NASA's $27.3M Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for R&D in physical sciences, awarded without competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,353,671 ($27.4M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2017-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF CONSTRUCTION OF 34-METER BWG ANTENNA DSS-35 CANBERRA AUSTRALIA THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONTRACTOR), A PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, WHICH ESTABLISHES THE RELATIONSHIP FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (FFRDC) KNOWN AS THE JET PROPULSION LABORATORY. THE CONTRACTOR, JPL, IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM WORK THAT IS DESIGNATED IN TASK ORDERS ISSUED BY THE NASA MANAGEMENT OFFICE (NMO) CONTRACTING OFFICERS. NASA SPONSORED WORK: JPL S PRIMARY MISSION IS TO SUPPORT THE NASA SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE (SMD) IN CARRYING OUT THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED IN THE SMD SCIENCE PLAN. THE FOUR BROAD SCIENTIFIC AREAS ARE: EARTH SCIENCE, PLANETARY SCIENCE, HELIOPHYSICS, AND ASTROPHYSICS. IN PERFORMANCE OF THIS CONTRACT, JPL SHALL: 1) SUPPLY A BROAD BASE OF SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES RELEVANT TO NASA PROGRAM AND PROJECT RESPONSIBILITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS. 2) FOSTER ITS UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP WITH A TOP-TIER UNIVERSITY TO FACILITATE THE INVOLVEMENT OF SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, AND STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY AND RESEARCH COMMUNITIES IN NASA MISSION AND IN SUPPORTING OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. 3) SUPPORT NASA IN ENABLING PROGRAM AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPABILITIES. 4) DEVELOP SPACECRAFT AND INSTRUMENTS THAT ARE SENT TO VARIOUS DESTINATIONS WITH OUR SOLAR SYSTEM, INCLUDING EARTH ORBIT, PLANETS, PLANETARY SATELLITES, ASTEROIDS, AND COMETS. THESE MISSIONS MAY BE ORBITERS, LANDERS, OR ROVERS, AND TYPICALLY INCLUDE CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES REQUIRED TO MEET SCIENTIFIC REQUIREMENTS. 5) PERFORM PROJECT TASKS INVOLVING: (I) AUTONOMOUS DEEP-SPACE, INNER-SPACE AND EARTH-ORBITING SPACECRAFT OR MAJOR SUBSYSTEMS, (II) EXPERIMENTS, INSTRUMENTS, OR OTHER DEVICES WHICH MAY BE CARRIED AS PAYLOAD ON SPACECRAFTS IN MISSIONS MANAGED BY OTHERS, AND/OR (III) GROUND-BASED SYSTEMS. 6) BEYOND ITS PRIMARY MISSION, JPL MAY PERFORM WORK FOR OTHER NASA MISSION DIRECTORATES OR OFFICES. 7) JPL IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION, RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY INSERTION, AND MANAGEMENT OF NASA S DEEP SPACE NETWORK TO PROVIDE TELECOMMUNICATION AND OPERATION SERVICES, INCLUDING DATA ACQUISITION AND DATA DELIVERY REQUIRED TO MEET ESTABLISHED AGENCY OBJECTIVES. 8) JPL IS ALSO REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AND CONDUCT AN EDUCATION PROGRAM IN CLOSE COORDINATION WITH THE NASA HEADQUARTERS EDUCATION OFFICE, THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY AT LARGE, AND IN SUPPORT TO NASA STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES TO IMPROVE STUDENT RETENTION IN THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) DISCIPLINES. WORK FOR NON-NASA SPONSORS: JPL MAY PERFORM WORK FOR NON-NASA SPONSORS. THIS WORK WILL BE DESIGNATED IN TASK ORDERS ISSUED BY NMO CONTRACTING OFFICERS BASED ON TASK PLANS INITIATED BY THE CONTRACTOR.

Place of Performance

Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91109

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $27.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF CONSTRUCTION OF 34-METER BWG ANTENNA DSS-35 CANBERRA AUSTRALIA THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONTRACTOR), A PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUT… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives, focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences research. 2. FFRDC structure allows for specialized, long-term research capabilities critical for NASA's scientific endeavors. 3. Sole-source award indicates unique capabilities or a pre-existing relationship deemed essential for program continuity. 4. Performance period spans five years, suggesting a sustained commitment to the research objectives. 5. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control while ensuring contractor effort. 6. Geographic location in California aligns with the concentration of aerospace and research institutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $27.3 million over five years for R&D services is difficult to benchmark directly due to the unique nature of FFRDCs and sole-source awards. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly, but they are often used for complex research where scope may evolve. Without competitive bids, assessing true value-for-money is challenging, relying heavily on NASA's internal oversight and justification for the sole-source award.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to the California Institute of Technology for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). FFRDCs are typically established with specific contractors due to their unique capabilities and long-term strategic importance. This approach bypasses traditional competitive bidding processes, as the intent is to leverage the established expertise and infrastructure of the FFRDC.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards for FFRDCs like JPL mean taxpayers are not benefiting from price competition. However, the rationale is that the specialized, long-term research capabilities provided by JPL are essential and would be difficult or impossible to replicate through competitive means.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Science Mission Directorate and the broader scientific community through advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Services delivered include research and development activities aligned with NASA's strategic science plan. Geographic impact is concentrated in California, where JPL is located, but the scientific output has global implications. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and support staff at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Sole-source awards can limit opportunities for other research institutions and potentially lead to higher costs without competitive pressure.
• The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and fixed fees are justified.

