NASA awards $10.7M contract for force measurement support, highlighting long-term R&D investment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,732,929 ($10.7M)
Contractor: Modern Machine and Tool Company Incorporated
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-10-31
End Date: 2008-10-31
Contract Duration: 1,827 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PROVIDE FORCE MEASUREMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: NEWPORT NEWS, NEWPORT NEWS (CITY) County, VIRGINIA, 23606, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $10.7 million to MODERN MACHINE AND TOOL COMPANY INCORPORATED for work described as: PROVIDE FORCE MEASUREMENT SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant, multi-year commitment to specialized R&D services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized services. 3. Long contract duration (5 years) may indicate stable, ongoing needs for force measurement. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. Contract awarded to Modern Machine and Tool Company Incorporated, a single entity. 6. The contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically physical sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $10.7 million over five years averages approximately $2.14 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar force measurement support contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests that the agency has a clear understanding of the scope and cost, aiming for predictable expenditures. The long duration implies a stable, ongoing need that the agency has budgeted for, potentially indicating good value if the services consistently meet requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions to win the contract. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that the market for force measurement support services is robust enough to support multiple capable providers.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs through market forces, ensuring that the government receives competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which receives essential force measurement support services. These services are critical for research and development activities, likely supporting aerospace engineering, testing, and validation. The contract's duration suggests a sustained impact on NASA's operational capabilities in Virginia. The workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled engineers and technicians at Modern Machine and Tool Company Incorporated.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical R&D support services poses a risk.
- Firm Fixed Price contracts can sometimes lead to scope creep if not meticulously defined.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition indicates a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
- Firm Fixed Price contract shifts risk to the contractor, potentially saving costs if managed well.
- Long-term contract suggests stable funding and consistent support for critical NASA functions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This sector is characterized by innovation and specialized scientific expertise. The market for force measurement support services is niche, requiring highly technical capabilities and often involving custom solutions for complex engineering challenges, particularly within the aerospace industry.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a full and open competition, it's possible that small businesses could have participated, but the award went to a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, but for a contract of this nature and duration, it's common for prime contractors to engage small businesses for specialized components or services, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a firm fixed-price contract, oversight would focus on ensuring the contractor meets the defined performance standards and deliverables within the agreed-upon price. NASA's contracting officers and technical representatives would monitor progress, quality, and compliance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific internal oversight mechanisms are not detailed here.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Aerospace Engineering Support Services
- Force Measurement Technology
- Physical Sciences Research Contracts
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Single awardee for critical support
- Potential for cost overruns if R&D scope is underestimated by contractor
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, force-measurement, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, engineering-services, physical-sciences, virginia, large-contract, multi-year
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $10.7 million to MODERN MACHINE AND TOOL COMPANY INCORPORATED. PROVIDE FORCE MEASUREMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MODERN MACHINE AND TOOL COMPANY INCORPORATED.
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 $10.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-10-31. End: 2008-10-31.
What is the historical spending trend for force measurement support services at NASA?
Analyzing historical spending trends for force measurement support services at NASA requires access to detailed procurement data beyond this single contract. This $10.7 million award from 2003-2008 represents a specific investment in R&D. To understand trends, one would need to examine contract awards under relevant NAICS codes (like 541710) and Product Service Codes (PSCs) related to measurement, testing, and engineering support over multiple fiscal years. Factors influencing trends could include shifts in NASA's research priorities, budget allocations, and technological advancements in force measurement. Without a broader dataset, it's difficult to ascertain if this contract reflects an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending in this specific service area.
How does the annual value of this contract compare to other NASA R&D contracts?
This contract, valued at approximately $2.14 million per year ($10.7M / 5 years), falls within a moderate range for NASA's Research and Development (R&D) procurements. NASA engages in a wide spectrum of R&D activities, from fundamental research to large-scale engineering projects. Smaller contracts might focus on specific studies or component development, potentially in the hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Conversely, major space missions, advanced propulsion systems, or large-scale technology development programs can involve R&D contracts worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Therefore, this force measurement support contract represents a significant but not exceptionally large investment, likely supporting a critical but focused area of NASA's R&D portfolio.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically associated with force measurement support contracts?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for force measurement support contracts typically revolve around accuracy, reliability, timeliness, and compliance. For accuracy, this could include meeting specific tolerance levels for measurements, calibration standards adherence, and minimizing measurement uncertainty. Reliability KPIs might focus on equipment uptime, failure rates, and the consistency of measurement results over time. Timeliness relates to the speed at which support services are delivered, such as response times for equipment maintenance or the turnaround time for calibration and testing. Compliance KPIs would ensure adherence to relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO, ASTM), safety protocols, and the specific technical requirements outlined in the contract statement of work. Meeting these KPIs ensures the integrity of research and development data derived from these measurements.
What is the track record of Modern Machine and Tool Company Incorporated with NASA prior to this award?
To assess the track record of Modern Machine and Tool Company Incorporated with NASA prior to this award, one would need to consult historical federal procurement databases. This contract, awarded in 2003, suggests the company had likely secured other contracts or task orders with NASA or other federal agencies. A thorough review would involve looking at the number, value, duration, and performance history of previous awards to this contractor. Positive indicators would include a history of successful contract completions, positive performance reviews, and a pattern of receiving follow-on work. Conversely, any past performance issues, contract disputes, or terminations would be significant red flags. Without specific prior award data, it's presumed NASA's selection was based on a satisfactory assessment of their capabilities and past performance.
What are the potential risks associated with a 5-year firm-fixed-price contract for specialized R&D support?
A 5-year firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract for specialized R&D support carries several potential risks. For the government, the primary risk is that the fixed price might become uncompetitive if market rates decrease significantly over the contract period, or if the contractor's costs decrease due to efficiencies they don't pass on. There's also a risk that the contractor might cut corners on quality or service to maintain profitability if unforeseen technical challenges arise, especially in R&D where outcomes can be uncertain. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating the complexity or cost of the R&D work, leading to financial losses if costs exceed the fixed price. Scope creep, where the government requests additional work not originally envisioned, can also strain the contractor's resources and profitability under an FFP structure if not managed through formal contract modifications.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11844 JEFFERSON AVE, NEWPORT NEWS, VA, 23606
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $15,000,000
Exercised Options: $15,000,000
Current Obligation: $10,732,929
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNL04AA01B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-10-31
Current End Date: 2008-10-31
Potential End Date: 2008-11-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-06-25
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