NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech, valued at $39M, supports vital Earth science research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $39,054,304 ($39.1M)

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: $15.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF (AIRS) (AMSU) (HSB) PROJECT TEAM LEADER FACILITY 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 $39.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF (AIRS) (AMSU) (HSB) PROJECT TEAM LEADER FACILITY 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 ESTA… Key points: 1. This contract funds the operation of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), ensuring specialized research capabilities. 2. The focus on Earth science aligns with national priorities for understanding climate and environmental changes. 3. The long-term nature of the contract (2012-2019) suggests a stable, ongoing need for JPL's expertise. 4. As an FFRDC, JPL provides unique, long-term research and development services not readily available in the private sector. 5. The contract's structure as a sponsorship agreement highlights a strategic partnership between NASA and Caltech. 6. Performance is managed through task orders, allowing flexibility in directing research efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $39 million over seven years represents a significant investment in Earth science research. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the unique FFRDC nature of JPL, the cost appears reasonable for maintaining a world-class research institution dedicated to space exploration and Earth observation. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively while ensuring mission objectives are met. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D centers would provide further context, but the sustained funding suggests perceived value by NASA.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to the California Institute of Technology for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). FFRDCs are established to meet specific long-term research and development needs of the government that cannot be met as effectively by the private sector. The sole-source nature is inherent to the FFRDC model, which requires a unique relationship and specialized capabilities.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, the sole-source award for an FFRDC ensures access to highly specialized, long-term research capabilities that are critical for national scientific endeavors. While not subject to competitive bidding, the FFRDC structure is designed to provide unique value and expertise that would be difficult or impossible to procure through traditional contracting.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Science Mission Directorate, which receives critical support for its Earth science objectives. The contract enables the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a leading center for robotic space exploration and Earth science research. Research conducted under this contract contributes to a better understanding of Earth's climate, environment, and natural resources. The work supports advancements in scientific knowledge with potential long-term benefits for environmental monitoring, disaster prediction, and resource management. The contract sustains a highly skilled workforce of scientists, engineers, and technicians at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Sole-source nature limits competitive pressure on pricing, though FFRDC model is designed for unique capabilities.
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
• Reliance on a single entity (JPL) for critical research functions could pose a risk if capabilities are disrupted.

Positive Signals

• JPL is a globally recognized leader in space exploration and Earth science, providing unparalleled expertise.
• The FFRDC designation ensures long-term strategic alignment with NASA's research goals.
• The contract's duration indicates a stable and consistent need for JPL's services, fostering continuity in research.
• Task order structure allows for flexibility and adaptation to evolving scientific priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a major government entity that invests heavily in R&D, particularly in space exploration, aeronautics, and Earth science. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech under this contract, is a premier institution in this field. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale government-funded research centers or major R&D grants to academic institutions for similar scientific endeavors.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is a sole-source award to a large non-profit educational institution (Caltech) for operating an FFRDC. Subcontracting opportunities may exist, but the primary focus is on the direct research and development capabilities of JPL. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely indirect, through potential collaborations or the supply chain for specialized equipment and services required by JPL.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Management Office at JPL. As a sole-source contract for an FFRDC, oversight focuses on ensuring that JPL fulfills its designated research and development mission in alignment with NASA's strategic objectives. Accountability is managed through the issuance of task orders, performance reviews, and financial reporting. Transparency is maintained through NASA's public reporting on its research initiatives and the outcomes of work performed at JPL.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award limits transparency in price discovery.
• FFRDC model, while necessary for unique capabilities, bypasses standard competitive procurement processes.

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california-institute-of-technology, jet-propulsion-laboratory, earth-science, federally-funded-research-and-development-center, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, science-mission-directorate, non-profit, academic-institution, long-term-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $39.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF (AIRS) (AMSU) (HSB) PROJECT TEAM LEADER FACILITY 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 TA

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 $39.1 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 for JPL operations?

