NASA's $101M JPL Contract for Spitzer Space Telescope Operations: A Sole-Source Agreement
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $101,192,657 ($101.2M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-10-01
End Date: 2020-09-20
Contract Duration: 2,911 days
Daily Burn Rate: $34.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE (SST) 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
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $101.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE (SST) 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 RELATI… Key points: 1. The contract funds the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope (SST). 2. JPL, managed by Caltech, operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). 3. The agreement focuses on supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives in Earth and Planetary Science. 4. This is a sole-source contract, meaning competition was not sought. 5. The contract duration spans from October 2012 to September 2020.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a sole-source agreement for FFRDC operations, making direct pricing comparisons difficult. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, as JPL operates as an FFRDC under a sponsoring agreement with NASA. This limits price discovery and competitive pressure.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are committed to a single entity for specialized research and development operations, with oversight focused on performance rather than cost competition.
Public Impact
Supports critical space science missions like the Spitzer Space Telescope. Funds advanced research and development at a leading scientific institution. Ensures continuity of operations for vital federal research infrastructure. The FFRDC model allows for long-term strategic planning and specialized expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to higher costs.
- Sole-source nature limits transparency in pricing.
- FFRDC contracts can be complex to oversee effectively.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research and development.
- Leverages established expertise at JPL/Caltech.
- Ensures continuity of vital space science operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. FFRDCs like JPL are unique entities designed for long-term government needs, often involving specialized research and development where competition is not feasible or desirable.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business participation, as it is a direct agreement with the California Institute of Technology for FFRDC operations.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is managed by NASA through task orders issued by the NASA Management Office. The FFRDC structure implies a close working relationship and ongoing monitoring of performance and adherence to objectives.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- FFRDC model may reduce cost-saving incentives.
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring long-term oversight.
- Potential for scope creep in task orders.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $101.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF SPITZER SPACE TELESCOPE (SST) 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 B
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 $101.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2020-09-20.
What is the justification for the sole-source award to Caltech for JPL's FFRDC operations?
The justification for a sole-source award to Caltech for JPL's FFRDC operations stems from the unique nature of FFRDCs. These centers are established to meet long-term needs of the government that cannot be met as effectively by non-FFRDC contractors. JPL's established infrastructure, expertise, and historical role in space exploration make it a singular entity for NASA's specific research and development requirements, thus warranting a sole-source arrangement.
How does NASA ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money in a sole-source FFRDC contract?
NASA ensures cost-effectiveness and value in sole-source FFRDC contracts through rigorous oversight, performance metrics, and adherence to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure. While direct price competition is absent, NASA actively manages task orders, monitors expenditures against fixed fees, and evaluates contractor performance against defined objectives. This approach focuses on achieving mission goals efficiently within the established financial framework.
What are the potential risks associated with the long-term nature and sole-source status of this FFRDC contract?
Potential risks include a lack of competitive pressure that could lead to less efficient cost management over time. There's also a risk of 'contractor lock-in,' where NASA becomes heavily reliant on JPL's unique capabilities, making transitions difficult. Ensuring continued innovation and responsiveness to evolving scientific needs within a sole-source framework requires proactive management and clear performance expectations from NASA.
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: $101,192,657
Exercised Options: $101,192,657
Current Obligation: $101,192,657
Actual Outlays: $0
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: 2020-09-20
Potential End Date: 2020-09-20 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-08-14
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