NASA awards $24.5M to Caltech for Jet Propulsion Laboratory operations supporting Earth science research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,514,000 ($24.5M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2013-06-03

End Date: 2020-11-30

Contract Duration: 2,737 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF COMPACT OCEAN WIND VECTOR RADIOMETER (COWVR) FOR ORS-2 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 $24.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF COMPACT OCEAN WIND VECTOR RADIOMETER (COWVR) FOR ORS-2 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, WHIC… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Earth science research objectives through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 2. Long-term agreement establishes a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) relationship. 3. Work is performed under task orders, allowing for flexibility and specific project focus. 4. Contractor is a private nonprofit educational institution, indicating a specialized research focus. 5. Performance period spans over seven years, suggesting a sustained research effort. 6. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a predetermined profit.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This contract represents a significant investment in Earth science research infrastructure via the FFRDC model. While direct cost comparisons are difficult due to the unique nature of FFRDC agreements, the fixed fee component provides some cost control. The value is derived from sustained access to JPL's specialized capabilities for NASA's scientific objectives. The total award amount reflects the long-term operational support required for such a critical research facility.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract is structured as a sole-source agreement, typical for FFRDCs like JPL, which are established to provide long-term, specialized research capabilities to the government. The nature of an FFRDC means it is inherently tied to a specific contractor, precluding traditional competitive bidding for its core operational funding. This approach ensures continuity and leverages unique institutional expertise.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a stable, dedicated research partner, avoiding the costs and complexities of re-establishing such a specialized facility through competition.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's Science Mission Directorate by enabling advanced Earth science research. Delivers critical data and insights into Earth's climate and environmental systems. Impacts scientific understanding and policy decisions related to climate change. Supports a highly skilled workforce in aerospace and scientific research at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Sole-source nature limits opportunities for broader market engagement and potential cost savings through competition.
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize cost overruns if not rigorously managed, though the fixed fee provides some ceiling.
• Long duration of the contract may require periodic reviews to ensure continued alignment with evolving scientific priorities.

Positive Signals

• FFRDC model ensures access to unique, specialized capabilities essential for complex research.
• Long-term nature fosters stability and continuity in critical scientific research programs.
• Clear designation of NASA's Science Mission Directorate as the primary beneficiary ensures focused research objectives.

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 areas requiring long-term, specialized expertise and infrastructure, such as aerospace and advanced scientific research. NASA's reliance on JPL for Earth science missions is a significant component of its overall R&D spending in this domain, leveraging unique capabilities not readily available elsewhere.

Small Business Impact

This contract is not directly structured for small business set-asides, as it represents a core operational agreement with a large research institution (Caltech/JPL). However, JPL, as an FFRDC, is known to engage small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services and components, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the aerospace and technology sectors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by NASA's Management Office through task orders and regular performance reviews. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific federal guidelines and reporting requirements. NASA's Contracting Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance and performance. Transparency is maintained through NASA's contract reporting and public dissemination of research findings.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
• Long-term FFRDC relationship

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $24.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF COMPACT OCEAN WIND VECTOR RADIOMETER (COWVR) FOR ORS-2 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

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 $24.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-06-03. End: 2020-11-30.

What is the historical spending trend for NASA's FFRDC agreements with Caltech/JPL for Earth science research?

Historical spending data for NASA's FFRDC agreements with Caltech/JPL, particularly for Earth science research, indicates a consistent and substantial investment over many years. While the specific contract cited covers a period from 2013 to 2020 with a value of approximately $24.5 million, this represents a portion of the overall funding. FFRDCs like JPL are designed for long-term support, and NASA's budget allocations for Earth science often include significant portions directed towards JPL's operational costs and specific mission-related tasks. Analyzing broader contract vehicles and appropriations over a longer timeframe would reveal a sustained, multi-billion dollar commitment to JPL's capabilities, reflecting its critical role in NASA's scientific endeavors. This particular award reflects a defined period of operational support and task-specific work within that larger, ongoing relationship.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure compare to other contract types for similar R&D services?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type, used here, is common for research and development efforts where the scope of work can be challenging to define precisely upfront, or where innovation is a key objective. In a CPFF contract, the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs incurred, plus a fixed fee representing profit. This contrasts with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, which offer greater price certainty but are less suitable for R&D with uncertain outcomes. Cost-reimbursement contracts without a fixed fee (e.g., Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee) can offer more flexibility in profit based on performance. For R&D, CPFF provides a balance: it allows NASA to pursue complex research while providing the contractor with an incentive to manage costs effectively, as their profit is fixed regardless of the final cost. However, it requires robust oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable.

What are the primary risks associated with sole-source FFRDC contracts for specialized research?

The primary risks associated with sole-source FFRDC contracts, such as this one with Caltech/JPL, revolve around the lack of direct price competition and potential for complacency. Without competitive bidding, there's a risk that costs could be higher than if multiple vendors vied for the work. Furthermore, the long-term, exclusive relationship might reduce the incentive for the contractor to innovate aggressively on efficiency or explore alternative, potentially more cost-effective approaches, as their position is secured. Ensuring the FFRDC remains aligned with evolving government needs and maintains cutting-edge capabilities also requires diligent oversight. Finally, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to transition capabilities if the relationship were ever to be terminated or significantly altered.

What performance metrics or milestones are typically tracked for contracts supporting FFRDCs like JPL?

Performance metrics and milestones for contracts supporting FFRDCs like JPL are typically tied to the specific scientific objectives and task orders issued by the sponsoring agency, in this case, NASA. These often include the successful completion of research tasks, delivery of scientific data, development and testing of instruments, publication of research findings, and achievement of specific project milestones within defined timelines. For operational support contracts, metrics might also include system uptime, reliability of research infrastructure, and adherence to safety and security protocols. NASA's oversight would involve regular progress reports, technical reviews, and potentially independent assessments to ensure JPL is meeting its contractual obligations and contributing effectively to NASA's Science Mission Directorate's goals.

How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader goals in Earth observation and climate science?

This contract is fundamental to NASA's broader goals in Earth observation and climate science by providing sustained operational support for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a key institution for these efforts. JPL designs, builds, and operates many of NASA's flagship Earth-observing missions and instruments. The funding enables JPL to maintain its unique facilities, develop new technologies, process and analyze vast amounts of Earth data, and conduct cutting-edge research into climate change, weather patterns, and environmental processes. The insights generated from JPL's work directly inform scientific understanding, policy-making, and public awareness regarding critical environmental issues, aligning perfectly with NASA's strategic objectives in understanding our changing planet.

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: $24,593,337

Exercised Options: $24,593,337

Current Obligation: $24,514,000

Actual Outlays: $59,636

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: 2013-06-03

Current End Date: 2020-11-30

Potential End Date: 2020-11-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-02-22

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