NASA's $363.8M Jet Propulsion Laboratory Contract with Caltech: FFRDC Operations and Science Mission Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $363,784,833 ($363.8M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-10-01
End Date: 2022-04-08
Contract Duration: 3,476 days
Daily Burn Rate: $104.7K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF DESDYNI MISSION STUDIES CONTINUATION 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 $363.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF DESDYNI MISSION STUDIES CONTINUATION 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 … Key points: 1. The contract funds the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), managed by Caltech for NASA. 2. JPL's primary role is to support NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) across Earth, planetary, and other scientific areas. 3. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, indicating NASA reimburses JPL's costs plus a negotiated fixed fee. 4. This FFRDC model allows for specialized, long-term research and development capabilities critical for NASA's scientific endeavors.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is common for R&D FFRDCs, allowing flexibility. Pricing is assessed based on the fixed fee negotiated, which should be benchmarked against similar FFRDC management contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract is sole-source due to the unique nature of FFRDCs, which are established for specific long-term government needs. Competition is not feasible or appropriate for the core FFRDC management function.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to support a critical national asset for scientific research and space exploration, providing significant long-term value.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge scientific research in areas like Earth science and planetary exploration. Ensures continued operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a vital national research facility. Facilitates the development and execution of NASA's ambitious science missions. Contributes to technological advancements with potential civilian applications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not closely monitored.
- Reliance on a single entity (Caltech/JPL) for critical FFRDC operations.
Positive Signals
- Long-standing, successful partnership between NASA and Caltech/JPL.
- FFRDC structure provides stable, dedicated research capabilities.
- Clear alignment with NASA's strategic science objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. FFRDCs like JPL are crucial for government agencies requiring specialized, long-term research capabilities not readily available in the private sector.
Small Business Impact
The contract is with the California Institute of Technology, a large educational institution, and does not appear to directly involve small business prime contracting. Subcontracting opportunities may exist but are not detailed here.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's oversight is critical for managing the FFRDC's operations and ensuring alignment with mission objectives. Task orders and regular reviews are key mechanisms for accountability.
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 nature limits competitive pressure.
- Cost-plus contracts require diligent oversight to control costs.
- Potential for scope creep if task orders are not tightly managed.
- Dependence on a single entity for critical FFRDC functions.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $363.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF DESDYNI MISSION STUDIES CONTINUATION 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 IS
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 $363.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2022-04-08.
How is the fixed fee for Caltech's management of JPL determined and benchmarked against similar FFRDC agreements to ensure fair value?
The fixed fee is negotiated between NASA and Caltech, reflecting the complexity and scope of managing the JPL FFRDC. Benchmarking against other FFRDC contracts, considering factors like size, mission scope, and overhead structures, is essential for ensuring the fee represents fair value and is competitive within the FFRDC landscape.
What are the primary risks associated with the sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk is the lack of direct competition, potentially leading to complacency or less efficient operations. Mitigation involves robust NASA oversight, performance metrics, regular reviews, and ensuring clear communication channels to maintain accountability and drive performance.
How effectively does this contract enable NASA to achieve its long-term scientific exploration and research goals?
This contract is highly effective as it secures a dedicated, world-class research institution (JPL) for NASA's long-term scientific objectives. The FFRDC model provides stability and specialized expertise crucial for complex missions, ensuring continuity and deep institutional knowledge.
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: $712,738,244
Exercised Options: $712,738,244
Current Obligation: $363,784,833
Actual Outlays: $236,645
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: 2022-04-08
Potential End Date: 2022-04-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-23
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