NASA awards $33.19M to Caltech for Jet Propulsion Laboratory operations, a sole-source FFRDC agreement

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,191,882 ($33.2M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2021-09-30

Contract Duration: 3,286 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF PLANETARY DATA SYSTEMS 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 $33.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF PLANETARY DATA SYSTEMS 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 F… Key points: 1. This contract funds the operation of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), indicating a specialized, long-term research partnership. 2. The agreement is a sole-source award to the California Institute of Technology, reflecting the unique nature and established role of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). 3. Performance is tied to task orders issued by NASA, allowing for flexibility in directing research objectives within the broader science mission. 4. The contract spans nearly a decade, suggesting a stable, ongoing commitment to JPL's scientific endeavors. 5. Primary focus is on supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate, covering Earth, planetary, and space science. 6. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, common in R&D where costs can be unpredictable.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $33.19 million over approximately nine years for operating a major FFRDC like JPL appears reasonable given the scope of work. Benchmarking is difficult due to the unique nature of FFRDCs and the sole-source award. However, the CPFF structure implies that NASA will reimburse actual costs plus a negotiated fixed fee, which can provide cost control if managed effectively. The long duration suggests a stable, predictable cost environment for essential research infrastructure.

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. This is typical for FFRDCs, which are established to meet specific long-term government needs and are often managed by a single entity due to the specialized infrastructure, expertise, and institutional arrangements required. The lack of competition is inherent to the FFRDC model, prioritizing continuity and specialized capability over price competition.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award for an FFRDC means that the cost is not subject to competitive bidding, which could potentially lead to higher costs than a competed contract. However, the FFRDC structure is intended to provide unique, long-term capabilities that might not be achievable through traditional contracting.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, who gain access to the specialized research and development capabilities of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Services delivered include research and development in Earth science, planetary science, and heliophysics, advancing our understanding of the solar system and beyond. The geographic impact is national, with JPL located in California, but its research has global implications for scientific discovery and space exploration. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and support staff at JPL, contributing to the high-tech sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Sole-source nature limits price discovery and potential cost savings through competition.
• CPFF contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored, although the fixed fee component aims to mitigate this.
• Reliance on a single entity for FFRDC operations creates a dependency that requires robust oversight.

Positive Signals

• Long-term FFRDC agreement ensures continuity of critical research capabilities for NASA.
• Award to a reputable institution (Caltech) suggests a high level of expertise and established performance.
• Task order structure allows NASA to direct research priorities effectively.
• Focus on fundamental science aligns with national strategic interests in space exploration and Earth observation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically classified under 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)'. The market for operating FFRDCs is highly specialized, with a limited number of institutions capable of managing such centers. NASA's spending on FFRDCs like JPL is crucial for maintaining its long-term research and development infrastructure, enabling complex missions and scientific breakthroughs that might not be feasible through other contracting mechanisms.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides. As a sole-source award to a large non-profit educational institution for FFRDC operations, the primary focus is on specialized research capabilities rather than broad service delivery where small business participation is typically mandated. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist but are not explicitly detailed as a primary objective of this prime agreement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily managed by NASA through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Management Office (NMO) which issues task orders and monitors performance. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific government oversight requirements designed to ensure that its work aligns with NASA's strategic objectives and that federal funds are used appropriately. Transparency is facilitated through regular reporting and reviews mandated by the FFRDC agreement. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
• CPFF contract type requires diligent cost monitoring by the agency.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $33.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF PLANETARY DATA SYSTEMS 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 NA

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 $33.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2021-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under NASA's management?

Historical spending data for JPL under NASA management shows a consistent and significant investment over many years. While the provided data covers a specific contract period from 2012 to 2021 with a value of $33.19 million, this likely represents a portion of the total operational funding for JPL. FFRDCs like JPL typically receive substantial, multi-year funding commitments to support their long-term research and development missions. Annual budgets can fluctuate based on specific mission needs, congressional appropriations, and NASA's strategic priorities. For instance, major new missions or research initiatives can lead to increased funding, while the completion of certain projects might result in temporary reductions. Comprehensive historical analysis would require examining NASA's budget allocations to JPL across multiple fiscal years, often extending back decades, to understand the full scope of federal investment in this critical research institution.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure compare to other contract types for R&D FFRDCs?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure is commonly used for R&D FFRDCs because it balances the need for flexibility in research with cost control. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This differs from Fixed Price contracts, where the price is set upfront, which can be risky for R&D due to unpredictable costs. It also differs from Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contracts, which adjust the fee based on performance against targets. For FFRDCs, CPFF is often preferred because it allows NASA to direct research and development efforts as they evolve, without being constrained by a rigid upfront price. The fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently, as any savings beyond the allowable costs do not increase their fee, while cost overruns are reimbursed but do not increase the fee. This structure acknowledges the inherent uncertainties in research while aiming for a predictable overall cost to the government.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate the success of an FFRDC like JPL?

Evaluating the success of an FFRDC like JPL involves a multi-faceted approach beyond simple financial metrics. Key performance indicators (KPIs) often include the successful execution of scientific missions and research objectives as defined in task orders and strategic plans. This encompasses meeting mission timelines, staying within budget parameters for specific projects, and achieving scientific discovery milestones. Technical performance, such as the reliability and effectiveness of developed technologies or scientific instruments, is also critical. Furthermore, the ability of the FFRDC to provide objective, independent advice and analysis to the sponsoring agency is a core measure of its value. Contributions to the scientific community, such as publications, patents, and the development of new research methodologies, are also important indicators. Finally, the FFRDC's capacity to attract and retain top scientific and engineering talent, and its role in fostering innovation and workforce development, are crucial for long-term success.

What is the typical duration and value range for contracts managing FFRDCs?

Contracts for managing Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are typically long-term agreements, often spanning multiple years, to ensure continuity of operations and strategic research capabilities. The duration can range from 5 to 10 years, with options for extensions, reflecting the long-term nature of the research and development objectives. The value of these contracts can vary significantly depending on the scope, size, and specific mission of the FFRDC. For major FFRDCs like JPL, which undertake complex space missions and advanced research, annual funding can be in the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, leading to total contract values in the billions over their lifespan. The contract provided ($33.19M from 2012-2021) likely represents a specific funding allocation or a portion of the overall operational budget for JPL during that period, rather than the total cost of managing the entire FFRDC. Benchmarking is challenging due to the unique nature and specialized functions of each FFRDC.

What are the implications of a sole-source award for an FFRDC in terms of contractor accountability?

While a sole-source award for an FFRDC bypasses traditional competitive accountability, contractor accountability is maintained through other robust mechanisms. Because FFRDCs are established to serve specific, long-term government needs, the sponsoring agency maintains significant oversight. This includes defining clear objectives through task orders, requiring regular performance reporting, conducting periodic reviews, and potentially establishing advisory boards. The contractor's performance is continuously assessed against these defined objectives and the overall mission goals. Furthermore, FFRDC agreements often include provisions for the government to terminate the contract if performance is unsatisfactory or if the FFRDC no longer meets the government's needs. The reputation and continued funding of the managing institution are also strong motivators for accountability. The unique relationship fosters a partnership where accountability is built on mutual trust and shared strategic goals, overseen by the sponsoring agency.

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: $51,005,888

Exercised Options: $51,005,888

Current Obligation: $33,191,882

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: 2021-09-30

Potential End Date: 2021-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-08-13

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