NASA's $27.3M Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for space research faces scrutiny over competition and value
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,337,844 ($27.3M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-10-01
End Date: 2017-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF OCEAN VECTOR WINDS SCATTEROMETER ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (RAPIDSCAT) 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 $27.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF OCEAN VECTOR WINDS SCATTEROMETER ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (RAPIDSCAT) THE CONTRACT IS THE SPONSORING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) AND THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (CONTRACTOR), A PRIVATE NONPROFIT EDU… Key points: 1. The contract funds the operation of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). 2. JPL's primary mission is to support NASA's Science Mission Directorate, focusing on specific objectives outlined in the SMD Science Plan. 3. The contract was not competed, raising questions about price discovery and potential value for taxpayer dollars. 4. The sector is R&D, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences, a critical area for national scientific advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Without competitive benchmarking, assessing the true value for money is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition approach. This limits price discovery and may not result in the most cost-effective outcome for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers are receiving the best possible value for the $27.3 million allocated to this FFRDC operation.
Public Impact
Supports critical space science research and development, potentially leading to significant scientific discoveries. The FFRDC model allows for long-term strategic research capabilities, but requires careful oversight. Funding for advanced scientific instruments and missions is vital for maintaining U.S. leadership in space exploration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition for FFRDC operations.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize cost growth.
- Limited transparency on specific task order costs and performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical national scientific and technological advancement.
- Established relationship with a reputable research institution (Caltech/JPL).
- Focus on long-term strategic research objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but requires rigorous oversight to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, as it is a direct agreement with a large research institution for FFRDC operations.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is primarily conducted by the NASA Management Office (NMO) through task orders. However, the sole-source nature of the FFRDC agreement necessitates robust performance monitoring and value assessment by NASA.
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
- Lack of competition.
- Potential for cost overruns with Cost Plus Fixed Fee.
- Limited transparency on specific task order performance.
- FFRDC model requires ongoing justification of unique capabilities.
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 $27.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF OCEAN VECTOR WINDS SCATTEROMETER ON THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (RAPIDSCAT) 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 PERFO
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 $27.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2017-09-30.
How does NASA ensure the cost-effectiveness of FFRDC operations when the contract is not competed?
NASA relies on the FFRDC's unique capabilities and long-term strategic alignment with agency goals. Cost-effectiveness is typically assessed through performance metrics, milestone achievement, and periodic reviews of the overall value proposition, rather than direct price competition. The fixed fee component aims to provide some cost control, but continuous monitoring of direct costs is essential.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source contract for a critical research facility like JPL?
The primary risks include a lack of competitive pressure leading to potentially higher costs and reduced innovation incentives. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in and reduced flexibility for NASA if needs change. Ensuring accountability and performance requires diligent oversight and clear performance standards to mitigate these risks.
How does this contract contribute to NASA's overall mission effectiveness and scientific goals?
This contract is fundamental to NASA's mission, enabling the operation of JPL, a key institution for space exploration and scientific discovery. JPL's work directly supports the SMD Science Plan, driving advancements in astrophysics, planetary science, and Earth science, thereby enhancing NASA's overall effectiveness and achieving its scientific objectives.
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: $28,630,713
Exercised Options: $28,630,713
Current Obligation: $27,337,844
Actual Outlays: $-3
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: 2017-09-30
Potential End Date: 2017-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-09-14
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