NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech, valued at $19.89M, supports critical Earth science missions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,885,846 ($19.9M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2020-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,921 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF NASA ENGINEERING AND SAFETY CENTER (NESC) SUPPORT 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 $19.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF NASA ENGINEERING AND SAFETY CENTER (NESC) SUPPORT 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 EST… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate, focusing on Earth science and other scientific areas. 2. The contract is structured as a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) award. 3. Operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for NASA. 4. Long-term contract duration of approximately 8 years. 5. Primarily focused on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 6. Contractor is a private non-profit educational institution, the California Institute of Technology.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $19.89 million over nearly 8 years for operating an FFRDC like JPL is reasonable, considering the specialized nature of the work and the contractor's unique capabilities. Benchmarking FFRDC operational costs is complex due to their strategic, long-term nature and specific mission mandates. However, the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for flexibility while incentivizing cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed and was awarded sole-source to the California Institute of Technology. This is typical for FFRDCs, which are established to provide long-term, strategic research and development capabilities to the government that are best managed by a specific entity with unique expertise and infrastructure.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards for FFRDCs are generally accepted as necessary for maintaining specialized capabilities, but they limit opportunities for price discovery through competition. Taxpayers benefit from the specialized, long-term research, but the absence of competition means potential cost savings from a competitive bidding process are not realized.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by enabling critical research and development. Supports advancements in Earth science, contributing to a better understanding of our planet. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is the primary entity delivering services under this contract. Workforce implications include highly skilled scientists, engineers, and support staff at JPL. Geographic impact is primarily at JPL's facilities in California, with broader scientific dissemination.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Sole-source nature limits competitive pressure on pricing.
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
• Reliance on a single FFRDC for critical R&D functions could pose a risk if capabilities are not maintained or evolve.

Positive Signals

• FFRDC model provides stable, long-term research capabilities essential for complex missions.
• California Institute of Technology is a highly reputable institution with a proven track record in space exploration and science.
• Contract supports critical scientific objectives aligned with national priorities in Earth science.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The FFRDC model is common in high-tech sectors like aerospace and defense, where long-term, specialized research capabilities are crucial. NASA's FFRDCs, like JPL, are instrumental in driving innovation and executing complex scientific missions, often involving significant upfront investment and specialized infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions. As an FFRDC operated by a large non-profit educational institution, the primary focus is on the core research mission. Subcontracting opportunities may exist, but the primary award is not directed towards small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is indirect, through potential innovation spillover or opportunities with prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by NASA through the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Management Office (NMO) contracting officers. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific agreements and oversight frameworks designed to ensure alignment with NASA's strategic goals and responsible use of federal funds. Transparency is maintained through regular reporting and programmatic 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)
• Aerospace Research and Development
• Earth Science Research Initiatives

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
• FFRDC management requires specialized oversight

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, ffrdc, cost-plus-fixed-fee, earth-science, aerospace, non-profit, educational-institution, long-term-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $19.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF NASA ENGINEERING AND SAFETY CENTER (NESC) SUPPORT 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 T

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 $19.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2020-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for this contract or similar FFRDC agreements with NASA?

Historical spending data for this specific contract, identified as an operational agreement for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) with the California Institute of Technology, shows a consistent funding stream. The provided data indicates an award value of $19.89 million with a duration from October 1, 2012, to September 30, 2020. While this specific data point represents a segment of the overall JPL FFRDC funding, FFRDC agreements are typically long-term and involve substantial, often multi-year, funding commitments. NASA's overall R&D spending, particularly in areas supported by JPL like Earth science and space exploration, has historically been significant. Analyzing year-over-year trends for FFRDCs requires access to detailed budget allocations and task order histories, which are often complex due to the nature of R&D projects and evolving mission priorities. However, the sustained operation of JPL as an FFRDC implies a consistent and substantial investment from NASA over many years, reflecting its critical role in national space and science endeavors.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure impact cost control and contractor incentives for this contract?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract structure for NASA's FFRDC with Caltech (JPL) aims to balance flexibility in research with cost accountability. In a CPFF arrangement, the contractor (Caltech/JPL) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is beneficial for research and development where the scope of work can be uncertain or evolve, allowing the contractor to pursue necessary investigations without immediate cost constraints. However, it can reduce the contractor's incentive to control costs, as their fee is fixed regardless of the final project cost. NASA's oversight is therefore critical to monitor expenditures, ensure cost allowability, and manage the overall budget. The fixed fee provides a moderate incentive for efficiency, but the primary cost control mechanism relies on NASA's diligent contract management and the FFRDC's inherent mission-driven focus rather than direct profit maximization from cost savings.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under this contract?

While specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the provided contract abstract, the success of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under its FFRDC agreement with NASA is typically measured against a range of technical, programmatic, and operational metrics. These often include the successful completion of scientific objectives for missions managed or supported by JPL, adherence to project timelines and budgets for assigned tasks, the scientific return and impact of research findings (e.g., publications, discoveries), the reliability and performance of spacecraft and instruments developed or operated by JPL, and the effective management of resources. For Earth science missions, KPIs might relate to data quality, predictive modeling accuracy, and contributions to understanding climate change or natural hazards. The FFRDC's ability to provide objective, independent analysis and technical support to NASA is also a crucial, albeit qualitative, measure of success.

What is the track record of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as a contractor for NASA, particularly in managing FFRDCs?

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has an exceptionally strong and long-standing track record with NASA, primarily through its management of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). This relationship dates back to the 1950s, predating NASA's formation. Caltech, through JPL, has been instrumental in numerous landmark space exploration and Earth science missions, including the Voyager, Galileo, Cassini, Mars rovers (Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, Perseverance), and numerous Earth-observing satellites. Their expertise spans spacecraft design, instrument development, mission operations, and scientific data analysis. Caltech's consistent ability to deliver complex, cutting-edge projects on time and within budget, coupled with its scientific prowess, has solidified its reputation as a premier partner for NASA, making it a trusted entity for managing critical R&D functions.

Are there any specific risks associated with the sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract for NASA?

The primary risk associated with the sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract is the potential lack of competitive pressure on pricing and innovation. While FFRDCs like JPL are established for unique, long-term strategic capabilities that are difficult to replicate or compete, the absence of regular bidding processes means NASA cannot leverage market competition to drive down costs or explore alternative technological approaches. This necessitates robust internal oversight and performance management by NASA to ensure value for money and continued relevance. Another risk is 'contractor lock-in,' where NASA becomes highly dependent on the specific capabilities and infrastructure of the FFRDC, making it difficult or costly to transition to other providers if circumstances change. However, the FFRDC model is generally accepted as a necessary mechanism for certain types of government R&D, mitigating these risks through carefully structured agreements and oversight.

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: $38,451,763

Exercised Options: $38,451,763

Current Obligation: $19,885,846

Actual Outlays: $58,833

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: 2020-09-30

Potential End Date: 2020-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2020-05-04

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