NASA awards $32.1M to Kaya Associates for AE Design Services at MSFC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $32,112,933 ($32.1M)
Contractor: Kaya Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2011-03-01
End Date: 2017-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,222 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: ON-SITE ARCHITECT-ENGINEERING (AE) DESIGN SERVICES AT MSFC
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35812
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $32.1 million to KAYA ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: ON-SITE ARCHITECT-ENGINEERING (AE) DESIGN SERVICES AT MSFC Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Kaya Associates, Inc. for $32.1M. 2. Services include on-site Architect-Engineering (AE) design. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. Contract duration was 2222 days. 5. The contract type was Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar AE design contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract utilized 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating an attempt at broad competition. However, the specific exclusion method warrants further review to ensure maximum price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for AE design services. The effectiveness of the competition and contract type in controlling costs will determine the ultimate taxpayer impact.
Public Impact
Supports NASA's mission-critical infrastructure development at MSFC. Provides essential design services for complex engineering projects. Contract value of $32.1M represents significant investment in facility upgrades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration (2222 days) increases risk of scope creep and cost escalation.
- Exclusion of sources in competition needs justification to ensure fairness.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition was pursued.
- Services are critical for NASA's engineering needs.
- Contract awarded to a single entity for specialized services.
Sector Analysis
Engineering services, particularly Architect-Engineering (AE) design, are crucial for government infrastructure projects. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on project complexity and location, but $32.1M for a multi-year AE contract is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' suggests a structured procurement process. Oversight would focus on managing the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensuring adherence to the original scope.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
- Extended contract duration increases risk of scope creep and inefficiency.
- Lack of transparency on specific source exclusions in competition.
- No indication of small business participation.
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 $32.1 million to KAYA ASSOCIATES, INC.. ON-SITE ARCHITECT-ENGINEERING (AE) DESIGN SERVICES AT MSFC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is KAYA ASSOCIATES, 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 $32.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-03-01. End: 2017-03-31.
What was the rationale for excluding specific sources in the full and open competition?
The rationale for excluding specific sources in a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' typically relates to ensuring specialized expertise, proprietary technology, or specific performance requirements that only a limited number of offerors can meet. This approach aims to balance broad competition with the need for highly specific capabilities, but requires clear justification to avoid perceptions of undue restriction.
How effectively did the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure control project costs over the 2222-day duration?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while providing flexibility for evolving project needs, inherently carries a risk of cost escalation. Effective cost control relies heavily on robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and strict change order management. Without access to performance reports and final cost data, it's difficult to definitively assess the cost-effectiveness of this CPFF contract over its extended duration.
What was the ultimate impact of these AE design services on MSFC's infrastructure development?
The ultimate impact of the AE design services on MSFC's infrastructure development hinges on the successful execution of the designs, the timely completion of subsequent construction phases, and the long-term functionality and efficiency of the facilities. Positive impacts would include enhanced research capabilities, improved operational efficiency, and modernized infrastructure. Negative impacts could arise from design flaws, delays, or cost overruns affecting the overall project timeline and budget.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102
Solicitation ID: AE3-09
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 101 QUALITY CIR NW STE 120, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,426,098
Exercised Options: $35,426,098
Current Obligation: $32,112,933
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 1
Total Subaward Amount: $1,105,563
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-03-01
Current End Date: 2017-03-31
Potential End Date: 2017-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-06
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