NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech, valued at over $131M, supports critical Earth and space science missions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $131,853,307 ($131.9M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2019-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,555 days

Daily Burn Rate: $51.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF MARS PROGRAM MANAGEMNET AND FUTURE PLANNING 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 $131.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF MARS PROGRAM MANAGEMNET AND FUTURE PLANNING 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 ESTABLISH… Key points: 1. This contract funds the operation of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), ensuring specialized research capabilities. 2. The work directly supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate, aligning with national scientific objectives in Earth and space exploration. 3. Performance is managed through task orders, providing flexibility for NASA to direct JPL's research efforts. 4. The long-term nature of the FFRDC relationship suggests a strategic investment in sustained scientific advancement. 5. Focus areas include Earth science, indicating a commitment to understanding our planet's systems. 6. The contract's structure as a sponsorship agreement highlights a unique partnership model for government-funded research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $131 million over approximately 7 years represents a significant investment in scientific research and development. Benchmarking this against other FFRDC contracts is challenging due to their unique nature and specific mission focus. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure aims to control expenses while allowing for flexibility in research scope. The value appears reasonable given the specialized expertise and infrastructure required for operating a facility like JPL.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract is structured as a sole-source agreement, which is typical for FFRDCs. These centers are established to provide unique research capabilities and long-term strategic support to the government that cannot be easily replicated or competed in the open market. The selection of the California Institute of Technology to operate JPL is based on its established expertise and historical role.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source FFRDC contracts, while necessary for specialized research, limit opportunities for broader competition, potentially impacting cost savings for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, gaining access to advanced research and development capabilities. Services delivered include research and development in Earth science and other scientific areas designated by NASA. The geographic impact is national, with potential global implications from the scientific discoveries made. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and support staff at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus contracts if not closely managed.
• Reliance on a single contractor for critical FFRDC functions could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

• Long-standing relationship between NASA and Caltech/JPL indicates a proven track record of collaboration.
• FFRDC designation suggests a high level of trust and strategic importance placed on the contractor's capabilities.
• Focus on critical scientific areas like Earth science aligns with national priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The FFRDC model is designed for long-term, strategic research that often requires specialized facilities and expertise not readily available in the commercial market. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of FFRDCs, but NASA's overall R&D spending provides a broader context for this investment.

Small Business Impact

As this is a sole-source contract for an FFRDC, there are typically no small business set-asides directly associated with the prime contract. However, the FFRDC operator, Caltech, may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities to support specific research tasks or procure specialized equipment and services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by NASA through the sponsoring agreement and task orders issued by the NASA Management Office. The FFRDC structure itself implies a high degree of oversight due to its specialized nature and the need to ensure alignment with government objectives. Transparency is maintained through regular reporting and reviews, though specific details of internal operations may be proprietary.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Science Mission Directorate Programs
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Earth Science Research Initiatives
• Space Exploration Technology Development

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award limits competition
• Cost-plus contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california-institute-of-technology, jet-propulsion-laboratory, ffrdc, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, earth-science, space-science, long-term-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $131.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF MARS PROGRAM MANAGEMNET AND FUTURE PLANNING 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 OR

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 $131.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2019-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for NASA's FFRDC contracts with Caltech/JPL?

Historical spending data for NASA's FFRDC contracts with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) indicates a consistent and significant investment over many years. While the provided data focuses on a specific contract period (2012-2019) with a value of approximately $131.8 million, broader analysis reveals that NASA has continuously sponsored JPL as an FFRDC since its inception. Annual funding levels have fluctuated based on program priorities and budget allocations, but the overall trend demonstrates a sustained commitment. For instance, in fiscal years prior to and following this contract, annual obligations have often been in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the ongoing need for JPL's specialized research and development capabilities in areas like space exploration, Earth science, and planetary defense. This long-term financial relationship underscores the strategic importance of JPL to NASA's mission objectives.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other NASA R&D contracts?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) pricing structure used for this NASA contract with Caltech/JPL is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure differs from fixed-price contracts, where the price is set regardless of the actual costs incurred, and cost-reimbursement contracts without a fixed fee. Compared to other NASA R&D contracts, CPFF offers a balance: it provides flexibility for the contractor to pursue research objectives that may change as discoveries are made, while the fixed fee provides NASA with a degree of cost predictability for profit. However, it also carries a risk of cost overruns if the initial cost estimates are inaccurate or if unforeseen challenges arise, requiring careful monitoring and oversight by NASA to ensure value for money.

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

While specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided contract summary, the performance of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under its FFRDC sponsorship agreement with NASA is typically evaluated based on a combination of factors. These often include the successful execution of research tasks as defined in issued task orders, adherence to project timelines and milestones, scientific and technical merit of research outcomes, and effective management of resources. NASA's Contracting Officers and the NASA Management Office (NMO) are responsible for monitoring JPL's progress against these objectives. Performance reviews likely assess JPL's ability to meet NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) objectives, contribute to scientific advancements, and maintain its unique research capabilities. The long-term nature of the FFRDC relationship suggests that overall performance has historically met NASA's stringent requirements.

What is the track record of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as a contractor for NASA?

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has an exceptionally strong and long-standing track record as a contractor for NASA, primarily through its operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Caltech has managed JPL as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for NASA since its establishment, making it one of the longest and most successful partnerships in government research. JPL, under Caltech's stewardship, has been responsible for numerous groundbreaking space missions, including the Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance), and the James Webb Space Telescope's scientific instruments. This consistent history of successful mission execution, scientific discovery, and technological innovation demonstrates Caltech's deep expertise, reliable performance, and critical role in advancing NASA's scientific and exploration goals. Their sustained selection as the FFRDC operator is a testament to their proven capabilities and commitment.

How does NASA ensure accountability and transparency in its FFRDC contracts like the one with JPL?

NASA ensures accountability and transparency in its FFRDC contracts, such as the one with Caltech/JPL, through a multi-faceted approach. As the operator of an FFRDC, JPL is subject to rigorous oversight by NASA. This includes the establishment of clear objectives within task orders, regular performance reviews, and financial audits. NASA's Contracting Officers and the NASA Management Office (NMO) are directly responsible for monitoring contract performance and ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. Furthermore, FFRDCs are required to operate in the public interest, and their work is often disseminated through publications and public reports, contributing to transparency. While specific internal operational details might be proprietary, the strategic direction, major outcomes, and financial stewardship of these critical government assets are subject to significant governmental scrutiny and reporting requirements.

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: $194,259,415

Exercised Options: $194,259,415

Current Obligation: $131,853,307

Actual Outlays: $282,852

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: 2019-09-30

Potential End Date: 2019-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-09-25

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