NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract for mission operations valued at over $36 million, supporting Earth Science research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,233,454 ($36.2M)

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: $14.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF MICROWAVE LIMS SOUNDER (MLS) MISSION OPERATIONS 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 $36.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF MICROWAVE LIMS SOUNDER (MLS) MISSION OPERATIONS 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 ESTAB… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Earth Science research objectives for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. 2. Operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), indicating a unique, long-term strategic relationship. 3. The contract is structured as Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control but requires robust oversight. 4. Performance period spans nearly seven years, suggesting a stable, ongoing operational requirement. 5. The contractor, California Institute of Technology, is a well-established research institution. 6. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies and market engagement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of over $36 million for nearly seven years of operation for an FFRDC is difficult to benchmark without specific task order details. Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed tightly, as the contractor is reimbursed for costs plus a fixed fee. However, for specialized FFRDC work, this structure may be necessary to ensure access to unique capabilities. Further analysis of the fixed fee percentage and comparison to similar FFRDC operational contracts would be needed for a more definitive value assessment.

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 for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). As JPL is an FFRDC, sole-source awards are common and often necessary to maintain specialized capabilities and long-term strategic partnerships. However, the lack of competition means there was no direct price comparison with other potential providers, which could limit opportunities for achieving the lowest possible price.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, a sole-source award means that the government did not leverage competitive market forces to potentially drive down costs. While FFRDCs offer unique value, the absence of competition necessitates strong internal oversight by NASA to ensure the fixed fee and overall costs remain reasonable.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by enabling the operation of key research missions. Supports advanced scientific research, particularly in Earth Science, contributing to a better understanding of our planet. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, located in California, is a major hub for space exploration and scientific research. The contract sustains a highly skilled workforce of scientists, engineers, and technicians at JPL. Findings from the research supported by this contract can have broad implications for environmental policy, climate change understanding, and disaster management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Lack of competition limits price discovery and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
• Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
• Contract duration of nearly seven years, while providing stability, means potential for sustained higher costs if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

• Award to a specialized FFRDC (JPL) ensures access to unique, critical research and operational capabilities.
• Contractor (Caltech) is a reputable institution with a proven track record in scientific research and development.
• Long-term nature of the contract supports continuity in vital Earth Science research.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). The market for operating FFRDCs is highly specialized, with a limited number of institutions capable of performing such complex, long-term scientific and engineering tasks. NASA's spending on FFRDCs is crucial for maintaining national capabilities in space exploration and Earth science. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of FFRDCs and their specific mission requirements.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small business set-asides, as it is a sole-source award to a large research institution (California Institute of Technology). There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. The focus is on the core FFRDC operations managed by JPL.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Management Office at JPL. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, NASA is responsible for monitoring all incurred costs to ensure they are reasonable and allowable. The FFRDC structure itself implies a high degree of government oversight and strategic alignment. Transparency is facilitated through regular reporting requirements and direct management engagement, though specific details on public transparency measures are not provided.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Science Mission Directorate Programs
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Earth Science Research Initiatives
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory Operations

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
• CPFF contract type requires robust cost monitoring.
• FFRDC designation implies unique capabilities but limited market alternatives.

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, ffrdc, earth-science, mission-operations, jet-propulsion-laboratory, california-institute-of-technology, large-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $36.2 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF MICROWAVE LIMS SOUNDER (MLS) MISSION OPERATIONS 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 TAS

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 $36.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical spending trend for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory FFRDC operations under NASA?

Historical spending data for JPL FFRDC operations under NASA would reveal trends in investment in Earth Science and other research areas. Analyzing past contract values, task order amounts, and the duration of previous agreements can indicate whether NASA's commitment to JPL has been increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable. This context is crucial for understanding the long-term financial commitment and the strategic importance NASA places on JPL's capabilities. For instance, a consistent or growing expenditure suggests sustained reliance on JPL's unique expertise, while a declining trend might signal shifts in NASA's priorities or budget constraints. Without specific historical data, it's challenging to assess if the current $36+ million contract represents an increase or decrease compared to prior periods.

How does the fixed fee in this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract compare to industry standards for FFRDC management?

The fixed fee in a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract represents the contractor's profit. For FFRDCs, the fixed fee is typically negotiated and is expected to be a reasonable percentage of the total contract value, reflecting the specialized nature of the work and the long-term relationship. Benchmarking this fee against industry standards requires access to data on similar FFRDC contracts, which are often not publicly detailed. Generally, FFRDC fees are expected to be lower than those for commercial R&D due to the strategic, long-term government partnership and the absence of market competition driving up prices. NASA's oversight would focus on ensuring this fee is fair and reflects the level of risk and effort involved for Caltech/JPL.

What specific Earth Science research objectives are being supported by this contract?

This contract primarily supports the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to carry out objectives identified in NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Science Plan, with a significant focus on Earth Science. While the provided data doesn't list specific research projects, JPL's Earth Science division is known for its work in areas such as climate change monitoring, weather prediction, natural hazard assessment (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes), and understanding Earth's systems (atmosphere, oceans, land, ice). The contract enables the infrastructure, personnel, and operational support necessary for JPL to conduct missions, develop instruments, and analyze data related to these critical scientific endeavors.

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

NASA's evaluation of JPL's performance under this FFRDC contract would likely involve a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to mission success, scientific output, operational efficiency, and adherence to budget and schedule. These KPIs could include metrics such as the successful execution of mission operations, timely delivery of scientific data, achievement of research milestones outlined in the SMD Science Plan, cost performance against task orders, and the effective management of personnel and resources. Given the CPFF structure, performance against cost and schedule targets would be particularly scrutinized. NASA's Contracting Officers and the NASA Management Office at JPL would be responsible for monitoring these KPIs through regular reporting and reviews.

What is the potential impact of this contract on technological innovation and scientific discovery in Earth Science?

This contract is foundational for enabling significant technological innovation and scientific discovery in Earth Science through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. JPL is at the forefront of developing advanced space-based sensors, instruments, and data analysis techniques. By funding JPL's operations, NASA ensures the continued development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies needed to observe Earth's complex systems from space. This, in turn, fuels scientific discovery by providing unprecedented data on climate change, atmospheric processes, geological events, and more. The long-term nature of the FFRDC relationship fosters an environment where ambitious, high-risk, high-reward research can be undertaken, pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and technological capability.

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: $41,923,322

Exercised Options: $41,923,322

Current Obligation: $36,233,454

Actual Outlays: $88,147

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: 2019-09-30

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

Last Modified: 2022-04-05

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