Positive Signals

• The contract leverages a long-standing, specialized FFRDC (JPL) with proven expertise in space exploration and scientific research.
• The FFRDC model provides NASA with a dedicated, agile research partner for complex, long-term scientific objectives.
• The contract duration of five years indicates a stable, predictable research environment.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for such specialized R&D is often characterized by unique expertise and long-term institutional relationships rather than broad competition. FFRDCs like JPL represent a significant, albeit niche, segment of federal R&D spending, often involving substantial government investment in unique facilities and personnel.

Small Business Impact

This contract is not directly related to small business set-asides, as it is a sole-source award to a large research institution (Caltech/JPL). There is no indication of subcontracting requirements specifically aimed at small businesses within the provided data, though JPL's broader operations may involve such arrangements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by NASA's Management Office (NMO) through contracting officers who issue task orders. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific agreements that include oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's reporting and the public nature of its scientific missions, though the specifics of internal cost management and oversight within the sole-source award require NASA's direct assurance.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Research and Development Contracts
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Space Exploration and Science Programs

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award may limit competitive pricing.
• Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust oversight to manage costs effectively.

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california-institute-of-technology, jet-propulsion-laboratory, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, science-mission-directorate, ffrdc, aerospace, federal-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $27.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF CONSTRUCTION OF 34-METER BWG ANTENNA DSS-35 CANBERRA AUSTRALIA THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONTRACTOR), A PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION, WHICH ESTABLISHES THE RELATIONSHIP FOR THE OPERATION OF THE FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (FFRDC) KNOWN AS THE JET PROPULSION LABORATORY. THE CONTRACTOR, JPL, IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM WORK THAT IS D

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.

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 $27.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2017-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for this specific contract or similar FFRDC agreements with NASA?

Historical spending data for this specific contract is limited to its current period of performance (2012-2017). However, NASA's overall spending on FFRDCs, particularly those focused on research and development like JPL, has been substantial and relatively consistent over many years. JPL, as a key NASA asset, receives significant funding annually to support its mission. Analyzing past NASA budgets and contract awards to FFRDCs would reveal a pattern of sustained investment in these unique research entities, often in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually across various NASA directorates, reflecting their critical role in advancing space science and technology.

How does the cost structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) compare to other R&D contracts of similar scope?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work may not be precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation and exploration are key objectives. Compared to fixed-price contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility but can potentially lead to higher costs if not managed diligently, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. For complex R&D, especially involving unique facilities like JPL, CPFF is often deemed appropriate by agencies like NASA to ensure the necessary research is conducted without being overly constrained by rigid cost ceilings that might stifle innovation. Benchmarking requires comparing CPFF contracts with similar levels of complexity, risk, and duration within the R&D sector.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used by NASA to evaluate JPL's performance under this contract?

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, NASA's evaluation of JPL's performance under this contract would likely focus on several critical areas. These would include the successful achievement of scientific objectives outlined in the Science Mission Directorate's plans and specific task orders, adherence to project timelines and milestones, effective management of resources (personnel, equipment, budget), and the quality and impact of research outputs (publications, discoveries, technological advancements). NASA's oversight likely involves regular reviews, progress reports, and milestone assessments to ensure JPL is meeting its contractual obligations and contributing effectively to NASA's broader scientific goals.

What is the justification for awarding this contract as sole-source, and what alternatives were considered?

The justification for awarding this contract as sole-source stems from the nature of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). JPL is operated by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) under a long-standing agreement, and its unique capabilities, infrastructure, and expertise are considered essential for NASA's mission, particularly for space exploration and scientific research. Agencies typically award sole-source contracts to FFRDCs because their specialized nature, institutional knowledge, and government-unique facilities are not readily available in the commercial marketplace. Alternatives, such as seeking similar capabilities from other commercial entities, are generally deemed impractical or less effective due to the established, integrated nature of JPL's operations within NASA's strategic framework.

What is the track record of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as a contractor for NASA, particularly concerning FFRDC operations?

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has an extensive and highly regarded track record as the operator of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA. This relationship spans many decades, during which JPL has been instrumental in numerous groundbreaking space missions and scientific discoveries. Caltech's management of JPL is characterized by its ability to attract and retain top scientific and engineering talent, its stewardship of advanced research facilities, and its consistent delivery of mission-critical support to NASA's science and exploration programs. NASA's continued reliance on Caltech for JPL's operation underscores a high level of confidence in their performance, reliability, and strategic alignment with NASA's long-term objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4800 OAK GROVE DR, PASADENA, CA, 91109

Business Categories: Category Business, Federally Funded Research and Development Corp, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,360,571

Exercised Options: $27,360,571

Current Obligation: $27,353,671

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNN12AA01C

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2012-10-01

Current End Date: 2017-09-30

Potential End Date: 2017-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-03-31

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