NASA awards $30.9M to Caltech for Jet Propulsion Laboratory operations, focusing on space science research

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,893,518 ($30.9M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2014-05-30

End Date: 2017-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,219 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF ASTEROID REDIRECT ROBOTIC MISSION PRE-PHASE A 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 $30.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF ASTEROID REDIRECT ROBOTIC MISSION PRE-PHASE A 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 ESTABL… Key points: 1. Contract supports a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) for critical space science missions. 2. Focus on Earth science, planetary science, astrophysics, and heliophysics aligns with NASA's strategic goals. 3. Long-term relationship between NASA and Caltech for JPL operations indicates stable program management. 4. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type suggests potential for cost overruns if not closely managed. 5. The contract's duration and value indicate a significant investment in ongoing research and development. 6. Performance is tied to task orders, allowing flexibility but requiring diligent oversight.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This contract represents a significant, long-term investment in a critical research institution. While specific cost comparisons are difficult for FFRDC operations, the total value over its period of performance suggests a substantial commitment. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates careful monitoring by NASA to ensure value for money and control potential cost escalations. Benchmarking against similar FFRDC agreements would provide further insight into pricing efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, as it establishes the sponsoring agreement between NASA and the California Institute of Technology for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a designated FFRDC. FFRDCs are typically established with a single entity due to their unique, long-term strategic nature and the specialized capabilities required. This sole-source approach is standard for FFRDC management.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a stable, long-term partnership that ensures the continued operation of a world-class research facility without the administrative overhead and potential disruption of a competitive bidding process for its core management.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA's science mission directorates, enabling advancements in Earth science, planetary science, astrophysics, and heliophysics. The contract supports the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a key national asset for space exploration and scientific discovery. Geographic impact is national, with JPL located in California, but the scientific discoveries have global implications. Workforce implications include the continued employment and development of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and support staff at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize contractors to incur additional costs to increase their fixed fee, requiring robust oversight.
• The sole-source nature of FFRDC agreements means there is no direct price competition, relying heavily on negotiation and oversight.
• Defining clear deliverables and performance metrics within task orders is crucial for managing this long-term relationship effectively.

Positive Signals

• The contract supports a critical FFRDC, ensuring continuity for vital national research and development efforts.
• The long-standing relationship between NASA and Caltech/JPL suggests a proven track record of successful collaboration.
• The focus on scientific research aligns with national priorities for space exploration and understanding our universe.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a unique entity, operating as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) managed by Caltech for NASA. FFRDCs are established to meet specific long-term research and development needs of the government that cannot be met effectively by the private sector alone. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of FFRDCs, but NASA's overall R&D budget provides context for the scale of investment in scientific endeavors.

Small Business Impact

This contract is not directly related to small business set-asides, as it is a sole-source agreement for the management of an FFRDC. However, JPL, as a large research institution, likely engages numerous small businesses as subcontractors for specialized equipment, services, and supplies necessary for its research projects. The subcontracting opportunities generated by this contract could be significant for the small business ecosystem supporting aerospace and scientific research.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is primarily conducted by the NASA Management Office (NMO) through the issuance and monitoring of task orders. The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires diligent financial oversight to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable. Transparency is maintained through NASA's reporting requirements and the inherent public interest in NASA's scientific missions. While there isn't a specific Inspector General jurisdiction mentioned for this particular sponsoring agreement, NASA's Office of Inspector General generally oversees NASA programs.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
• Sole-source nature limits direct price competition.
• Performance metrics within task orders are critical for accountability.

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, ffrdc, space-science, cost-plus-fixed-fee, long-term-contract, jet-propulsion-laboratory

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $30.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF ASTEROID REDIRECT ROBOTIC MISSION PRE-PHASE A 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

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 $30.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-05-30. End: 2017-09-30.

