NASA's $18.9M Training Contract with AS AND D, LLC Faces Competition Concerns
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,933,150 ($18.9M)
Contractor: AS and D, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2005-08-12
End Date: 2011-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,087 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NASA INTEGRATED LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CLIN 0001, PROGRAM OP-- MOD NUMBERS WILL NOT RUN SEQUENTIAL
Place of Performance
Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503
State: Alaska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $18.9 million to AS AND D, LLC for work described as: NASA INTEGRATED LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CLIN 0001, PROGRAM OP-- MOD NUMBERS WILL NOT RUN SEQUENTIAL Key points: 1. The contract awarded to AS AND D, LLC for professional development training is significant in value. 2. Limited competition is a key factor, raising questions about price discovery. 3. The long duration of the contract (2005-2011) suggests potential for cost overruns or evolving needs. 4. The sector is professional and management development training, a common area for government spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize contractors to increase costs to maximize their fixed fee. Without available pricing data, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This lack of competitive pressure may lead to higher prices than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of robust competition likely resulted in taxpayers paying more than necessary for the training services provided.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may have overpaid due to a lack of competitive bidding. The long-term nature of the contract could mean outdated training methods or inflated costs over time. NASA's investment in employee development is crucial, but the procurement method warrants scrutiny.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Supports NASA's workforce development
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional and management development training sector. Government spending in this area is substantial, often aimed at enhancing employee skills and organizational efficiency. Benchmarks are difficult without specific service details, but competitive bidding is standard practice.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The focus appears to be on a single, established provider.
Oversight & Accountability
The lack of competition and the cost-plus contract type suggest a need for enhanced oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent potential contractor overreach. Transparency in pricing and performance metrics would be beneficial.
Related Government Programs
- Professional and Management Development Training
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
- No clear performance metrics available
- Potential for cost overruns
Tags
professional-and-management-development-, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ak, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $18.9 million to AS AND D, LLC. NASA INTEGRATED LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CLIN 0001, PROGRAM OP-- MOD NUMBERS WILL NOT RUN SEQUENTIAL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AS AND D, 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 $18.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-08-12. End: 2011-04-30.
What was the rationale for awarding this contract on a limited competition basis, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?
The provided data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION.' This implies a specific justification, such as a unique capability or urgent need, was likely cited. However, without further documentation, it's impossible to confirm the exact reasoning or if less restrictive alternatives were thoroughly explored. This lack of transparency hinders a full assessment of the procurement's fairness and potential value.
How did the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the final cost, and were there mechanisms to control cost growth over the contract's extended period?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractors to increase costs to maximize their fixed fee, especially over a long duration like this one (2005-2011). Without access to the contract's specific terms, profit margins, and any cost control measures or performance reviews, it's difficult to definitively assess the cost impact. Robust oversight would have been critical to manage potential cost escalations.
What specific training outcomes were achieved, and how was the effectiveness of the program measured against its significant cost?
The data does not provide details on the specific training outcomes or how the program's effectiveness was measured. For a contract of this magnitude and duration, clear performance metrics and regular evaluations are essential to justify the expenditure and ensure the training met NASA's evolving needs. The absence of this information raises questions about accountability and return on investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training
Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Arctic Slope Regional Corporation
Address: 3900 C STREET, STE-802, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,933,150
Exercised Options: $18,933,150
Current Obligation: $18,933,150
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNL05AA02B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-08-12
Current End Date: 2011-04-30
Potential End Date: 2011-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-14
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