NASA awards $26.3M engineering design contract to SEI Group Inc. for MSFC support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,351,227 ($26.4M)
Contractor: SEI Group Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2005-04-01
End Date: 2011-04-19
Contract Duration: 2,209 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Engineering Services
Official Description: ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES ON-SITE AT MSFC. ONE YEAR BASIC WITH 4 OPTIONS YEARS.
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $26.4 million to SEI GROUP INC for work described as: ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES ON-SITE AT MSFC. ONE YEAR BASIC WITH 4 OPTIONS YEARS. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to SEI Group Inc. for engineering design services. 2. The contract has a base period and four option years. 3. Awarded by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). 4. The NAICS code 541330 indicates Engineering Services. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking CPFF contracts for similar engineering services is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may not have resulted in the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The pricing structure and limited competition raise questions about maximizing taxpayer value.
Public Impact
Supports critical engineering design services for NASA's MSFC. Potential for long-term engagement with SEI Group Inc. Impacts the aerospace engineering sector in Alabama.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may have inflated costs.
- CPFF contract type carries inherent cost risk.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Essential engineering services for a key NASA facility.
- Long contract duration provides stability.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace operations. Spending benchmarks for similar NASA engineering contracts vary widely based on scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the specifics of ongoing oversight for this particular contract are not detailed.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for cost overruns.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, al, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $26.4 million to SEI GROUP INC. ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES ON-SITE AT MSFC. ONE YEAR BASIC WITH 4 OPTIONS YEARS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SEI GROUP 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 $26.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-04-01. End: 2011-04-19.
What was the justification for excluding other sources during the competition phase?
The justification for excluding other sources is crucial for understanding the competitive landscape. If there were specific technical requirements or prior relationships that necessitated this approach, it could explain the limited competition. However, without this information, it raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price and solution.
How effectively were cost controls managed under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?
The effectiveness of cost controls under a CPFF contract hinges on rigorous monitoring and management by the contracting agency. Given the potential for cost overruns inherent in this structure, detailed reporting and analysis of expenditures against the fixed fee are essential to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that the contractor remains incentivized to manage costs.
What is the long-term strategic value of this engineering support to NASA's mission?
The long-term strategic value lies in ensuring the continued operational capability and advancement of NASA's MSFC. Reliable engineering design services are fundamental to developing and maintaining complex spaceflight hardware and systems. This contract's duration suggests a commitment to sustained support, crucial for ongoing research, development, and mission execution.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 303 WILLIAMS AVENUE, SUITE 123, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35801
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,559,751
Exercised Options: $29,559,751
Current Obligation: $26,351,227
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-04-01
Current End Date: 2011-04-19
Potential End Date: 2011-04-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-08-04
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