NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for Earth science research valued at over $25.7 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,789,151 ($25.8M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2012-10-01

End Date: 2019-01-30

Contract Duration: 2,312 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF ADVANCED EARTH SCIENCE MISSION CONCEPT STUDIES - SMD 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 $25.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF ADVANCED EARTH SCIENCE MISSION CONCEPT STUDIES - SMD 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 … Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate's objectives in Earth science. 2. Operates the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). 3. Work is performed under task orders issued by NASA. 4. Focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 5. Long-term agreement spanning over six years. 6. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating cost reimbursement with a fixed fee. 7. Located in California, a hub for aerospace and research.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This contract represents a significant investment in Earth science research, managed through an FFRDC model which is common for specialized, long-term research endeavors. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is typical for R&D where exact costs are difficult to predict. Benchmarking value is challenging without specific task order details, but the FFRDC model generally aims for efficient, mission-focused research.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract is a sole-source agreement with the California Institute of Technology for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which functions as an 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 or government agencies alone. The sole-source nature is inherent to the FFRDC model, ensuring continuity and specialized expertise.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this contract, while necessary for the FFRDC model, means taxpayers do not benefit from competitive bidding. However, the FFRDC structure is intended to provide specialized, long-term capabilities that might be more costly or less effective if competed repeatedly.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by advancing Earth science knowledge. Delivers research and development services through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Geographic impact is primarily national, with potential global implications from Earth science findings. Supports a highly specialized scientific and engineering workforce at JPL. Contributes to understanding critical Earth systems and climate change.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored.
• Sole-source nature limits opportunities for broader market engagement and potentially lower prices through competition.

Positive Signals

• FFRDC model provides stable, long-term research capabilities essential for complex scientific missions.
• California Institute of Technology's established expertise in aerospace and research ensures high-quality scientific output.
• Contract supports critical Earth science research vital for environmental monitoring and policy.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The R&D sector is crucial for technological advancement and scientific discovery. NASA's spending in this area supports a wide range of scientific missions, from space exploration to Earth observation. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale, long-term research and development contracts, particularly those managed through FFRDCs or major research institutions.

Small Business Impact

As a sole-source contract with a major research institution for FFRDC operations, there are typically no small business set-asides directly associated with the prime contract. However, JPL, as a large research facility, likely engages small businesses for subcontracting in various support roles, contributing to the small business ecosystem indirectly.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by NASA's contracting officers and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory Management and Operations (JPL M&O) office. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific government oversight to ensure its work aligns with NASA's strategic goals and that federal funds are used effectively. Transparency is maintained through regular reporting and program reviews, with potential oversight from NASA's Inspector General for specific audits.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Science Mission Directorate Programs
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Earth Science Research Initiatives
• Aerospace Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

• Sole-source procurement limits competitive pricing.
• Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust oversight to manage costs.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $25.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF ADVANCED EARTH SCIENCE MISSION CONCEPT STUDIES - SMD 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 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 $25.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What is the historical spending trend for NASA's contracts with the California Institute of Technology for JPL operations?

Historical spending data for NASA's contracts with the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) reveals a consistent and substantial long-term investment. While the provided data point is for a specific period and value, broader analysis shows that NASA has continuously funded JPL for decades, reflecting its critical role in space exploration and Earth science. Annual obligations have typically been in the hundreds of millions of dollars, fluctuating based on mission needs, program starts, and completions. This sustained funding underscores the unique and indispensable nature of JPL as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for NASA's scientific endeavors. The contract structure, often Cost Plus Fixed Fee, allows for flexibility in research scope while maintaining cost control through a fixed fee component.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure impact cost control and contractor incentive for this NASA contract?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for this NASA agreement with Caltech for JPL operations aims to balance flexibility in research with cost accountability. In a CPFF contract, the contractor (Caltech/JPL) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is well-suited for research and development where the scope of work can evolve and precise cost estimation is challenging. For cost control, NASA's oversight is crucial; they must diligently audit and approve all claimed costs to ensure they are reasonable, allocable, and necessary. The fixed fee provides a modest incentive for the contractor to manage costs efficiently, as exceeding the estimated cost does not increase their fee, but significant cost overruns can lead to scrutiny and potentially impact future contract awards. However, the primary incentive for a contractor like JPL, operating as an FFRDC, is mission success and scientific advancement rather than profit maximization.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate the success of NASA's FFRDC contracts like the one with JPL?

Evaluating the success of NASA's FFRDC contracts, such as the one with JPL operated by Caltech, involves a multi-faceted approach beyond simple financial metrics. Key performance indicators (KPIs) often include: 1. **Scientific and Technical Accomplishments:** This is paramount and measured by the successful execution of research objectives, groundbreaking discoveries, successful mission operations (e.g., spacecraft launches, data collection), and the publication of high-impact scientific findings. 2. **Adherence to Mission Goals:** Assessing how effectively JPL's work aligns with and contributes to NASA's strategic science objectives and the Science Mission Directorate's plan. 3. **Programmatic Performance:** Evaluating the timely delivery of milestones, project management effectiveness, and the ability to adapt to evolving scientific requirements or technical challenges. 4. **Cost Performance:** While not the sole driver, monitoring cost efficiency relative to the scope of work and comparing actual expenditures against estimates, especially within the CPFF framework. 5. **Innovation and Technology Transfer:** Assessing the development of new technologies and their potential application within NASA or for broader societal benefit. 6. **Workforce Development and Expertise:** Ensuring the continued cultivation of specialized scientific and engineering talent required for NASA's long-term goals.

What is the significance of JPL operating as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for NASA's Earth science mission?

The significance of Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) operating as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for NASA's Earth science mission is profound. FFRDCs are unique entities established to meet long-term research and development needs that are sensitive, complex, or require a degree of independence and continuity not easily provided by traditional government labs or commercial contractors. For Earth science, this means JPL can undertake highly specialized, often multi-year, complex missions and research projects focused on understanding our planet's systems. As an FFRDC, JPL provides NASA with a dedicated, objective source of scientific and technical expertise, free from commercial pressures. This allows for a focus on fundamental research, advanced technology development, and the operation of sophisticated instruments and missions critical for monitoring climate change, natural disasters, and other vital Earth processes. The long-term nature of the FFRDC relationship ensures stability and institutional memory, crucial for tackling long-term scientific challenges.

Are there specific examples of Earth science contributions made by JPL under this type of NASA contract?

Yes, JPL, operating under NASA contracts like this one, has made numerous seminal contributions to Earth science. Historically, JPL has been instrumental in developing and operating Earth-observing satellites and instruments that provide critical data on our planet's climate, oceans, land surface, and atmosphere. Examples include missions like the TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason series, which have provided decades of precise sea-level measurements crucial for understanding climate change impacts. JPL has also been central to missions like the Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra and Aqua satellites, carrying instruments that monitor atmospheric composition, land use, and surface temperature. Furthermore, JPL's expertise in radar technology has led to missions like the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and the upcoming NISAR mission (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), which map global topography and land surface changes with unprecedented detail. These contributions are vital for scientific understanding, disaster management, and informing policy decisions related to environmental sustainability.

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: $32,576,475

Exercised Options: $32,576,475

Current Obligation: $25,789,151

Actual Outlays: $62,738

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: 2019-01-30

Potential End Date: 2019-01-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-08-13

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