NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for deep space atomic clock research valued at $69.1M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $69,104,675 ($69.1M)

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: $27.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF DEEP SPACE ATOMIC CLOCK (DSAC) 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 $69.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF DEEP SPACE ATOMIC CLOCK (DSAC) 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 RELAT… Key points: 1. This contract funds the operation of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), by NASA. 2. JPL's primary mission under this agreement is to support NASA's Science Mission Directorate across Earth science and planetary science. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns but also flexibility for research. 4. The contract duration is 7 years, suggesting a long-term commitment to ongoing research and development. 5. The work is designated for JPL by NASA task orders, implying specific, directed research objectives. 6. The contractor, California Institute of Technology, is a private nonprofit educational institution, typical for FFRDC management.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $69.1 million over seven years for operating an FFRDC like JPL appears reasonable given the scope of research and development involved. Benchmarking FFRDC operational costs is complex, but this figure aligns with the significant scientific and technological advancements expected from such an institution. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, while carrying inherent risk, is common for R&D where final costs can be uncertain. The value is tied to the strategic importance of JPL's contributions to NASA's science directorate.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed and is a sole-source award to the California Institute of Technology for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL is a unique FFRDC managed by Caltech for NASA, making a competitive procurement for its ongoing operation impractical and undesirable due to the established infrastructure, expertise, and mission alignment. This approach ensures continuity and leverages JPL's specialized capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: As a sole-source award for an FFRDC, the focus is on ensuring the continued delivery of critical research capabilities rather than achieving cost savings through competition. Taxpayers benefit from the specialized, long-term research that JPL provides.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Science Mission Directorate, which receives support for its Earth and planetary science objectives. The contract enables cutting-edge research and development in areas crucial for understanding our planet and the solar system. The geographic impact is national, as JPL's research contributes to scientific knowledge and technological innovation benefiting the entire United States. Workforce implications include continued employment for highly skilled scientists, engineers, and support staff at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
• Sole-source nature limits opportunities for other institutions and potential cost efficiencies from competition.

Positive Signals

• Contract supports a critical FFRDC (JPL) with a proven track record in space exploration and science.
• Long-term contract duration (7 years) provides stability for critical, long-range research initiatives.
• Focus on scientific advancement aligns with national strategic interests in space and Earth sciences.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a world-renowned institution for space exploration and planetary science research. Its operational funding through this contract is crucial for maintaining its capabilities in developing advanced technologies, conducting scientific missions, and contributing to the broader aerospace and scientific communities. Comparable spending benchmarks for FFRDCs are difficult to establish due to their unique nature, but this contract represents a significant investment in national scientific and technological leadership.

Small Business Impact

This contract is not directly related to small business set-asides, as it is a sole-source award to a large educational institution for FFRDC operations. However, JPL, as a major research center, likely engages small businesses as subcontractors for various goods and services, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the aerospace and technology sectors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Management Office at JPL. NASA contracting officers issue task orders and monitor performance. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific government oversight frameworks designed to ensure its work aligns with federal objectives and that public funds are used effectively. Transparency is maintained through regular reporting and program reviews.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, ffrdc, cost-plus-fixed-fee, space-exploration, planetary-science, earth-science, nonprofit, educational-institution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $69.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF DEEP SPACE ATOMIC CLOCK (DSAC) 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

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 $69.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

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

Analyzing historical spending trends for JPL's FFRDC operations requires access to detailed contract data over multiple years. This specific contract, valued at $69.1 million, covers a 7-year period from 2012 to 2019. To understand the trend, one would need to examine previous and subsequent contracts for JPL's FFRDC management and operations. Generally, FFRDC funding can fluctuate based on government priorities, specific mission needs, and the overall federal budget for agencies like NASA. Without access to a comprehensive historical database of all NASA contracts with JPL, a precise trend analysis is not possible. However, it is reasonable to assume that funding for such a critical research institution would be relatively stable, with potential increases tied to major new scientific initiatives or technological developments.

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

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure for this FFRDC contract means that the contractor (Caltech/JPL) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used for research and development where the scope of work or final costs are uncertain. For value for money, CPFF can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows NASA to fund complex, innovative research without being overly constrained by precise cost estimations upfront, ensuring that critical scientific objectives can be pursued. On the other hand, it carries a risk of cost overruns, as the contractor has less incentive to control costs compared to a fixed-price contract. NASA's oversight is crucial to ensure that costs remain reasonable and that the fixed fee adequately compensates the contractor for the risks and efforts involved. The value is ultimately judged by the scientific and technological outcomes achieved relative to the total expenditure.

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

While the provided data does not detail specific performance metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract, FFRDC agreements typically involve rigorous oversight and evaluation. NASA's Management Office at JPL would likely monitor performance based on the successful completion of task orders issued by the Contracting Officers. Key indicators would probably include the timely delivery of research findings, the development and testing of new technologies (such as atomic clocks for deep space), the successful execution of scientific missions supported by JPL, adherence to scientific integrity, and the effective management of resources. Performance is often assessed through regular progress reports, technical reviews, and milestone achievements aligned with NASA's strategic science plan objectives. The overall success is measured by JPL's contribution to advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in alignment with NASA's mission.

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

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has an exceptionally strong and long-standing track record with NASA, most notably as the manager and operator of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) since its inception. JPL, under Caltech's stewardship, has been instrumental in numerous landmark space missions, including the Voyager, Cassini, Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance), and the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions. Caltech's expertise in scientific research, engineering, and project management is world-renowned. Their consistent ability to deliver complex, cutting-edge scientific and technological solutions for NASA over many decades underscores their reliability and capability as a contractor. This deep historical relationship and proven performance make them a trusted partner for critical FFRDC operations.

Are there any significant risks associated with this contract, beyond standard R&D uncertainties?

Beyond the inherent uncertainties of research and development, significant risks associated with this contract primarily stem from its sole-source nature and the complexity of managing an FFRDC like JPL. A key risk is the potential for cost escalation under the CPFF structure, requiring diligent oversight from NASA to ensure fiscal responsibility. Another risk relates to maintaining JPL's cutting-edge capabilities and attracting/retaining top talent in a competitive scientific landscape. Mission-specific risks, such as the failure of a deep space mission or a critical technology not performing as expected, are also inherent. Furthermore, ensuring continued alignment between JPL's research direction and NASA's evolving strategic priorities is crucial. The long-term reliance on a single entity for FFRDC operations also presents a systemic risk if that entity faces significant internal challenges.

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: $72,483,422

Exercised Options: $72,483,422

Current Obligation: $69,104,675

Actual Outlays: $168,198

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: 2023-10-16

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