NASA's $275M JPL FFRDC Contract with Caltech: R&D for Earth and Planetary Science
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,553,227 ($27.6M)
Contractor: California Institute of Technology
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-10-01
End Date: 2018-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL AUTHORITY 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
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $27.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL AUTHORITY 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 RELA… Key points: 1. This contract funds the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operated by Caltech, for NASA's science mission directorate. 2. Focus areas include Earth and Planetary Science, aligning with national research priorities. 3. The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) type, common for R&D. 4. Competition was not utilized, as JPL is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC).
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The CPFF structure is standard for R&D contracts where scope may evolve. Pricing is assessed against the value of unique FFRDC capabilities rather than direct market comparisons.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract is sole-source due to JPL's designation as an FFRDC, which is established to provide unique, long-term research capabilities. Price discovery is managed through negotiation and oversight of the fixed fee.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds support critical scientific research and development through a specialized entity, ensuring continuity and expertise in space exploration and Earth observation.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge scientific research in Earth and space sciences. Drives innovation in areas like climate monitoring and planetary exploration. Provides valuable data and insights for public understanding of our planet and the universe. Contributes to national technological advancement through R&D.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source nature limits competitive pricing pressure.
- CPFF contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Positive Signals
- Supports a critical national asset (JPL/FFRDC).
- Focus on high-priority scientific research areas.
- Long-term relationship fosters stability and expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. FFRDCs like JPL are crucial for government-sponsored, long-term research that requires specialized infrastructure and expertise not readily available in the commercial sector.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to involve small business participation directly, as it is a sole-source award to a large research institution (Caltech/JPL). Subcontracting opportunities may exist but are not detailed here.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is provided by NASA's Management Office. The FFRDC structure itself implies a level of government oversight and accountability for the research conducted and funds expended.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive benchmarking.
- Potential for cost creep in CPFF contracts.
- Reliance on a single FFRDC for critical research.
- Contract duration spans multiple fiscal years, subject to appropriations.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $27.6 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL AUTHORITY 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
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 $27.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-10-01. End: 2018-09-30.
How is the fixed fee determined and adjusted over the contract period to ensure fairness and reflect performance?
The fixed fee is negotiated at the outset and is intended to compensate the contractor for their management and overhead. Adjustments are typically tied to contract modifications, performance metrics, or changes in scope. NASA's oversight mechanisms, including regular reviews and audits, are crucial for ensuring the fee remains appropriate and performance is aligned with objectives.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure cost control and prevent potential overruns within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?
NASA employs several mechanisms to control costs. These include detailed task order requirements, regular financial reporting and reviews, Earned Value Management (EVM) where applicable, and stringent oversight by the Contracting Officer and technical representatives. The fixed fee itself provides an incentive for efficient management, as it does not increase with costs.
How does NASA ensure that the research conducted by JPL aligns with evolving scientific priorities and delivers maximum public value?
Alignment is achieved through NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Science Plan, which guides JPL's work. Task orders are issued by NASA to direct specific research efforts. Regular program reviews, scientific advisory boards, and public dissemination of research findings ensure that JPL's work remains relevant, cutting-edge, and contributes demonstrably to scientific advancement and public benefit.
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: $31,403,170
Exercised Options: $31,403,170
Current Obligation: $27,553,227
Actual Outlays: $67,030
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: 2018-09-30
Potential End Date: 2018-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-03-28
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