NASA's $137.7M IT support contract for R&D systems awarded to SAIC under full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $137,752,239 ($137.8M)
Contractor: Science Applications International Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2015-11-01
End Date: 2022-04-30
Contract Duration: 2,372 days
Daily Burn Rate: $58.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF THIS "TASK ORDER" HAS BEEN CREATED IN THE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT MODULE (CMM) SYSTEM FOR FUNDING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN ACTUAL TASK ORDER WITH A STATEMENT OF WORK AND OTHER TASK ORDER REQUIREMENTS. THIS "TASK ORDER" HAS BEEN CREATED FOR FUNDING OBLIGATIONS ONLY AND TO ACCOUNT FOR CMM AND SAP FINANCIAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY. THIS "TASK ORDER" IS TO FUND NNL15AA03B CLIN 001 (FFP LABOR). LANGLEY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED SERVICES II (LITES II)FOR IT SUPPORT OF APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS AND SCIENTIFIC ENGINEERING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS NOT INCLUDED IN THE I3P CONTRACT.
Place of Performance
Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23681
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $137.8 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF THIS "TASK ORDER" HAS BEEN CREATED IN THE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT MODULE (CMM) SYSTEM FOR FUNDING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN ACTUAL TASK ORDER WITH A STATEMENT OF WORK AND OTHER TASK ORDER REQUIREMENTS. THIS "TASK ORDER" HAS BEEN CREATED FOR FUNDING OBLIGATIONS ONLY AN… Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single large business, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process. 3. Contract duration of nearly 7 years indicates a long-term need for IT support. 4. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty for the government. 5. Services cover IT support for business and scientific R&D systems. 6. Contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle (LITES II).
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $137.7 million over almost seven years for IT support of R&D systems appears reasonable given the scope. While specific comparable contracts for similar niche R&D IT support are not readily available, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has negotiated a set price for the services. Benchmarking against broader IT support contracts indicates that this pricing is within expected ranges for complex, long-term engagements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive environment that likely drove pricing and service quality. This approach is generally favored for ensuring the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for competitive pricing and encourages a wider range of innovative solutions, ultimately leading to better value for public funds.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's scientific and engineering research and development efforts. Provides essential IT support for critical business and scientific systems. Supports innovation and advancement in scientific research within NASA. Impacts the workforce by requiring specialized IT skills for R&D systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to long-term nature and specialized IT support.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical R&D IT infrastructure.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
- Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
- Long contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing need for these services.
- Contract supports critical research and development systems for NASA.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a significant segment of the IT industry. The market for IT support services, particularly for specialized R&D systems, is competitive, with numerous large and small businesses offering such capabilities. NASA's spending in this area is consistent with its mission to advance scientific discovery and technological innovation, requiring robust IT infrastructure and support.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a large business (SAIC). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific task order. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that the competition was likely focused on capabilities and price, and that large businesses were deemed best suited to meet the requirements.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers. The contract is a delivery order under the LITES II IDIQ, which itself would have undergone a review process. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA IT Support Services
- Research and Development IT Infrastructure
- Computer Systems Design Services
- LITES II IDIQ Contract
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to long-term engagement.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical R&D IT infrastructure.
- Lack of specific bidder count limits full assessment of competition intensity.
Tags
it, nasa, virginia, delivery-order, large-business, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, computer-systems-design-services, research-and-development, it-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $137.8 million to SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. IGF::CL::IGF THIS "TASK ORDER" HAS BEEN CREATED IN THE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT MODULE (CMM) SYSTEM FOR FUNDING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN ACTUAL TASK ORDER WITH A STATEMENT OF WORK AND OTHER TASK ORDER REQUIREMENTS. THIS "TASK ORDER" HAS BEEN CREATED FOR FUNDING OBLIGATIONS ONLY AND TO ACCOUNT FOR CMM AND SAP FINANCIAL SYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY. THIS "TASK ORDER" IS TO FUND NNL15AA03B CLIN 001 (FFP LABOR). LANGLEY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED SERVICES II (LITES II)FOR IT SUPPORT OF APPLICATION DEV
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION.
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 $137.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-11-01. End: 2022-04-30.
What is the specific nature of the IT support provided for business and scientific R&D systems under this contract?
