NASA's $225M JPL Contract for Deep Space Optical Communications: A Game-Changing Technology Program
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,496,740 ($22.5M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-10-01
End Date: 2017-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,824 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF DEEP SPACE OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 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 $22.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF DEEP SPACE OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 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 INST… Key points: 1. This contract funds the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for critical research and development in advanced optical communications. 2. The California Institute of Technology, operating JPL as an FFRDC, is the sole contractor. 3. The primary risk lies in the reliance on a single entity for this specialized, high-impact technology. 4. The sector is R&D, focusing on cutting-edge physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $225 million over five years for a specialized FFRDC like JPL suggests a fair, albeit high, price for unique R&D capabilities. Benchmarking is difficult due to the specialized nature of the work.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract is sole-source, awarded to the California Institute of Technology for operating JPL. This limits price discovery and competition, but is justified by JPL's unique FFRDC status and expertise.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed towards a critical, potentially high-return R&D investment in space communication technology.
Public Impact
Advancement of deep space optical communication capabilities, crucial for future space exploration and data transmission. Potential for significant breakthroughs in technology that could have broader applications beyond space. Supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives, enhancing scientific discovery and understanding of the universe.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source nature limits competitive pricing.
- High cost for specialized R&D.
- Long-term reliance on a single contractor.
Positive Signals
- Focus on game-changing technology.
- Supports critical NASA science missions.
- Leverages unique FFRDC capabilities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is often characterized by high upfront investment and uncertain but potentially high returns, with benchmarks difficult to establish due to the innovative nature of the work.
Small Business Impact
The contract is awarded to a large non-profit educational institution (California Institute of Technology) for operating an FFRDC. There is no indication of subcontracting to small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific oversight agreements with NASA. The contract establishes the framework for task orders and performance monitoring, ensuring accountability for the use of federal funds in research.
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 competition.
- High contract value requires diligent oversight.
- Reliance on a single entity for critical technology.
- Potential for cost overruns in R&D projects.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $22.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF DEEP SPACE OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 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
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 $22.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2017-09-29.
What is the expected return on investment for this game-changing technology program, considering its high cost and specialized nature?
The return on investment is primarily measured by technological advancement and mission success rather than direct financial returns. Success in deep space optical communications could enable significantly higher data rates, reduce mission costs through lighter equipment, and facilitate more complex scientific endeavors, ultimately advancing NASA's exploration and discovery goals.
What are the primary risks associated with relying on a sole-source contractor for such a critical technology, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk is the lack of competitive pressure on pricing and innovation. Mitigation strategies include rigorous oversight by NASA, clearly defined performance metrics within task orders, and the unique FFRDC structure which mandates a focus on government needs. NASA's continued engagement and potential for future task orders also incentivize performance.
How effective is the current contract structure in ensuring the efficient and effective utilization of taxpayer funds for advanced R&D?
The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, while common for R&D, requires careful management to control costs. The effectiveness hinges on NASA's oversight of JPL's operations and task order execution. The FFRDC model itself is designed for long-term, objective research support, suggesting a framework for effective utilization, but continuous monitoring is essential.
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: $25,668,147
Exercised Options: $25,668,147
Current Obligation: $22,496,740
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM 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: 2017-09-29
Potential End Date: 2017-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-03-29
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