Historical spending data for NASA's FFRDC contracts with Caltech for JPL operations reveals a consistent and significant investment over time. While the provided data point covers a specific period (2012-2019) with an approximate value of $39 million, broader analysis indicates that NASA has continuously sponsored JPL's activities for decades. Annual funding levels can fluctuate based on specific mission priorities, the number and scope of task orders issued, and overall budgetary allocations for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. For instance, major planetary missions or large-scale Earth observation projects initiated during a fiscal year would typically lead to increased funding. Conversely, the completion of major projects or shifts in research focus could result in adjusted spending. The FFRDC model inherently supports long-term, stable funding to maintain core capabilities, suggesting that while annual figures may vary, the overall commitment remains substantial.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure influence cost control and contractor performance at JPL?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract structure aims to balance cost control with contractor performance by providing a fixed fee to the contractor (Caltech/JPL) on top of allowable costs. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage project costs efficiently because the fee remains constant regardless of the actual costs incurred. If costs exceed projections, the contractor's profit margin (represented by the fee) is reduced. Conversely, if costs are kept below projections, the contractor retains a larger portion of the fee relative to the total contract value. For performance, the CPFF structure ensures that the contractor is motivated to achieve the contract's objectives to earn the fee. However, effective oversight by NASA is crucial to prevent potential cost overruns and ensure that the work performed is necessary and reasonable. NASA's role in defining clear task orders and monitoring expenditures is paramount to realizing the intended benefits of the CPFF arrangement.

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

While specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are not detailed in the contract abstract, NASA's evaluation of JPL's performance under this FFRDC sponsorship agreement would typically revolve around several critical areas. These likely include the successful execution of research objectives outlined in task orders, adherence to project timelines and milestones, scientific and technical merit of research outcomes, and effective management of resources (personnel, equipment, and budget). For Earth science missions, KPIs might involve the quality and timeliness of data acquisition and analysis, the accuracy of scientific models, and the successful deployment and operation of instruments. Furthermore, JPL's ability to foster innovation, contribute to scientific publications, and maintain its status as a leading research institution would also be implicitly evaluated. NASA's Management Office at JPL would be responsible for ongoing monitoring and formal reviews to ensure performance standards are met.

What is the strategic importance of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as an FFRDC for NASA's Earth science mission?

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) serves as a strategically vital FFRDC for NASA's Earth Science Mission due to its unique capabilities and long-standing expertise in developing and operating sophisticated space-based instruments and missions for Earth observation. As an FFRDC, JPL provides NASA with a dedicated, long-term research and development partner that can undertake complex, high-risk, and technologically advanced projects that might be difficult to procure through traditional competitive contracts. JPL's role in designing, building, and managing missions like the Earth Observing System (EOS) and numerous climate-focused satellites is crucial for gathering the data needed to understand Earth's systems, monitor climate change, and predict natural disasters. Its FFRDC status ensures continuity, institutional knowledge, and a focus on national scientific priorities, making it an indispensable asset for NASA's ambitious Earth science agenda.

How does the geographic location of JPL in California influence its operations and access to talent?

The geographic location of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, offers significant advantages for its operations and talent acquisition. Southern California, particularly the greater Los Angeles area, is a hub for aerospace and technology industries, providing JPL with access to a deep pool of highly skilled engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff. This concentration of talent is crucial for developing and managing complex space missions and advanced research projects. Furthermore, the region's proximity to other major research institutions, universities (including its sponsor, Caltech), and technology companies fosters collaboration and innovation. While the location may contribute to higher operational costs compared to some other regions, the benefits derived from the rich talent ecosystem, established industry infrastructure, and collaborative environment are considered essential for maintaining JPL's world-class capabilities and its role as a premier NASA research center.

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: $46,104,547

Exercised Options: $46,104,547

Current Obligation: $39,054,304

Actual Outlays: $16,808

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: 2024-08-26

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