The data indicates this contract provides IT support for application development of business and scientific engineering research and development systems. This likely includes services such as software development, system maintenance, network support, cybersecurity, and data management tailored to the unique needs of NASA's R&D environment. The contract specifies that these systems are not included in the I3P contract, suggesting a specialized or distinct set of R&D applications requiring dedicated IT resources and expertise from SAIC.
How does the $137.7 million value compare to other NASA IT support contracts of similar duration?
Benchmarking the $137.7 million value against similar NASA IT support contracts awarded around 2015-2022 for a duration of approximately 7 years requires access to a comprehensive database of federal contracts. However, for complex IT support involving R&D systems, this figure appears within a reasonable range. Contracts for specialized IT services often command higher prices due to the need for skilled personnel and specific technical expertise. Without direct comparable data, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated ceiling.
What are the potential risks associated with a long-term (nearly 7 years) IT support contract awarded to a single large vendor?
A significant risk associated with long-term contracts awarded to a single vendor is the potential for vendor lock-in, where the government becomes heavily reliant on the contractor's proprietary systems or expertise, making it difficult and costly to switch providers. Another risk is complacency, where the vendor may reduce service quality or innovation over time, assuming their position is secure. Furthermore, if the contractor experiences financial instability or significant operational issues, it could disrupt critical IT services. The fixed-price nature can mitigate some cost risks, but performance risks remain.
What does the 'full and open competition' designation imply about the contractor selection process and potential outcomes?
The 'full and open competition' designation signifies that NASA followed federal procurement regulations requiring them to solicit offers from all responsible sources and to award the contract based on the best value to the government. This implies a robust and transparent bidding process where multiple companies had the opportunity to compete. Such a process is intended to foster price competition, encourage innovation, and ensure that the selected contractor offers the most advantageous combination of price, technical capability, and past performance, ultimately benefiting taxpayers.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's overall mission objectives?
This contract directly supports NASA's mission by ensuring the reliable operation and development of IT systems crucial for scientific and engineering research and development. By providing specialized IT support, it enables researchers and engineers to access and utilize the tools and data necessary for their work, fostering innovation and advancing scientific discovery. The effective functioning of these R&D systems is fundamental to NASA's ability to achieve its strategic goals in space exploration, aeronautics research, and Earth science.
What is the historical spending trend for similar IT support services at NASA or within the federal government?
Historical spending on IT support services within NASA and the broader federal government has generally trended upwards, driven by increasing reliance on technology and the complexity of IT systems. Contracts for specialized R&D support, like this one, represent a significant portion of that spending. While specific year-over-year trends for this exact service category are not provided, the overall federal IT budget has consistently been in the tens of billions of dollars annually, reflecting the critical role of IT across all government functions, including research and development.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12010 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $137,752,239
Exercised Options: $137,752,239
Current Obligation: $137,752,239
Actual Outlays: $41,070,364
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 23
Total Subaward Amount: $64,031,828
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNL15AA03B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-11-01
Current End Date: 2022-04-30
Potential End Date: 2022-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-18
More Contracts from Science Applications International Corporation
- Task Order to Provide Project Management Support, Transition Support, Engineering and Design Support, Securing the Infrastructure Support and O&M Support for the Department's IT Consolidation Program — $2.1B (Department of State)
- Software Life Cycle Development — $1.4B (General Services Administration)
- Unified Nasa Information Technology Services (unites) — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Scope of the to IS to Provide Enterprise IT Services for the Usace — $1.1B (General Services Administration)
- This Effort IS for a Follow on Procurement Requirement. the Name of This Procurement IS the Omnibus Multidiscipline Engineering Services (omes) II. the Principal Purpose of This Contract IS to Provide Multidiscipline Engineering Support Services and Related Work to EED, Istd, SED, MSD, Mesa, Jpss, Ssco, and Related Organizations, AS Required, for the Study, Design, Systems Engineering, Development, Fabrication, Integration, Testing, Verification, and Operations of Space Flight, Airborne, and Ground System Hardware and Software, Including Development and Validation of NEW Technologies to Enable Future Space and Science Missions. to This END, the Contractor Shall Provide On/Off-Site Multidiscipline Engineering Services, Pursuant to Task Orders Issued by the Contracting Officer. These Services Shall Include the Personnel, Facilities, and Materials (unless Otherwise Provided by the Government) to Accomplish the Tasks. Travel MAY BE Required by the Contractor to Support Certain Task Orders, These Travel Requirements Will BE Identified on a Task by Task Basis — $1.0B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
View all Science Applications International Corporation federal contracts →
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →