NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for nuclear systems R&D totals over $101 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $101,646,371 ($101.6M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2019-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,555 days

Daily Burn Rate: $39.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF JPL RADIOISOTOPE NUCLEAR SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM SUPPORT TO NASA RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEMS (RPS) PROGRAM 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 $101.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF JPL RADIOISOTOPE NUCLEAR SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM SUPPORT TO NASA RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEMS (RPS) PROGRAM THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONT… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Radioisotope Power Systems program, crucial for deep space missions. 2. The contract is structured as a cost-plus-fixed-fee agreement, allowing for flexibility in research. 3. JPL, a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), operates under this agreement. 4. The contract duration spans nearly seven years, indicating a long-term commitment to the program. 5. Work is performed under task orders, ensuring alignment with NASA's evolving scientific objectives.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $101 million for nearly seven years of R&D support for NASA's Radioisotope Power Systems program appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, it allows for flexibility in research scope, which is common in R&D. Benchmarking against similar FFRDC contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment, but the scale suggests a significant and complex undertaking.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, as it establishes the operational relationship between NASA and the California Institute of Technology for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a designated FFRDC. FFRDCs are typically established with specific institutions due to their unique capabilities and long-standing relationships, making full and open competition impractical or undesirable for their core mission support.

Taxpayer Impact: While not competed, the sole-source nature is justified by the FFRDC structure, which aims to provide objective, long-term research capabilities to the government. Taxpayers benefit from the specialized expertise and infrastructure that JPL provides.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by enabling critical research for deep space exploration. Services delivered include research and development for radioisotope power systems, essential for missions beyond Earth's orbit. Geographic impact is national, supporting NASA's overall space exploration goals. Workforce implications include continued employment for highly skilled scientists and engineers at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts if not rigorously managed.
• Reliance on a single FFRDC may limit exposure to diverse innovative approaches from other research institutions.

Positive Signals

• Leverages the established expertise and infrastructure of a premier research institution (Caltech/JPL).
• FFRDC structure ensures long-term, stable support for critical, specialized research needs.
• Contract directly supports advancement of NASA's ambitious deep space exploration objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on nuclear systems and technology. The market for specialized R&D in areas like radioisotope power systems is highly concentrated, often involving government-funded research centers and academic institutions with unique capabilities. NASA's investment in this area is critical for enabling long-duration space missions where solar power is insufficient.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides. As a sole-source agreement with a large academic institution (Caltech) for FFRDC operations, the focus is on specialized, large-scale research rather than typical contracting vehicles that might include subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The primary impact is on the direct research personnel and the institution itself.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the NASA Management Office (NMO) through contracting officers who issue task orders. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific agreements and oversight frameworks designed to ensure objectivity and alignment with government objectives. Transparency is maintained through NASA's reporting and review processes, though specific details of internal oversight at JPL are not detailed in the provided data.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program
• NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD)
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award
• Cost-plus contract type

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california-institute-of-technology, jet-propulsion-laboratory, nuclear-systems, radioisotope-power-systems, space-exploration, ffrdc, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, california, science

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $101.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF JPL RADIOISOTOPE NUCLEAR SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM SUPPORT TO NASA RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEMS (RPS) PROGRAM 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 CONTR

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 $101.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2019-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for NASA's Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) program support via FFRDCs?

Historical spending data specifically isolating NASA's RPS program support through FFRDCs like JPL is not directly available in this dataset. However, the provided contract of over $101 million from 2012 to 2019 indicates a significant, multi-year investment. To understand trends, one would need to examine NASA's budget allocations for RPS over extended periods and identify specific contracts awarded to FFRDCs for this purpose. Generally, funding for such specialized R&D can fluctuate based on mission priorities, technological advancements, and overall agency budgets. Analyzing prior and subsequent contract periods for JPL's RPS support, as well as similar work at other national labs or FFRDCs, would be necessary for a comprehensive trend analysis.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure impact the value for money in this R&D contract?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure in this R&D contract allows NASA to reimburse the contractor (Caltech/JPL) for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. For R&D, this structure is often chosen because the scope of work can be uncertain and evolve, making a fixed-price contract difficult to establish. It provides flexibility for JPL to pursue research objectives that may change as discoveries are made. However, it shifts cost risk to NASA, as the final cost is not fixed. Value for money is assessed by ensuring that the costs incurred are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee is appropriate for the level of effort and risk. Rigorous oversight and milestone tracking are crucial to ensure efficient use of funds under a CPFF contract.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of JPL's work under this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for an R&D contract supporting NASA's Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) program, KPIs would likely focus on technical milestones, research progress, development of system prototypes or components, successful testing of materials or technologies, adherence to safety protocols for handling radioactive materials, and timely delivery of research reports and findings. Given that JPL is an FFRDC, performance is also measured against its charter to provide objective, independent research and analysis to NASA. NASA's Management Office (NMO) contracting officers would be responsible for monitoring JPL's progress against defined objectives within the issued task orders.

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

Caltech has a long and distinguished track record of managing the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA, dating back to its establishment. JPL is a world-renowned FFRDC known for its expertise in space exploration, robotics, and planetary science. Caltech's stewardship of JPL has consistently resulted in groundbreaking missions and technological advancements for NASA. Their performance is generally considered excellent, characterized by scientific innovation, engineering excellence, and reliable mission execution. The continued reliance on Caltech for operating JPL underscores NASA's confidence in their ability to manage complex, high-stakes research and development programs effectively and responsibly.

Are there any specific risks associated with relying on a single FFRDC like JPL for critical nuclear systems R&D?

Yes, there are specific risks associated with relying on a single FFRDC like JPL for critical nuclear systems R&D. Firstly, there's a risk of 'groupthink' or a lack of diverse perspectives, as innovation might be constrained by the established methodologies and internal culture of JPL. Secondly, a sole-source dependency can lead to reduced competitive pressure, potentially impacting cost-efficiency over the long term if not managed with strong oversight. Thirdly, any disruption at JPL, whether due to funding issues, personnel changes, or unforeseen operational challenges, could have a significant impact on NASA's RPS program continuity. While JPL's expertise is unparalleled, diversifying research avenues or fostering parallel development efforts elsewhere could mitigate some of these risks.

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: $107,375,299

Exercised Options: $107,375,299

Current Obligation: $101,646,371

Actual Outlays: $45,482

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES 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: 2019-09-30

Potential End Date: 2019-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-06-07

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