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

Analyzing historical spending for JPL operations requires examining annual budget allocations and contract modifications over many years. While the provided data point is for a specific contract period (2014-2017) totaling approximately $30.9 million, JPL's overall operational budget is significantly larger and funded through multiple NASA appropriations and task orders over decades. Historically, JPL has received substantial funding from NASA, reflecting its critical role in space exploration and scientific research. Trends would likely show fluctuations based on specific mission priorities, congressional appropriations, and the initiation or completion of major projects. A comprehensive analysis would involve reviewing NASA's budget justifications and contract histories for JPL over extended periods to identify patterns, growth, or shifts in funding.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract structure impact the value for money in managing an FFRDC like JPL?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure for managing an FFRDC like JPL means that the contractor (Caltech) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or involves significant research and development where costs are difficult to estimate upfront. For value for money, the effectiveness of the CPFF structure hinges on NASA's robust oversight. NASA must diligently audit and approve all costs to ensure they are reasonable, allocable, and necessary. The fixed fee provides an incentive for the contractor to control costs, as any savings below the estimated cost do not increase their fee, and overruns do not increase it either. However, it can also incentivize cost incurrence if not properly managed, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. Therefore, strong performance metrics and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure taxpayers receive good value.

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

While specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided contract abstract, NASA's evaluation of JPL's performance under this sponsoring agreement would typically focus on several critical areas. These likely include the successful execution of assigned task orders, adherence to scientific and technical objectives, timely delivery of research findings and mission milestones, and effective management of resources (personnel, budget, facilities). For an FFRDC, KPIs would also encompass innovation, contribution to NASA's strategic goals, and the development of new technologies. NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) would set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives within each task order, against which JPL's progress and outcomes would be continuously assessed. Regular reviews, technical interchange meetings, and formal reporting would form the basis of this performance evaluation.

What is the risk profile associated with a sole-source contract for FFRDC operations compared to a competed contract?

Sole-source contracts for FFRDC operations, like the one with JPL, carry a different risk profile than competed contracts. The primary risk is the lack of direct price competition, which could potentially lead to higher costs if not mitigated by strong negotiation and oversight. However, this is balanced by the benefit of continuity and stability, reducing risks associated with transitioning management of a critical national asset. Risks associated with sole-source FFRDC contracts often revolve around ensuring the contractor remains innovative and efficient without competitive pressure. NASA mitigates this by clearly defining performance expectations, establishing robust oversight mechanisms, and periodically reviewing the FFRDC's charter and performance. The risk of contractor performance failure is also present, but the long-term nature of the relationship and the specialized expertise of FFRDCs often mean that performance issues are addressed through collaborative problem-solving rather than contract termination.

How does the classification of JPL as an FFRDC influence its operational and financial relationship with NASA?

JPL's designation as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) fundamentally shapes its relationship with NASA. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under a long-term strategic partnership with NASA, managed by the California Institute of Technology. This structure allows NASA to access unique capabilities, maintain technological independence, and ensure long-term research and development continuity that might be difficult to achieve through traditional, competitively awarded contracts. Financially, FFRDCs are funded through specific government appropriations and contracts, often on a cost-reimbursement basis, to cover their operational expenses and research activities. The FFRDC model emphasizes objectivity and freedom from conflicts of interest, ensuring that JPL's advice and research are solely in the government's best interest. This differs from typical contractor relationships where profit maximization might be a primary driver.

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: $40,425,224

Exercised Options: $40,425,224

Current Obligation: $30,893,518

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: 2014-05-30

Current End Date: 2017-09-30

Potential End Date: 2017-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2021-12-07

More Contracts from California Institute of Technology

• Europa Clipper Project 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: Jpls 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 Nasas 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 — $2.9B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• Mars Science Laboratory — $1.7B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• Mars Sample Return (MSR) Program - Phase a 40-108270 — $1.6B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• Deep Space Network (DSN) 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 — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• 2020 Mars Science Rover Project - Phase a 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 — $1.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

View all California Institute of Technology federal contracts →

Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts

• International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
• TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
• Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
• Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
• Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)

View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending