NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for R&D totals over $274 million, spanning nearly 8 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,428,078 ($27.4M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2020-01-26

Contract Duration: 2,673 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING FOR LONG DURATION EXPLORATION (EMLDE) 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 $27.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING FOR LONG DURATION EXPLORATION (EMLDE) 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 INSTITUTI… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives across four broad scientific areas. 2. Operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for NASA. 3. Focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 4. Contract duration extended over 8 years, indicating long-term research needs. 5. Work is performed under task orders issued by NASA. 6. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D projects.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $274 million for nearly 8 years of R&D services is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar FFRDC contracts is challenging due to their unique nature. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure suggests a negotiated fee based on estimated costs, which is typical for complex research. The value appears reasonable given the scope of supporting NASA's Science Mission 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), which functions as an FFRDC. FFRDCs are typically established with a single sponsoring agency due to their unique, long-term research and development missions and government-specific needs. This structure allows for specialized expertise and infrastructure to be maintained.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards for FFRDCs are generally accepted as necessary for specialized government functions, meaning taxpayers benefit from dedicated, high-level research capabilities that might not be achievable through traditional competitive contracting.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by providing specialized research and development capabilities. Delivers scientific research and technological advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Geographic impact is primarily in California where JPL is located, but research findings have national and global implications. Supports a highly skilled scientific and engineering workforce at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts for long-term R&D.
• Lack of competition could limit opportunities for other research institutions.
• Reliance on a single entity for critical FFRDC functions.

Positive Signals

• Established relationship with a reputable institution (Caltech) for specialized R&D.
• FFRDC structure ensures long-term focus and government-specific capabilities.
• Clear alignment with NASA's strategic scientific objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for FFRDCs is specialized, with a limited number of such centers established to serve specific government needs. NASA's spending on R&D through entities like JPL is crucial for advancing space exploration and scientific discovery, representing a significant portion of the agency's budget dedicated to innovation.

Small Business Impact

As a sole-source contract awarded to a large non-profit educational institution (Caltech) for FFRDC operations, there are no direct small business set-aside provisions. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on JPL's internal procurement practices and specific task order requirements, but are not a primary focus of this overarching agreement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Management Office at JPL. The contract structure, requiring task orders, allows for ongoing monitoring of work performance and expenditures. As an FFRDC, JPL is subject to specific government oversight requirements to ensure alignment with NASA's mission and responsible use of federal funds.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Research and Development Contracts
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory Operations

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award for FFRDC operations
• Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost risk for the government

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, ffrdc, cost-plus-fixed-fee, space-exploration, science, long-duration, non-profit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $27.4 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING FOR LONG DURATION EXPLORATION (EMLDE) 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 DE

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 $27.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2020-01-26.

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

The provided data shows a total award of $27,428,078.19 over a period from October 1, 2012, to January 26, 2020. This represents the total obligated amount for this specific contract period. To assess historical trends, one would need to examine prior contract awards to JPL for FFRDC operations, as well as other FFRDC agreements NASA may have. FFRDC contracts are typically long-term and may see consistent, significant funding to maintain specialized capabilities. Without access to historical contract databases or specific NASA budget allocations for JPL over multiple years, a detailed trend analysis is not possible from this single data point. However, the duration and value suggest a stable, ongoing investment in JPL's capabilities.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure impact cost control for this R&D contract?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure is common for research and development where the scope of work can be uncertain and evolve. In a CPFF contract, the contractor (Caltech/JPL) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost. However, it also places the risk of cost overruns on the government if actual costs exceed estimates. Effective oversight by NASA is crucial to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract objectives. The fixed fee provides a baseline profit, but the government bears the primary financial risk associated with cost fluctuations in R&D.

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

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, performance evaluation for an FFRDC like JPL typically revolves around meeting scientific objectives outlined in task orders, achieving milestones within projected timelines, delivering high-quality research findings and technological innovations, and adhering to budget constraints. NASA's Management Office at JPL would likely monitor progress through regular reporting, technical reviews, and adherence to programmatic goals set forth in the Science Mission Directorate's plans. The success of JPL is often measured by its contributions to NASA's mission success, scientific publications, and the development of technologies enabling space exploration.

What is the significance of JPL operating as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)?

Operating as an FFRDC provides JPL with a unique status, allowing it to conduct long-term, strategic research and development for its sponsoring agency (NASA) in a manner that is distinct from traditional government laboratories or commercial contractors. FFRDCs are established to meet specific long-term research needs that cannot be met effectively by the private sector alone or by government in-house resources. This structure fosters objectivity, ensures continuity of expertise, and allows for the development of specialized infrastructure and capabilities critical to national interests, such as space exploration and planetary science, which are core to NASA's mission.

Are there any specific technological advancements or scientific discoveries attributed to this contract?

The provided data focuses on the contractual and financial aspects of the agreement between NASA and Caltech for JPL's operations. It does not detail specific technological advancements or scientific discoveries resulting from the work performed under this contract. However, JPL is renowned for numerous contributions to space exploration, including missions like the Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance), the Voyager program, the Cassini mission to Saturn, and the James Webb Space Telescope's development. These achievements are a direct result of the ongoing research and development conducted at JPL, funded through contracts like the one described.

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: $32,134,015

Exercised Options: $32,134,015

Current Obligation: $27,428,078

Actual Outlays: $36

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: 2020-01-26

Potential End Date: 2020-01-26 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-08-13

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