NASA's $16.9M contract with Caltech for Jet Propulsion Laboratory operations supports vital science missions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,897,914 ($16.9M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2023-09-24

Contract Duration: 4,010 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 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 $16.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 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… Key points: 1. Contract establishes a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for critical NASA science objectives. 2. Focuses on Earth Science, Planetary Science, and Heliophysics, aligning with NASA's strategic science plan. 3. Long-term relationship (over 10 years) indicates sustained need and contractor's specialized capabilities. 4. Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility in research but requires careful cost oversight. 5. Sole-source nature suggests unique capabilities or a long-standing, established relationship. 6. Performance is tied to task orders, allowing NASA to direct specific research efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $16.9 million over its duration reflects the significant operational costs associated with managing a premier research institution like JPL. Benchmarking this against other FFRDC agreements is challenging due to their unique nature. However, the long-term commitment and the critical scientific output suggest a reasonable allocation of resources for specialized research and development. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing model is typical for R&D where exact costs are difficult to predict, but it necessitates robust oversight to ensure value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract is sole-source, indicating that the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) was selected without a competitive bidding process. This is common for FFRDCs, which are established to provide long-term, specialized research capabilities to the government that are not readily available in the private sector. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces is absent, relying instead on negotiation and oversight to ensure fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means that the government is relying on the unique capabilities of a specific entity. While this ensures access to specialized expertise, it removes the potential for cost savings that could arise from a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by providing essential research and development capabilities. Delivers scientific advancements in Earth Science, Planetary Science, and Heliophysics. Supports cutting-edge research conducted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Impacts the scientific community through the dissemination of research findings and technological innovations. Contributes to the U.S. leadership in space exploration and scientific discovery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts if not closely monitored.
• Reliance on a single entity for critical research capabilities could pose a risk if that entity's performance falters.

Positive Signals

• Long-standing relationship between NASA and Caltech/JPL suggests a proven track record of successful collaboration.
• FFRDC designation implies a commitment to objective, government-focused research.
• Focus on critical scientific areas aligns with national priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech under this contract, is a world-renowned institution for space exploration and Earth science research. The market for such specialized, government-funded research is limited, with FFRDCs playing a unique role in providing dedicated, long-term scientific and technical support to government agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of FFRDCs and their specific missions.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is a sole-source award to a large non-profit educational institution (Caltech). Subcontracting opportunities may exist, but the primary focus is on the direct performance by JPL. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely indirect, through potential innovation spillover or the development of technologies that could later be commercialized or utilized by smaller firms.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily managed by the NASA Management Office (NMO) through the issuance of task orders and monitoring of performance against those orders. As a sole-source FFRDC contract, the emphasis is on ensuring that JPL fulfills its mission objectives and operates efficiently. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's reporting requirements and the public nature of the scientific research conducted. 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 Programs
• Planetary Science Missions

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award limits price competition.
• CPFF contract requires diligent cost oversight.

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, ffrdc, space-exploration, science-mission, cost-plus-fixed-fee, non-profit, educational-institution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $16.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 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

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 $16.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2023-09-24.

What is the historical spending trend for this contract or similar FFRDC agreements managed by NASA?

Historical spending data for this specific contract, which establishes the FFRDC relationship for JPL, shows a consistent allocation over its duration. The provided data point of $16.9 million represents the cumulative value or a specific period's funding. To assess trends, one would need to examine annual expenditures over the contract's life, from its inception in 2012 to its end in 2023. Generally, FFRDC contracts are long-term and may see fluctuating annual funding based on specific task orders and NASA's budgetary allocations. Comparing this to other NASA FFRDCs, such as those managed by universities or research institutions, would reveal similar patterns of sustained, significant investment in specialized research capabilities. These agreements are designed for long-term strategic support rather than short-term project funding, thus exhibiting stable, albeit potentially growing, financial commitments.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types used for R&D at NASA?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure is common for research and development contracts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation and exploration are key objectives, making precise cost estimation difficult. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs incurred, plus a fixed fee representing profit. This contrasts with other R&D contract types like Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF), which includes performance incentives, or Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, which are rare for R&D due to cost uncertainty. For NASA, CPFF offers flexibility, allowing researchers to pursue novel approaches without being strictly bound by initial cost estimates. However, it places a significant burden on NASA to meticulously monitor costs to prevent overruns and ensure the fixed fee remains reasonable relative to the effort expended. Other agencies or programs within NASA might opt for CPIF to incentivize efficiency or FFP for more defined R&D projects.

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

While specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided contract abstract, performance for an FFRDC like JPL under NASA is typically evaluated based on several critical dimensions. These often include the successful execution of scientific missions and research objectives as outlined in task orders, the quality and impact of scientific discoveries and publications, adherence to project timelines and budgets (within the flexibility of CPFF), technological innovation and development, and the overall contribution to NASA's strategic science goals. NASA's Management Office (NMO) would likely establish specific metrics related to mission success rates, data return, peer-reviewed publications, and advancements in areas like Earth observation, planetary exploration, or heliophysics. The long-term nature of the contract and the sole-source award suggest that NASA has a high degree of confidence in JPL's ability to meet these performance expectations.

What is the track record of Caltech/JPL in managing large-scale, complex research projects for NASA?

Caltech, through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), has an exceptionally strong and long-standing track record in managing large-scale, complex research and development projects for NASA. JPL has been instrumental in numerous iconic space missions, including the Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance), and the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions, among many others. Its expertise spans spacecraft design, mission operations, deep space communication, robotics, and a wide array of scientific disciplines. This extensive history of successful, often groundbreaking, missions demonstrates a high level of technical competence, project management capability, and reliability. The continued sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract underscores NASA's confidence in Caltech/JPL's sustained ability to deliver on complex scientific and engineering challenges.

How does NASA ensure accountability and prevent potential conflicts of interest with Caltech operating JPL as an FFRDC?

NASA ensures accountability and manages potential conflicts of interest with Caltech operating JPL as an FFRDC through a robust governance framework. As an FFRDC, JPL is operated by a non-profit entity (Caltech) but is funded and directed by the government (NASA) to meet specific long-term needs. NASA establishes clear operating principles and oversight mechanisms, including the appointment of a NASA Management Office (NMO) resident at JPL. This office monitors performance, costs, and adherence to NASA's objectives. The FFRDC charter itself mandates that the center serve the government's needs objectively and exclusively, preventing it from competing with non-FFRDC entities. Caltech, as the contractor, must maintain separate organizational structures and financial reporting to ensure transparency and prevent commingling of funds or resources. NASA's contracting officers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the contract terms, which include provisions for accountability and ethical conduct.

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: $16,897,914

Exercised Options: $16,897,914

Current Obligation: $16,897,914

Actual Outlays: $41,673

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: 2023-09-24

Potential End Date: 2023-09-24 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-11-18

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