NASA's $33.3M Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for Earth Science R&A awarded non-competitively
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,324,783 ($33.3M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2013-03-12
End Date: 2020-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,759 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (R&A), EARTH SCIENCE, ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION 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 $33.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (R&A), EARTH SCIENCE, ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION 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 INST… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives for atmospheric composition research. 2. Operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) under NASA's sponsorship. 3. High value contract for specialized scientific research and development. 4. Risk of limited competition due to FFRDC designation.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value is substantial for R&D. Benchmarking is difficult without specific task order details and comparable FFRDC agreements. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful monitoring of expenditures.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract is designated for an FFRDC, which inherently limits competition to the designated entity. This structure is intended for unique capabilities but can impact price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are directed to a specific research institution for specialized scientific endeavors, with oversight crucial to ensure value.
Public Impact
Supports critical Earth science research, potentially impacting climate change understanding and policy. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a world-renowned research institution. Contract funds advanced atmospheric composition studies with potential for significant scientific breakthroughs. Long-term agreement allows for sustained research efforts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to FFRDC status
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract requires robust oversight
Positive Signals
- Supports critical scientific research
- Leverages expertise of a leading research institution
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. NASA's spending in this sector is often characterized by large, long-term investments in specialized facilities and expertise, like FFRDCs.
Small Business Impact
This contract is with a large non-profit educational institution (Caltech) and operates an FFRDC (JPL). There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Management Office. The FFRDC structure implies a close working relationship and inherent oversight, but task order specifics are key.
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
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns.
- FFRDC designation restricts competition.
- Potential for misalignment with evolving scientific priorities without active management.
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 $33.3 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (R&A), EARTH SCIENCE, ATMOSPHERIC COMPOSITION 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
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 $33.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2013-03-12. End: 2020-09-30.
How effectively are the funds being utilized to achieve the stated scientific objectives for atmospheric composition research?
Effectiveness is assessed through NASA's review of task order deliverables and scientific output. The FFRDC's established track record suggests a high likelihood of achieving objectives, but specific performance metrics and milestone achievements would provide a clearer picture of fund utilization.
What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source FFRDC contract, beyond the lack of competition?
Beyond limited competition, risks include potential cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts, the risk of research becoming misaligned with evolving NASA priorities if not actively managed, and the potential for vendor lock-in if alternative capabilities are not explored.
Does the long-term nature of this agreement provide a stable platform for groundbreaking research, or does it risk entrenching outdated methodologies?
The long-term nature generally provides stability crucial for complex, multi-year research projects. However, NASA's active management through task orders is essential to ensure the research remains at the forefront of scientific inquiry and adapts to new discoveries and technological advancements.
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: $41,643,550
Exercised Options: $41,643,550
Current Obligation: $33,324,783
Actual Outlays: $81,053
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: 2013-03-12
Current End Date: 2020-09-30
Potential End Date: 2020-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-02-06
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