NASA Awards $19.4M for Specialized Spacecraft Engineering Services to Teledyne Brown Engineering
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,361,684 ($19.4M)
Contractor: Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2007-06-30
End Date: 2012-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,858 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Engineering Services
Official Description: STATEMENT OF WORK FOR SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR SPACECRAFT AND LAUNCH VEHICLE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, DESIGN AND ANALYSIS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO THE MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (MSFC) ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE STAGE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION DIVISION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPACECRAFT AND LAUNCH VEHICLE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PRODUCTS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SPECIALIZED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SERVICES AND EXPERTISE TO ALL SPACECRAFT AND VEHICLE ELEMENTS; SUB-ELEMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, INTEGRATED SYSTEMS AND SUBSYSTEMS TECHNICAL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE DESIGN, TEST AND EVALUATION; VEHICLE AND SUBSYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSES; SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION; IDENTIFYING VEHICLE HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SYSTEM AND INTEGRATION ISSUES; SUSTAINING ENGINEERING; SYSTEMS ENGINEERING TOOLS; AND COORDINATION /SUPPORT TO THE TECHNICAL REVIEW PROCESS FOR ALL ELEMENTS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PARTICIPATE, AS DIRECTED, IN VARIOUS TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (TWG) MEETINGS, INTERFACE WITH THE SYSTEM INTEGRATION GROUPS (SIGS), AND PARTICIPATE IN MONTHLY REVIEWS AND / OR TELECONS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FOR SUPPORTING THESE TASK PROCESSES.
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $19.4 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC. for work described as: STATEMENT OF WORK FOR SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR SPACECRAFT AND LAUNCH VEHICLE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, DESIGN AND ANALYSIS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO THE MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (MSFC) ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMI… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical spacecraft and launch vehicle systems integration and design. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk appears moderate given the specialized nature of engineering services required. 4. Spending is concentrated within the aerospace and defense sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.4 million over approximately 5 years for specialized engineering services is difficult to benchmark without specific per-unit cost data. However, the duration and scope suggest a significant investment in expertise.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential engineering support for NASA's space exploration and development programs.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA missions in spacecraft and launch vehicle development. Leverages specialized engineering expertise for complex technical challenges. Contributes to advancements in space technology and exploration. Ensures the successful integration and analysis of vital space systems.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in complex, long-term engineering projects.
- Reliance on a single contractor for specialized, critical services.
- Scope creep could increase the overall contract value beyond initial estimates.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition should drive competitive pricing.
- Contract supports vital national interests in space exploration.
- Experienced contractor likely to deliver high-quality engineering support.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace and defense. Spending in this area is often characterized by high technical complexity and significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides or participation goals for small businesses in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Marshall Space Flight Center. The effectiveness of oversight depends on the agency's internal controls and monitoring processes.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Complexity of specialized engineering services.
- Potential for scope creep in long-term projects.
- Reliance on contractor expertise.
- Time and Materials contract type risk.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in SOW.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, al, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $19.4 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC.. STATEMENT OF WORK FOR SPECIALIZED ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR SPACECRAFT AND LAUNCH VEHICLE SYSTEMS INTEGRATION, DESIGN AND ANALYSIS. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SUPPORT TO THE MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER (MSFC) ENGINEERING DIRECTORATE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE STAGE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION DIVISION. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPACECRAFT AND LAUNCH VEHICLE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PRODUCTS. THE CONTRACTOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, 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 $19.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-06-30. End: 2012-07-31.
What is the specific breakdown of services provided under this contract and how do they align with MSFC's strategic engineering goals?
The contract outlines specialized engineering services for spacecraft and launch vehicle systems integration, design, and analysis, supporting the MSFC Engineering Directorate. This includes developing engineering products and providing expertise for various vehicle elements and subsystems. The alignment with strategic goals would require a review of MSFC's current mission priorities and engineering roadmaps to ensure these services directly contribute to achieving key objectives in space exploration and technology development.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the contractor's success and ensure value for taxpayer money?
Specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided statement of work. Typically, for such contracts, KPIs would focus on technical performance metrics (e.g., design accuracy, analysis completeness), adherence to schedule, cost control, and successful integration of systems. NASA's contract management would involve regular reviews and performance assessments against these unstated KPIs to ensure the contractor delivers the required specialized engineering support effectively and efficiently.
How does the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type impact cost control and the potential for budget overruns given the specialized nature of the work?
The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can pose a higher risk for budget overruns, especially in specialized engineering services where the full scope and effort may not be precisely defined upfront. While it allows for flexibility in adapting to evolving project needs, it places a greater burden on the government for oversight to ensure efficient labor utilization and prevent unnecessary costs. Robust monitoring and clear task definitions are crucial to mitigate these risks.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Address: 300 SPARKMAN DRIVE, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35805
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,299,971
Exercised Options: $21,299,971
Current Obligation: $19,361,684
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNM06AA10Z
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-06-30
Current End Date: 2012-07-31
Potential End Date: 2012-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-08-04
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