NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract valued at $18.8M annually for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,819,954 ($18.8M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2024-09-30

Contract Duration: 4,382 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF NATIONAL EXTRAGALACTIC DATABASE (NED) 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 $18.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF NATIONAL EXTRAGALACTIC DATABASE (NED) 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… Key points: 1. This contract funds a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for critical NASA science missions. 2. The FFRDC structure allows for long-term strategic research and development aligned with NASA's science plan. 3. Performance is tied to task orders issued by NASA, indicating a need for specialized, ongoing scientific support. 4. The contractor, California Institute of Technology, is a private nonprofit educational institution, suggesting a focus on research and innovation. 5. The contract's duration and cost-plus-fixed-fee structure are typical for complex, long-term R&D endeavors. 6. The primary focus is on supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate across Earth science and planetary science.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The annual value of $18.8 million for operating an FFRDC like JPL appears reasonable given the scope of work. FFRDCs are designed for long-term, strategic research and development that may not be easily procured through traditional contracting. Benchmarking is difficult as FFRDCs are unique entities, but the cost reflects the specialized expertise and infrastructure required for advanced space science missions. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure is common for R&D where exact costs are uncertain but provides NASA with cost control through the fixed fee.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract is structured as a sole-source award, which is typical for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). FFRDCs are established through unique partnerships to meet specific long-term government needs that cannot be met through traditional contracting. The selection of the California Institute of Technology to operate JPL is based on its established expertise and the unique nature of the facility.

Taxpayer Impact: While sole-source, the FFRDC model is intended to provide specialized, long-term capabilities that might be more costly or less effective if competed repeatedly. Taxpayers benefit from the sustained, high-level research and development capabilities housed within JPL.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by providing essential research and development capabilities. Supports advancements in Earth science, planetary science, and potentially other scientific disciplines. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is located in Pasadena, California, implying a concentration of high-tech jobs in that region. The contract enables the development and operation of scientific instruments and missions for space exploration. Ultimately benefits the public through scientific discovery and technological innovation derived from space exploration.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Potential for cost overruns inherent in cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts for complex R&D.
• Reliance on a single contractor for critical FFRDC functions could pose a risk if capabilities are not maintained.
• The long-term nature of the contract requires continuous oversight to ensure alignment with evolving NASA priorities.

Positive Signals

• Established track record of the California Institute of Technology and JPL in space exploration and scientific research.
• FFRDC designation provides a stable, long-term framework for critical research and development.
• Clear alignment with NASA's strategic science objectives as outlined in its science plan.
• The fixed fee component of the contract provides a degree of cost certainty for NASA.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for operating large-scale, specialized research facilities like JPL is highly concentrated, with FFRDCs being a unique government contracting mechanism. 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.

Small Business Impact

This contract is not directly associated with small business set-asides. As an FFRDC operated by a large educational institution, the primary focus is on leveraging specialized institutional capabilities rather than distributing work through small business subcontracting goals. While JPL may engage small businesses for specific goods or services, the core contract is not designed for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the NASA Management Office (NMO) through the issuance of task orders and ongoing performance monitoring. The FFRDC structure itself implies a close working relationship and oversight between NASA and the contractor. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's reporting requirements and the public nature of many of the scientific outcomes. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to ensure the proper use of federal funds.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award for critical R&D capability
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires diligent oversight
• Long-term contract duration necessitates ongoing alignment with evolving priorities

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, ffrdc, space-science, cost-plus-fixed-fee, nonprofit, educational-institution, science-mission-directorate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $18.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF NATIONAL EXTRAGALACTIC DATABASE (NED) 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 I

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 $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2024-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with NASA?

The provided data indicates an annual value of approximately $18.8 million for the current contract period (2012-2024). However, this figure likely represents a portion or a specific type of funding, as the operational costs for an FFRDC like JPL are significantly higher and typically span multiple years with substantial annual budgets. Historical data for JPL's total funding from NASA would reveal a multi-billion dollar investment over decades, reflecting its role in numerous flagship space missions. Annual spending can fluctuate based on mission phases, new project starts, and the specific task orders issued by NASA. Without access to detailed historical financial reports for JPL, precise year-over-year spending trends are not available from this data alone.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure impact value for money in this R&D contract?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure is common for R&D contracts where the scope of work and final costs are difficult to predict precisely at the outset. For taxpayers, the 'cost-plus' element means that NASA reimburses the contractor (California Institute of Technology) for allowable costs incurred. The 'fixed-fee' portion represents a predetermined profit margin that does not change regardless of the final cost, incentivizing the contractor to manage costs effectively to maximize their fee. While CPFF can lead to higher total costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed well, it allows NASA to pursue complex, innovative research that might otherwise be too risky to contract for. The value for money is assessed through rigorous oversight, performance metrics, and ensuring the research outcomes align with NASA's strategic goals.

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

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, for an FFRDC operating under NASA, performance is typically assessed against a range of criteria. These often include the successful development and delivery of scientific instruments and missions, adherence to project timelines and budgets (within the context of CPFF), scientific return on investment (e.g., publications, discoveries), operational reliability of spacecraft and instruments, and the ability to attract and retain top scientific and engineering talent. NASA's Science Mission Directorate would establish specific objectives within task orders, and JPL's performance would be evaluated against these defined goals and milestones.

What is the risk associated with the sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract?

The primary risk associated with the sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract is the potential for complacency or a lack of competitive pressure to innovate and maintain cost-efficiency over the long term. However, the FFRDC model is specifically designed to mitigate some of these risks by fostering a deep, strategic partnership between the government and the contractor, focused on long-term national needs. NASA maintains significant oversight and control through task orders, performance reviews, and the ability to modify the scope of work. Furthermore, the reputation and scientific standing of institutions like Caltech are strong motivators for continued high performance. The risk is managed through robust government oversight and clear performance expectations rather than open competition.

How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader strategic goals in space exploration and scientific discovery?

This contract is fundamental to NASA's strategic goals. By funding the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as an FFRDC, NASA secures a dedicated, world-class research and development capability focused on space science. JPL's work directly supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate's objectives, which include understanding the universe, our solar system, and Earth's place within it. This involves designing, building, and operating robotic missions, developing cutting-edge technologies, and conducting scientific research that pushes the boundaries of human knowledge. The long-term nature of the FFRDC agreement allows for sustained focus on complex, multi-year projects essential for ambitious space exploration endeavors and groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

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: $20,117,590

Exercised Options: $20,117,590

Current Obligation: $18,819,954

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: 2024-09-30

Potential End Date: 2024-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2019-05-06

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