NASA's $388M Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for R&D in Earth and space science

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $388,250,082 ($388.3M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2021-10-21

Contract Duration: 3,307 days

Daily Burn Rate: $117.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY (SWOT) 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 $388.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY (SWOT) 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… Key points: 1. This contract funds a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for critical scientific research. 2. The FFRDC structure allows for long-term, specialized research capabilities not easily replicated in the private sector. 3. Performance is tied to task orders, indicating a flexible but potentially complex management structure. 4. The contractor, Caltech, is a well-established institution with a strong track record in scientific research. 5. The contract's duration and cost suggest a significant, ongoing commitment to scientific advancement. 6. Focus areas include Earth science and space exploration, aligning with national scientific priorities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $388.25 million over approximately 9 years represents a substantial investment in scientific research. Benchmarking FFRDC contracts is complex due to their unique nature. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure implies that NASA aims to control overall costs while incentivizing efficient performance. Given the specialized nature of JPL's work and its role as an FFRDC, the pricing appears reasonable for the scope of research and development undertaken, particularly in areas like Earth and space science.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract is structured as a sole-source agreement with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) to operate the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). FFRDCs are established to meet specific long-term research and development needs of the government that cannot be met effectively by the private sector or government laboratories alone. The sole-source nature is inherent to the FFRDC model, ensuring continuity and specialized expertise.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature means taxpayers do not benefit from competitive bidding, but this is a recognized trade-off for maintaining a unique, long-term research capability.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the scientific community and the public, through advancements in Earth science and space exploration. Services delivered include research, development, and operation of scientific missions and instruments. The geographic impact is global, with space-based research affecting all nations, and Earth science data informing global environmental understanding. Workforce implications include highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians employed at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Potential for cost overruns inherent in long-term, complex R&D projects.
• Reliance on a single entity (JPL/Caltech) for critical FFRDC functions.
• Ensuring continued alignment of JPL's research priorities with NASA's evolving strategic goals.

Positive Signals

• Established relationship between NASA and Caltech/JPL provides stability and continuity.
• JPL's proven track record in successful space missions and scientific discovery.
• The FFRDC designation ensures dedicated resources and focus on government-mandated research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically R&D in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. The market for such specialized scientific research is limited, with FFRDCs like JPL playing a unique role. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the specialized nature of FFRDCs, but NASA's consistent investment in JPL highlights its strategic importance for national scientific endeavors, particularly in space exploration and Earth observation.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides. As a sole-source FFRDC contract with a major educational institution, the primary focus is on specialized research capabilities rather than broad contracting opportunities for small businesses. Subcontracting opportunities may exist but are not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is managed by the NASA Management Office (NMO) through contracting officers who issue task orders. The FFRDC structure itself implies a high degree of government oversight to ensure alignment with federal research objectives. Accountability is built into the task order system and performance reviews. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's public reporting on its science missions and research outcomes.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Science Mission Directorate Programs
• Earth Science Division Initiatives
• Heliophysics Research Programs
• Planetary Science Division Missions
• James Webb Space Telescope Operations
• Mars Exploration Program

Risk Flags

• Sole-source nature of FFRDC contracts
• Potential for cost growth in R&D
• Long-term reliance on a single contractor

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $388.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF SURFACE WATER AND OCEAN TOPOGRAPHY (SWOT) 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 ORDE

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 $388.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2021-10-21.

What is the historical spending trend for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) FFRDC contract with NASA?

The provided data indicates a total contract value of $388,250,0081.81, spanning from October 1, 2012, to October 21, 2021. This represents an average annual expenditure of approximately $43.14 million over the 9-year period. While this specific contract reflects a significant investment, understanding the broader historical spending trend would require examining prior contracts with JPL/Caltech and potentially other NASA FFRDCs. Generally, FFRDC funding tends to be stable, reflecting long-term research commitments, but can fluctuate based on specific mission needs and overall agency budgets. Detailed historical analysis would involve tracking annual obligations against this contract and comparing them to previous contract periods to identify any significant increases or decreases in funding levels.

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

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure aims to balance cost control with incentivizing performance for complex R&D. In this FFRDC agreement with JPL/Caltech, NASA agrees to reimburse allowable costs incurred by the contractor, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is beneficial when the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, as is common in cutting-edge research. For taxpayers, the 'cost-plus' element means that the final cost can vary depending on actual expenses, but the 'fixed-fee' provides a ceiling on the contractor's profit, preventing excessive profiteering. NASA's oversight is crucial to ensure that costs are reasonable and directly related to the research objectives. The value for money is realized through JPL's unique capabilities and successful scientific outcomes, which might be more costly or impossible to achieve through other contracting methods.

What are the primary risks associated with operating a sole-source FFRDC like JPL for NASA?

Operating a sole-source FFRDC like JPL presents several key risks for NASA. Firstly, the lack of competition inherently removes the price discovery mechanism found in competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher costs if not managed rigorously. Secondly, there's a risk of contractor 'lock-in,' where NASA becomes heavily reliant on JPL's unique expertise, making it difficult and costly to switch providers or bring capabilities in-house. Thirdly, ensuring continued innovation and avoiding complacency within a sole-source relationship requires proactive management and clear performance metrics. Finally, aligning JPL's research agenda with NASA's evolving strategic priorities can be challenging over long periods, necessitating strong communication and governance structures to prevent misalignment.

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

Caltech has an exceptionally strong and long-standing track record with NASA, primarily through its management of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL has been instrumental in numerous groundbreaking NASA missions, including the Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance), and the Hubble Space Telescope, among many others. This consistent delivery of highly complex and scientifically significant missions demonstrates Caltech's deep expertise in space exploration, robotics, and scientific instrumentation. Their ability to manage large-scale, multi-year projects, attract top scientific talent, and achieve remarkable scientific discoveries underscores their reliability and capability as a contractor for NASA's most ambitious endeavors.

How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader goals in Earth science and space exploration?

This contract is fundamental to NASA's strategic objectives in both Earth science and space exploration. JPL, under Caltech's management, is a critical hub for developing and operating missions that monitor Earth's climate, oceans, atmosphere, and land surface, providing vital data for understanding environmental changes. Simultaneously, JPL is at the forefront of designing and executing deep space missions, including robotic exploration of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, as well as operating space telescopes that peer into the universe's origins. The FFRDC structure ensures sustained focus and specialized capabilities necessary for these long-term, high-risk, high-reward scientific endeavors, directly supporting NASA's mandate to explore space and study our home 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: $556,042,913

Exercised Options: $556,042,913

Current Obligation: $388,250,082

Actual Outlays: $47,591

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: 2021-10-21

Potential End Date: 2021-10-21 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-09-23

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