NASA's $23.1M contract with Caltech for JPL operations shows a long-term R&D partnership

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,115,759 ($23.1M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2018-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,190 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF PLANCK /PHASE E 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 $23.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF PLANCK /PHASE E 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… Key points: 1. This contract represents a significant, long-term investment in a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). 2. The focus is on supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate, indicating a strategic alignment with national scientific objectives. 3. The 'Not Competed' status suggests a unique relationship, likely due to the specialized nature of FFRDC operations. 4. Performance is tied to task orders, allowing for flexibility in directing research efforts within broad scientific areas. 5. The contract duration of approximately six years highlights a sustained commitment to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's mission. 6. The primary contractor is a private nonprofit educational institution, a common model for FFRDCs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This contract's value is difficult to benchmark against typical procurements due to its nature as an FFRDC sponsorship agreement. The $23.1 million over six years reflects the ongoing operational costs and research directives for a major research institution like JPL. While direct comparisons are limited, the cost appears reasonable for maintaining a world-class research facility dedicated to space science and exploration, aligning with NASA's strategic goals.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, which is typical for FFRDCs. These centers are established through unique partnerships between the government and a sponsoring organization to provide specialized research and development capabilities that are not readily available in the private sector. The selection of the California Institute of Technology to operate JPL is based on its established expertise and historical role, rather than a competitive bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for FFRDC operations means taxpayers do not benefit from price reductions that can arise from market competition. However, the value is derived from the unique, long-term capabilities and specialized knowledge that FFRDCs provide, which might be more costly or impossible to replicate through traditional contracting.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the broader scientific community, gaining access to JPL's research and development capabilities. Services delivered include research and development in Earth science, planetary science, and heliophysics, advancing scientific understanding. The geographic impact is national, with research findings contributing to global scientific knowledge, though JPL is based in California. 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

• Lack of competition could potentially lead to higher costs over time if not managed diligently.
• Reliance on a single entity for critical research infrastructure presents a concentration of risk.

Positive Signals

• Established relationship with a reputable educational institution (Caltech) ensures continuity and expertise.
• FFRDC model is designed for long-term, strategic research needs that benefit from stable, dedicated resources.
• Clear alignment with NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives ensures focused and relevant research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This sector is characterized by innovation and scientific discovery. The contract's value of $23.1 million over six years for operating a major FFRDC like JPL is substantial but aligns with the significant investments required for advanced space science research. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale government R&D initiatives or major research grants to academic institutions.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides. As a sole-source agreement for the operation of an FFRDC, the primary focus is on the core capabilities of the selected institution. Subcontracting opportunities may exist, but they would likely be driven by the specific research tasks and not by a mandated small business participation goal inherent in the primary contract structure.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Management Office at JPL. NASA contracting officers issue task orders and monitor performance against established objectives. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's reporting requirements and public dissemination of research findings. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract funds.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

• Sole-source procurement
• FFRDC operational model
• Long-term strategic partnership

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california-institute-of-technology, jet-propulsion-laboratory, sole-source, ffrdc, space-science, planetary-science, earth-science, heliophysics, cost-plus-fixed-fee, nonprofit-contractor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $23.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF PLANCK /PHASE E 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 MAN

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 $23.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2018-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for NASA's FFRDC operations with Caltech/JPL?

Historical spending data for NASA's FFRDC operations with Caltech/JPL indicates a consistent and significant investment over many years. While the provided data covers a specific period (2012-2018) totaling $23.1 million, broader historical analysis would reveal multi-billion dollar cumulative investments since JPL's inception. These investments have funded decades of groundbreaking space exploration missions and scientific research. The annual spending often fluctuates based on the specific missions and research priorities outlined in task orders, but the overall trend demonstrates a sustained commitment to maintaining JPL's unique capabilities. This long-term financial support is characteristic of FFRDC relationships, designed to provide stable resources for complex, long-duration scientific endeavors.

How does the cost structure of this FFRDC contract compare to other NASA research grants or contracts?

Comparing the cost structure of this FFRDC contract to other NASA research grants or contracts requires careful consideration of the different objectives and operational models. FFRDC contracts, like this one with Caltech for JPL, are designed for long-term, integrated research and development operations, encompassing infrastructure, personnel, and programmatic management. This typically results in a higher overall cost compared to individual research grants awarded to universities for specific projects. Research grants are usually more narrowly focused, project-based, and competitive, often with lower overhead allowances. While this FFRDC contract represents a significant investment, it provides a unique, stable, and comprehensive capability that cannot be easily replicated by piecemeal grant funding. The value proposition lies in the sustained expertise and infrastructure available for NASA's strategic science goals.

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

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for JPL under this FFRDC contract are primarily driven by the task orders issued by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). While specific KPIs are not detailed in the contract summary, they would typically include metrics related to mission success rates, scientific discovery milestones, timely completion of research objectives, adherence to budget, and technological innovation. For instance, successful deployment and operation of spacecraft, publication of significant scientific findings, development of new scientific instruments, and effective management of complex projects like Mars rovers or space telescopes would all serve as critical performance indicators. NASA's oversight would involve regular reviews of progress reports, technical assessments, and milestone achievements against the defined goals within each task order.

What is the risk associated with relying on a single contractor (Caltech) for operating a critical FFRDC like JPL?

The primary risk associated with relying on a single contractor, Caltech, for operating a critical FFRDC like JPL is the potential for vendor lock-in and a lack of competitive pressure to drive innovation or cost efficiency. If Caltech were to face significant operational challenges, financial difficulties, or a decline in its ability to meet NASA's evolving needs, transitioning the FFRDC to another entity would be extremely complex, costly, and disruptive to ongoing missions. However, the FFRDC model is specifically designed to mitigate some of these risks by fostering a deep, long-term partnership built on trust and specialized expertise. NASA actively manages this risk through robust oversight, clear performance expectations, and contingency planning, recognizing that the unique capabilities of JPL are essential for its scientific objectives.

How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader strategic goals in Earth Science, Planetary Science, and Heliophysics?

This contract is fundamental to NASA's strategic goals across Earth Science, Planetary Science, and Heliophysics by providing the operational framework and scientific direction for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL, operated by Caltech under this agreement, is a leading center for designing and managing robotic space missions that explore our solar system, study Earth's climate, and observe the Sun and its influence on space. The contract enables JPL to conduct research, develop cutting-edge technologies, and execute missions that directly address NASA's objectives in understanding planetary formation, searching for life beyond Earth, monitoring climate change, and advancing our knowledge of space weather. The work performed under this sponsorship is critical for achieving NASA's ambitious scientific discoveries and expanding humanity's understanding of the cosmos and our own planet.

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: $24,115,363

Exercised Options: $24,115,363

Current Obligation: $23,115,759

Actual Outlays: $58,795

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: 2018-09-30

Potential End Date: 2018-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-07-27

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