NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for telescope studies valued at over $44 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,281,548 ($44.3M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2016-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,552 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF NEW WORLDS NEW HORIZONS ENABLINE WIDEFIELD (NEW) TELESCOPES STUDY TEAM AND STEWARDSHIP 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 $44.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF NEW WORLDS NEW HORIZONS ENABLINE WIDEFIELD (NEW) TELESCOPES STUDY TEAM AND STEWARDSHIP THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONTRACTOR), A PRIVATE NONPRO… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives for telescope research and development. 2. Operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), indicating a unique, long-term partnership. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 4. Performance period spans over four years, suggesting a significant research and development effort. 5. The contractor, California Institute of Technology, is a well-established research institution. 6. Focuses on physical, engineering, and life sciences research, excluding biotechnology.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $44 million for a four-year period for FFRDC operations appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar FFRDC agreements is challenging due to their unique structures. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates close oversight to ensure costs remain within acceptable bounds and that the fixed fee adequately compensates the contractor for their efforts without excessive profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, as it establishes the sponsoring agreement between NASA and the California Institute of Technology for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). FFRDCs are typically established on a sole-source basis due to their unique capabilities and long-term strategic relationship with the sponsoring agency.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards for FFRDCs are generally accepted as necessary for specialized research and development, but they limit opportunities for broader market competition and potentially higher prices.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by providing specialized research and development capabilities for telescope studies. Supports advancements in astronomical research and the development of new telescope technologies. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, operated by Caltech, is a key national asset for space exploration and scientific discovery. Impacts the scientific community through the advancement of knowledge and technological innovation in astronomy. Workforce implications include employment of 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 incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
• Sole-source nature limits competitive pressure on pricing and innovation.
• Long-term FFRDC agreements may reduce flexibility for NASA to explore alternative solutions.

Positive Signals

• Established relationship with a reputable research institution (Caltech) for critical R&D.
• FFRDC structure ensures dedicated resources and expertise aligned with NASA's strategic goals.
• Contract supports critical scientific objectives in astronomy and telescope development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering related to telescope technology. The market for specialized aerospace R&D is dominated by a few key institutions and large corporations. FFRDCs like JPL represent a unique segment, providing government-sponsored research with a degree of independence. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of FFRDCs, but NASA's overall R&D budget provides context for the scale of investment in scientific endeavors.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is a sole-source agreement with a large research institution (Caltech) for FFRDC operations. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist within the broader JPL ecosystem, but they are not a primary focus of this foundational agreement. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely indirect, through potential future collaborations or supply chain needs.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily managed by NASA through the issuance of task orders and regular performance reviews. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific government oversight protocols designed to ensure alignment with NASA's mission and responsible use of federal funds. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's reporting requirements and public communications regarding scientific missions. The Inspector General of NASA would have jurisdiction over potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Science Mission Directorate Programs
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Space Telescope Development Programs
• Advanced Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
• Long-term FFRDC relationship

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, ffrdc, telescopes, space-science, non-profit, academic-institution

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $44.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF NEW WORLDS NEW HORIZONS ENABLINE WIDEFIELD (NEW) TELESCOPES STUDY TEAM AND STEWARDSHIP 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 T

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 $44.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2016-12-31.

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

Detailed historical spending data for this specific contract (IGF::CL::IGF NEW WORLDS NEW HORIZONS ENABLING WIDEFIELD (NEW) TELESCOPES STUDY TEAM AND STEWARDSHIP) is not fully available in the provided snippet, which focuses on a single award period from 2012-2016 with a value of $44,281,547.61. However, FFRDC agreements, by their nature, often represent long-term, substantial investments. NASA's overall R&D spending provides a broader context. For instance, NASA's budget consistently allocates billions to research, development, and exploration. Analyzing trends in FFRDC funding requires access to NASA's historical budget allocations and specific task order data over multiple years. Generally, FFRDC funding is stable, reflecting the strategic importance of these centers, but can fluctuate based on national priorities and specific project lifecycles. Without more granular data on prior or subsequent contract periods for JPL's FFRDC role, a precise spending trend cannot be established here.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types used for similar R&D efforts at NASA?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type used here is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset, or where innovation and exploration are key objectives. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which represents their profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs, as the fee remains constant regardless of the final cost. However, it can also lead to potential cost overruns if initial estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Alternative contract types at NASA for R&D might include Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF), which offers a shared savings or cost overrun mechanism, or Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) for well-defined projects, though FFP is less common for exploratory R&D. The CPFF is chosen when the agency needs flexibility and the contractor's expertise is paramount, accepting the risk of cost variability within defined parameters.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the success of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under this contract?

While the provided data does not explicitly list Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this specific contract, FFRDC agreements, especially those involving research and development for agencies like NASA, typically rely on a combination of technical, programmatic, and financial metrics. For JPL's role in telescope studies, KPIs would likely include the successful completion of research objectives outlined in task orders, adherence to scientific and technical requirements, timely delivery of research findings and prototypes, and innovation in telescope design or observational techniques. Programmatic KPIs might involve meeting milestones for major research phases or contributing to broader NASA science goals. Financial KPIs would focus on managing costs within the approved budget and demonstrating efficient resource utilization. NASA's oversight would involve regular reviews and assessments against these defined performance standards to ensure the FFRDC is meeting its obligations and contributing effectively to the agency'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 extensive and highly regarded track record as a contractor for NASA, most notably through its management of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). This relationship dates back decades and has been instrumental in numerous groundbreaking space exploration and scientific missions, including the Voyager, Cassini, Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance), and the Hubble Space Telescope. Caltech's expertise in scientific research, engineering, and project management is well-established. Their ability to consistently deliver complex, cutting-edge projects underscores their reliability and capability in fulfilling NASA's most demanding scientific and technological objectives. The longevity and success of the JPL FFRDC under Caltech's stewardship is a testament to their strong performance and strategic alignment with NASA's mission.

Are there any identified risks associated with the sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk associated with the sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract is the potential lack of competitive pressure, which could theoretically lead to less efficient cost management or slower innovation compared to a competed contract. However, FFRDCs like JPL are established precisely because they offer unique, long-term capabilities and strategic alignment that cannot be easily replicated or sourced through traditional competitive procurement. Mitigation strategies employed by NASA include robust oversight mechanisms, detailed performance metrics, and regular reviews of JPL's operations and cost structures. The fixed fee in the CPFF contract also provides a degree of cost control. Furthermore, the FFRDC model itself is designed to foster a collaborative, mission-oriented environment rather than a purely transactional, price-driven one. NASA relies on the inherent quality and specialized expertise of Caltech/JPL, coupled with strong program management, to ensure value and mission success.

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: $44,789,207

Exercised Options: $44,789,207

Current Obligation: $44,281,548

Actual Outlays: $-321,238

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: 2016-12-31

Potential End Date: 2016-12-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-09-19

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