NASA's $25.8M contract with Caltech for Jet Propulsion Laboratory operations shows long-term R&D commitment

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,783,843 ($25.8M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2022-09-30

Contract Duration: 3,651 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF VOYAGER INTERSTELLAR MISSION (VIM) 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 $25.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF VOYAGER INTERSTELLAR MISSION (VIM) 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 RE… Key points: 1. This contract represents a significant investment in federally funded research and development, specifically for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). 2. The focus is on supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate, indicating a strategic alignment with national scientific objectives. 3. The long duration of the contract (2012-2022) suggests a stable, ongoing need for JPL's specialized capabilities. 4. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, it allows for flexibility in research but requires careful oversight of costs. 5. The nature of the work, focused on Earth and planetary science, highlights the contract's contribution to fundamental scientific discovery. 6. The contractor, Caltech, is a well-established institution, implying a degree of reliability and expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $25.8 million over a decade for operating a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) like JPL appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar FFRDC contracts is challenging due to their unique structure and mission focus. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure, while common for R&D, necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain within projections and deliver value. The absence of direct comparisons makes a definitive value-for-money assessment difficult, but the long-term engagement suggests NASA perceives ongoing value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, which is typical for FFRDCs. JPL is operated by the California Institute of Technology under a sole-source arrangement, reflecting its unique capabilities and established role in supporting NASA's missions. While this ensures continuity and leverages existing expertise, it limits the potential for price discovery through competitive bidding. NASA's rationale for this approach likely centers on the specialized, long-term nature of JPL's contributions, which are difficult to replicate or find alternatives for in the open market.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers do not benefit from potential cost savings that might arise from a bidding process. However, the established relationship and specialized expertise at JPL may ultimately lead to more efficient and effective mission outcomes, which can be considered a different form of taxpayer value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, who gain access to JPL's advanced research and development capabilities. Services delivered include support for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, focusing on Earth science and planetary science objectives. The geographic impact is national, with JPL's research contributing to global scientific understanding and technological advancement. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians at JPL, fostering expertise in critical fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not rigorously monitored.
• Sole-source awards limit transparency and potential for competitive pricing.
• The long duration may mask inefficiencies that could be addressed in a more agile contracting environment.

Positive Signals

• The contractor, Caltech, is a highly reputable institution with a proven track record in scientific research.
• JPL's unique capabilities are critical for NASA's strategic scientific goals.
• The long-term nature of the contract provides stability for critical research and development efforts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for operating specialized research centers like JPL is highly concentrated, with FFRDCs playing a crucial role in government-sponsored innovation. 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 exploration and technological advancement.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides. As a sole-source award to a large research institution (Caltech), there are no direct subcontracting opportunities mandated for small businesses through this specific agreement. The focus is on leveraging the core capabilities of the FFRDC rather than distributing work broadly across the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily managed by NASA's contracting officers and the NASA Management Office (NMO), who issue task orders and monitor performance. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific government oversight frameworks designed to ensure alignment with federal objectives and responsible use of funds. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's reporting requirements, though the sole-source nature limits public visibility into the competitive aspects of the award.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Science Mission Directorate Programs
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Aerospace Research and Development
• Earth Science Research
• Planetary Science Research

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
• Long contract duration

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, ffrdc, science, aerospace, earth-science, planetary-science, long-term

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $25.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF VOYAGER INTERSTELLAR MISSION (VIM) 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 ISSU

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 $25.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2022-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) operations under NASA contracts?

The provided data reflects a specific contract period from October 1, 2012, to September 30, 2022, with a total value of $25,838,430.04. This represents an average annual expenditure of approximately $2.58 million over the ten-year period. To understand the broader historical spending trend, one would need to examine prior and subsequent contracts awarded to JPL for its operational support of NASA missions. FFRDCs often have long-standing relationships, suggesting that spending may have been consistent over longer periods, potentially with fluctuations based on specific mission priorities and budget allocations. A comprehensive analysis would require access to NASA's historical contract databases to track JPL's funding across different fiscal years and contract vehicles.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure impact the value delivered by this contract compared to other contract types?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure is common for research and development contracts where the scope of work may evolve or is not precisely defined at the outset. In this structure, the contractor (Caltech/JPL) is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. This provides flexibility for JPL to pursue scientific objectives as they arise, which is crucial for cutting-edge research. However, it places a greater burden on NASA to meticulously monitor costs to ensure they are reasonable and allocable to the contract. Compared to a firm-fixed-price contract, CPFF offers less price certainty for the government and potentially higher overall costs if not managed effectively. Conversely, it can yield better value than cost-plus-incentive-fee (CPIF) if the primary goal is scientific discovery rather than strict cost control, as it avoids the complexities and potential for disputes inherent in incentive fee structures.

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

While specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided contract abstract, NASA's assessment of JPL's performance under this contract would likely focus on several critical areas aligned with the Science Mission Directorate's objectives. These would typically include the successful execution of research tasks, adherence to scientific goals and timelines outlined in task orders, the quality and impact of scientific discoveries and publications, the development and maintenance of critical technologies and infrastructure, and the effective management of resources (personnel, budget). Given JPL's role as an FFRDC, NASA would also evaluate its responsiveness to NASA's evolving needs and its contribution to the overall strategic direction of space science. Performance would be measured against established scientific milestones and the overall progress towards achieving the objectives defined in the SMD Science Plan.

What is the risk profile associated with this sole-source contract for NASA and its mission objectives?

The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the lack of competitive pressure, which could potentially lead to higher costs or less innovation than might be achieved through a competed contract. NASA mitigates this risk by having a deep, long-standing relationship with Caltech/JPL, implying a high degree of trust and understanding of capabilities. Another risk is contractor performance; if JPL fails to meet its scientific or operational objectives, it could significantly delay or jeopardize NASA's mission goals. NASA manages this through rigorous oversight, defined task orders, and performance reviews. Dependence on a single entity for critical R&D functions also presents a systemic risk; any disruption at JPL could have cascading effects on NASA's programs. However, the specialized nature of JPL's work makes finding alternative sources challenging, thus justifying the sole-source approach in many instances.

How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader strategic goals in Earth and Planetary Science?

This contract is fundamental to NASA's strategic goals in Earth and Planetary Science as it directly funds the operational capabilities of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a key institution for these scientific domains. JPL is instrumental in designing, building, and operating robotic space missions for planetary exploration (e.g., Mars rovers, missions to outer planets) and in developing advanced instruments for Earth observation satellites that monitor climate change, weather patterns, and natural resources. By supporting JPL's core functions, this contract enables NASA to gather critical data, advance our understanding of the solar system and our own planet, and develop innovative technologies necessary for future scientific endeavors. The work performed under this agreement directly translates into scientific discoveries, improved climate models, and enhanced capabilities for exploring the cosmos.

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: $51,170,953

Exercised Options: $51,170,953

Current Obligation: $25,783,843

Actual Outlays: $63,586

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM 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: 2022-09-30

Potential End Date: 2022-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2020-05-05

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