NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech, valued at $294M, supports vital space science missions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,412,266 ($29.4M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-08-21

End Date: 2019-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,596 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT TO HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS MISSION 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 $29.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT TO HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS MISSION 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 E… Key points: 1. This contract funds a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) crucial for NASA's scientific endeavors. 2. The FFRDC structure ensures specialized, long-term research capabilities for national priorities. 3. Performance is tied to task orders, allowing flexibility in addressing evolving scientific objectives. 4. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure incentivizes efficient cost management while ensuring mission completion. 5. The contract's duration and scope suggest a stable, long-term commitment to scientific exploration. 6. Focus areas include Earth science and other key areas within NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $294 million over its period of performance is substantial, reflecting the complex and long-term nature of FFRDC operations. Benchmarking FFRDC costs is challenging due to their unique, specialized nature. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure is typical for such R&D-intensive contracts, aiming to balance cost control with the need for innovation and mission success. The value appears reasonable given the critical scientific and exploratory work undertaken by JPL.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, as it establishes the operating agreement for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) managed by the California Institute of Technology. FFRDCs are typically established through sole-source arrangements due to their unique capabilities, long-term strategic focus, and the need for a stable, trusted research partner. This approach allows for sustained investment in specialized expertise and infrastructure.

Taxpayer Impact: While sole-source contracts can sometimes lead to higher prices, the FFRDC model is designed to provide unique national capabilities that might not be available through traditional competitive procurement. Taxpayers benefit from dedicated, long-term scientific expertise and infrastructure.

Public Impact

Benefits the scientific community and the public through advancements in space exploration and Earth science. Delivers critical research, development, and operational support for NASA's science missions. Geographic impact is national, with research potentially influencing global understanding of Earth and space. Workforce implications include highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians at JPL. Enhances 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 complex R&D projects.
• Reliance on a single entity (JPL) for critical FFRDC functions.
• Ensuring continued alignment with NASA's evolving strategic priorities over the long term.

Positive Signals

• Established track record of successful space missions and scientific breakthroughs.
• JPL's unique expertise and infrastructure as an FFRDC.
• Long-term partnership fosters stability and deep institutional knowledge.
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure provides some cost control incentives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for FFRDCs is highly specialized, with only a handful of such centers operating in the U.S., often managed by universities or non-profit institutions. NASA's investment in JPL represents a significant portion of federal spending dedicated to advanced space science research and technology development, benchmarking against other large-scale R&D initiatives.

Small Business Impact

As this contract is a sole-source agreement for the operation of an FFRDC, it does not involve small business set-asides. Subcontracting opportunities may exist, but the primary focus is on the core capabilities of the FFRDC itself. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem is indirect, primarily through potential innovation spillover or the development of technologies that could later be commercialized or procured from small businesses.

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 against established objectives. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific government oversight frameworks designed to ensure its work aligns with national interests and federal requirements. 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
• Earth Science Research Programs

Risk Flags

• Sole-source procurement limits price discovery.
• Complexity of R&D projects can lead to cost overruns.
• Long-term reliance on a single FFRDC manager.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $29.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF SUPPORT TO HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS MISSION 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

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 $29.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-08-21. End: 2019-09-30.

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

Historical spending data for this specific contract, which covers the operational agreement for JPL, shows a total value of approximately $294 million from its start date in August 2012 to its end date in September 2019. While direct year-over-year comparisons for this overarching FFRDC agreement are limited due to its nature as a foundational operating contract, NASA's overall investment in FFRDCs and specific mission-related task orders issued under such agreements typically reflects sustained, significant funding. For instance, NASA's budget allocations for science missions, which JPL directly supports, have historically ranged in the billions of dollars annually. The funding for FFRDCs like JPL is often characterized by long-term stability, reflecting the strategic importance of these unique research institutions. Analyzing individual task orders issued under this contract would provide a more granular view of spending fluctuations tied to specific projects and their phases.

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

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development (R&D) and FFRDC agreements because it allows for flexibility in scope and addresses the inherent uncertainties in scientific exploration. Under CPFF, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This differs from fixed-price contracts, where the price is set regardless of the final cost, and cost-reimbursement contracts without a fixed fee, which might offer less incentive for cost control. For FFRDCs, CPFF provides a balance: it ensures the contractor is compensated for the resources needed to pursue complex scientific objectives while the fixed fee incentivizes efficient management of those resources. Compared to other R&D contracts, CPFF is well-suited for projects where the final costs are difficult to estimate upfront, such as exploratory research or developing novel technologies, which aligns with JPL's mission.

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

While specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided contract abstract, performance for FFRDCs like JPL is typically assessed based on a combination of factors tied to the task orders issued by NASA. These often include the successful completion of scientific objectives, adherence to project timelines and milestones, technical innovation and quality of research output, effective management of resources (budget and personnel), and contributions to NASA's strategic science goals. For instance, the successful deployment and operation of spacecraft, the quality of scientific data returned, and the impact of research findings published in peer-reviewed journals would serve as critical performance indicators. NASA's oversight likely involves regular technical reviews, progress reports, and milestone achievements directly linked to the scientific and engineering challenges outlined in the task orders.

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

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has an exceptionally strong and long-standing track record in managing the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA. JPL, operated by Caltech since its inception in 1936, is a premier R&D center renowned for its contributions to space exploration and Earth science. Caltech's stewardship has overseen numerous highly successful NASA missions, including the Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance), and the Hubble Space Telescope's initial development. This sustained success, spanning decades, demonstrates Caltech's capability in managing complex, large-scale scientific and engineering projects, fostering innovation, and meeting NASA's demanding requirements. Their deep expertise in science and engineering, coupled with their experience in managing a large, specialized workforce, makes them a trusted partner for NASA's most ambitious endeavors.

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

This contract is fundamental to NASA's strategic goals by enabling the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a critical FFRDC. JPL's primary mission is to support NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in achieving its objectives, which include advancing knowledge of the universe and our home planet. Specifically, JPL's work under this contract directly contributes to areas like planetary science (e.g., Mars exploration, missions to outer planets), astrophysics (e.g., space telescopes, cosmology research), and Earth science (e.g., climate monitoring, disaster response). The contract provides the framework for JPL to conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative technologies, and manage complex space missions, all of which are essential for NASA to fulfill its mandate of scientific discovery, technological advancement, and expanding humanity's presence in space.

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: $29,552,418

Exercised Options: $29,552,418

Current Obligation: $29,412,266

Actual Outlays: $71,552

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: 2012-08-21

Current End Date: 2019-09-30

Potential End Date: 2019-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2023-08-01

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