Teledyne Brown Engineering awarded $13.2M for flight mechanics, design, and simulation services by NASA
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,251,768 ($13.3M)
Contractor: Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2007-12-29
End Date: 2012-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,676 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FLIGHT MECHANICS, DESIGN AND SIMULATION
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $13.3 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC. for work described as: FLIGHT MECHANICS, DESIGN AND SIMULATION Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized engineering expertise. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a robust market for these critical aerospace services. 3. Performance period spans over four years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. The contract aligns with NASA's ongoing mission objectives in space exploration and aeronautics. 5. Geographic concentration of the award in Alabama may indicate regional specialization in aerospace engineering.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $13.2 million for flight mechanics, design, and simulation services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work and the duration of the contract (over 4 years). Benchmarking against similar complex engineering services contracts awarded by NASA or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while common for evolving technical requirements, necessitates careful monitoring to ensure costs remain aligned with project milestones and deliverables.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market pricing and encourage innovation. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a healthy market for these specialized engineering services, allowing the agency to select the offer that best meets its technical and cost requirements.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its investment.
Public Impact
NASA benefits from advanced engineering support for its flight mechanics, design, and simulation programs. The services delivered are critical for the development and testing of aerospace technologies. The contract's impact is primarily felt within the aerospace engineering sector, supporting specialized technical roles. Workforce implications include employment for highly skilled engineers and technical professionals in Alabama.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials contract type if not closely managed.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical, long-term engineering support.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing and selection.
- Long contract duration indicates a stable and predictable need for these services.
- Contractor's established presence in Alabama may leverage regional expertise and infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting aerospace and defense-related activities. The market for such specialized engineering services is characterized by high barriers to entry due to the need for advanced technical expertise, specialized software, and security clearances. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining its technological edge in space exploration and aeronautics research. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within other large-scale government R&D and technology development contracts.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that the scope of work or the required expertise may have been beyond the typical capabilities of small businesses in this specialized field, or that larger firms were deemed more competitive.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, who are responsible for monitoring performance, approving invoices, and ensuring compliance with contract terms. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure necessitates rigorous oversight to track labor hours and material costs against the defined scope of work. Transparency is facilitated through regular reporting requirements and contract performance reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate
- NASA Space Technology Mission Directorate
- Aerospace Engineering Services Contracts
- Flight Simulation and Design Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
- Scope creep risk without stringent management.
- Dependence on contractor expertise.
Tags
engineering-services, flight-mechanics, design, simulation, nasa, national-aeronautics-and-space-administration, teledyne-brown-engineering, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, time-and-materials, alabama, research-and-development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $13.3 million to TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC.. FLIGHT MECHANICS, DESIGN AND SIMULATION
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 $13.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-12-29. End: 2012-07-31.
What is Teledyne Brown Engineering's track record with NASA on similar contracts?
Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. has a significant history of supporting NASA and other government agencies with complex engineering and technical services. While specific details on past performance for flight mechanics, design, and simulation are not provided in this data snippet, the company's longevity and broad capabilities suggest a substantial portfolio of relevant work. A deeper dive into NASA's contract database and performance evaluations would reveal specific project successes, challenges, and customer satisfaction ratings. Their experience likely encompasses a range of aerospace projects, contributing to their ability to secure this current contract. Analyzing past performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, adherence to budget, and technical quality, is crucial for assessing their reliability on this new award.
How does the $13.2 million contract value compare to similar NASA engineering service contracts?
The $13.2 million contract value for flight mechanics, design, and simulation services awarded to Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. needs to be contextualized against similar procurements. NASA frequently awards large contracts for specialized engineering support, with values varying significantly based on scope, duration, and complexity. Contracts for advanced simulation, complex design, and critical flight mechanics analysis often run into the tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars over several years. This $13.2 million award, spanning over four years, appears to be a moderate-sized contract for specialized R&D and engineering support within the aerospace sector. A direct comparison would involve identifying contracts with similar North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes (like 541330 - Engineering Services) and similar agencies (e.g., DoD, FAA) to establish a robust benchmark for value.
What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract?
The primary risk associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns if not meticulously managed. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements pay the contractor for the actual time and materials expended. This structure can lead to unpredictable costs for the government, especially if the scope of work is not clearly defined or if project requirements evolve significantly. Key risks include inefficient labor utilization, inflated material costs, scope creep without adequate controls, and potential for the contractor to prioritize billable hours over project efficiency. NASA's oversight mechanisms, including detailed review of timesheets, material receipts, and regular progress reports, are critical to mitigating these risks and ensuring the government receives good value.
How effective is full and open competition in ensuring NASA receives optimal value for engineering services?
Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for NASA to ensure it receives optimal value for engineering services. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices, encourages innovation, and increases the likelihood of selecting the most technically capable and cost-effective solution. This process allows NASA to leverage the diverse capabilities present in the market, rather than being limited to a pre-selected group of contractors. The transparency inherent in full and open competition also enhances accountability and reduces the risk of favoritism or complacency. While it requires more upfront effort in terms of solicitation and evaluation, the long-term benefits in terms of cost savings and superior technical outcomes typically outweigh these initial investments.
What is the historical spending trend for engineering services like this at NASA?
Historical spending trends for engineering services at NASA, particularly within categories like flight mechanics, design, and simulation (often classified under NAICS code 541330), have generally shown a consistent demand. NASA relies heavily on external contractors for specialized expertise that may not be available in-house or for surge capacity. Spending in this area fluctuates based on the agency's strategic priorities, major program milestones (e.g., development of new spacecraft, aircraft, or research platforms), and overall budget allocations. Over the past decade, there has been a sustained investment in advanced engineering capabilities to support missions like Artemis, Mars exploration, and next-generation aeronautics research. Analyzing historical data reveals that contracts for these services are often multi-year and can represent a significant portion of NASA's research and development budget.
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 (UEI: 112358432)
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: $13,339,525
Exercised Options: $13,339,525
Current Obligation: $13,251,768
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNM06AA10Z
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-12-29
Current End Date: 2012-07-31
Potential End Date: 2012-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-01-13
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