rigorously, this can lead to cost overruns as the contractor may have less incentive to minimize expenses compared to a fixed-price contract. For calibration services, risks include potential scope creep, inaccurate cost estimation for specialized tasks, and ensuring that all reimbursed costs are directly and necessarily related to the contract's objectives. Effective oversight is paramount to mitigate these risks.
How effective is 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' in ensuring value for money?
This type of competition aims to balance broad market access with specific requirements. By excluding certain sources, the agency might be targeting vendors with unique capabilities or those who have demonstrated past performance. When executed properly, it can still foster significant competition among the remaining eligible bidders, driving competitive pricing and innovation. However, the effectiveness hinges on the justification for exclusion; if the exclusion is too narrow or arbitrary, it could limit competition and potentially lead to higher prices or less optimal solutions. Transparency in the exclusion rationale is key to assessing its impact on value for money.
What is the historical spending trend for calibration and metrology services at NASA?
Analyzing historical spending trends for calibration and metrology services at NASA would require a multi-year review of procurement data. This contract, awarded in 2006 and ending in 2011, represents a specific period. To understand trends, one would need to examine spending patterns before and after this contract, as well as identify other contracts awarded for similar services across different NASA centers. Factors influencing trends could include shifts in research priorities, budget allocations, technological advancements requiring new calibration standards, and changes in contracting strategies (e.g., moving towards consolidated or decentralized service contracts).
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2349 S WW WHITE RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78222
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,407,911
Exercised Options: $18,407,911
Current Obligation: $17,617,592
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-06-01
Current End Date: 2011-05-31
Potential End Date: 2011-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-02-27
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