NASA's $25.8M Natural Gas Contract Awarded to Symmetry Energy Solutions Under GSA Schedule
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,786,801 ($25.8M)
Contractor: Symmetry Energy Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-10-01
End Date: 2022-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,403 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Energy
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS TO ALLOW THE TRACKING AND PAYING OF INVOICES FOR NATURAL GAS SERVICE AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER AND SONNY CARTER TRAINING FACILITY. THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS ISSUED PER GSA CONTRACT GS-00P-14-BSC-1110.
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77040
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $25.8 million to SYMMETRY ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS TO ALLOW THE TRACKING AND PAYING OF INVOICES FOR NATURAL GAS SERVICE AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER AND SONNY CARTER TRAINING FACILITY. THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS ISSUED PER GSA CONTRACT GS-00P-14-BSC-1110. Key points: 1. Contract covers natural gas services for Johnson Space Center and Sonny Carter Training Facility. 2. Awarded via GSA Schedule, indicating a competitive procurement process. 3. The contract spans nearly 6.7 years, from October 2015 to April 2022. 4. Natural gas distribution is a critical utility service for NASA's operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $25.8M over approximately 6.7 years suggests a reasonable annual expenditure for utility services at a major NASA facility. Benchmarking against similar utility contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under a full and open competition via a GSA Schedule, which typically ensures competitive pricing. The use of a pre-competed schedule likely streamlined the procurement and facilitated price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive pricing achieved through the GSA Schedule and full and open competition for essential utility services.
Public Impact
Ensures reliable energy supply for critical NASA research and training facilities. Supports operational continuity at Johnson Space Center, a hub for human spaceflight. Provides essential services for the Sonny Carter Training Facility. Contributes to the overall functioning of NASA's space exploration programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for price volatility in natural gas markets over the contract duration.
- Dependency on a single vendor for a critical utility service.
Positive Signals
- Leverages existing GSA Schedule for efficient procurement.
- Secures essential utility services for key NASA installations.
- Awarded through full and open competition.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Energy sector, specifically natural gas distribution. Utility services are essential for government operations, and spending benchmarks vary widely based on location, consumption, and market conditions.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a GSA Schedule contract implies a level of pre-competed oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of performance and pricing by NASA and GSA is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Natural Gas Distribution
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for price volatility in natural gas markets.
- Long contract duration may not fully capture market fluctuations.
- Dependency on a single supplier for a critical utility.
Tags
natural-gas-distribution, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $25.8 million to SYMMETRY ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC. IGF::OT::IGF THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS TO ALLOW THE TRACKING AND PAYING OF INVOICES FOR NATURAL GAS SERVICE AT JOHNSON SPACE CENTER AND SONNY CARTER TRAINING FACILITY. THIS DELIVERY ORDER IS ISSUED PER GSA CONTRACT GS-00P-14-BSC-1110.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SYMMETRY ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC.
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 $25.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-10-01. End: 2022-04-30.
What was the average annual cost for natural gas under this contract, and how does it compare to regional benchmarks?
The total contract value of $25.8M over approximately 2403 days (about 6.7 years) equates to an average annual cost of roughly $3.85M. Comparing this to regional natural gas prices for similar consumption volumes at government facilities would reveal if the pricing was competitive and efficient.
What were the primary risks associated with this natural gas supply contract, and how were they mitigated?
Key risks include natural gas price volatility, supply disruptions, and potential contract performance issues. Mitigation strategies might involve fixed-price components, supplier diversification clauses, or robust performance monitoring by NASA. The firm fixed-price structure offers some protection against price fluctuations.
How effectively did the GSA Schedule procurement method ensure value for money for these essential utility services?
The GSA Schedule is designed to offer pre-competed, fair, and reasonable pricing, which generally promotes value for money. Awarding under full and open competition via this schedule suggests a competitive process was followed, likely resulting in a favorable outcome for the government.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Utilities › Natural Gas Distribution › Natural Gas Distribution
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › UTILITIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Centerpoint Energy Services Inc.
Address: 1111 LOUISIANA ST, HOUSTON, TX, 77002
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,801,057
Exercised Options: $27,801,057
Current Obligation: $25,786,801
Actual Outlays: $13,574,437
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00P14BSC1110
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-10-01
Current End Date: 2022-04-30
Potential End Date: 2022-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-04-04
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