NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for space research and operations valued at $19.9M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,922,016 ($19.9M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2014-09-29

End Date: 2019-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,827 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF SPACE GEODETIC RESEARCH, OPERATIONS, AND APPLICATIONS 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 $19.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF SPACE GEODETIC RESEARCH, OPERATIONS, AND APPLICATIONS 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. This contract funds the operation of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). 2. JPL's primary mission under this agreement is to support NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in areas like Earth science. 3. The contract structure is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns but also flexibility for research. 4. The duration of the contract is approximately 5 years, aligning with typical research and development project lifecycles. 5. The work is performed in California, a hub for aerospace and technology industries. 6. This represents a significant investment in fundamental scientific research and space exploration capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.9 million over approximately five years for operating an FFRDC like JPL is reasonable given the scope of work. FFRDCs are unique entities designed for long-term, strategic research and development, often involving complex, cutting-edge projects. Benchmarking against other FFRDC management contracts is difficult due to their specialized nature, but the cost appears aligned with the provision of highly specialized scientific and engineering services. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is common for R&D where exact costs are hard to predict, but it necessitates careful oversight to ensure value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to the California Institute of Technology for the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL is a unique FFRDC managed by Caltech for NASA, established to conduct research and development in space exploration and Earth science. Due to the specialized nature and established infrastructure of JPL as an FFRDC, a competitive procurement process is not typically feasible or efficient for its continued operation.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards for FFRDCs like JPL are generally accepted as necessary for continuity and specialized expertise, meaning taxpayers are investing in a proven, long-term capability rather than seeking the lowest bidder for a unique asset.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, who gain access to JPL's expertise and facilities for space exploration and Earth science missions. Services delivered include research, development, and operations support for NASA's science objectives. The geographic impact is concentrated in California, where JPL is located, but the scientific discoveries and technological advancements have global implications. The contract supports a highly skilled workforce of scientists, engineers, and technicians at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
• Sole-source nature limits opportunities for broader market engagement and potential cost savings through competition.

Positive Signals

• Contract supports a critical FFRDC with a proven track record in space exploration.
• Long-term relationship between NASA and Caltech fosters stability and deep institutional knowledge.
• Focus on scientific research aligns with national strategic goals in space and Earth sciences.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace and defense industry, where JPL operates, is characterized by high R&D investment, long development cycles, and specialized expertise. NASA's FFRDCs represent a significant portion of federal investment in cutting-edge scientific exploration and technological advancement, often pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of FFRDCs, but this contract represents a core investment in national space science capabilities.

Small Business Impact

This contract is not directly associated with small business set-asides, as it is a sole-source award to a large non-profit educational institution for managing an FFRDC. However, JPL, as a large research institution, likely engages small businesses as subcontractors for various goods and services required for its operations and research projects, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the aerospace and technology sectors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Management Office at JPL. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for an FFRDC, NASA's oversight would focus on ensuring that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract, that performance meets the objectives outlined in task orders, and that the FFRDC operates in accordance with its charter. Transparency is generally maintained through regular reporting and reviews, though specific details of internal FFRDC operations may be less public than typical government contracts.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Research and Development Contracts
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)
• Space Exploration Initiatives
• Earth Science Research Programs

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award requires justification for lack of competition.
• Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts necessitate robust cost oversight.

Tags

research-and-development, space-exploration, nasa, california-institute-of-technology, jet-propulsion-laboratory, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, ffrdc, earth-science, aerospace

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $19.9 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF SPACE GEODETIC RESEARCH, OPERATIONS, AND APPLICATIONS 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 $19.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-09-29. End: 2019-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under NASA's management?

Analyzing historical spending for JPL requires looking at multiple contract vehicles and funding streams over many years, as its operation is a continuous effort. While this specific contract covers a period from 2014 to 2019 with a value of approximately $19.9 million, it represents only a portion of the total funding JPL receives. FFRDCs like JPL are typically funded through a combination of direct contracts for specific projects and a baseline operational funding agreement. NASA's overall budget allocation to JPL has historically been in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, reflecting its role in managing numerous complex space missions and research endeavors. Fluctuations in annual funding often correlate with the initiation of new major missions, the operational phase of existing ones, and the overall budgetary priorities of NASA and the federal government.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure impact the value for money in this contract?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure is common for research and development contracts where the scope of work can be uncertain and costs are difficult to predict precisely. In this model, the contractor (Caltech/JPL) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. For value for money, this structure necessitates robust oversight from NASA to ensure that costs are reasonable, allocable, and controlled. While it provides flexibility for innovation and adaptation inherent in R&D, it carries a risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently. The 'fixed fee' component provides some incentive for efficiency, as the contractor's profit is capped, but the primary driver for cost control rests on NASA's monitoring and auditing capabilities.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess JPL's performance under this contract?

Performance assessment for an FFRDC like JPL, operating under a contract like this, typically revolves around achieving scientific and technical objectives outlined in task orders and strategic plans. Key performance indicators would likely include the successful execution of research projects, the timely delivery of scientific data and findings, the development and operation of space missions and instruments, and contributions to NASA's strategic science goals (e.g., in Earth science, planetary science, astrophysics). Metrics might also encompass technological innovation, adherence to safety and operational standards, and the effective management of resources. NASA's oversight would involve regular reviews, milestone tracking, and technical assessments to ensure JPL is meeting its obligations and advancing the frontiers of space science and technology.

What is the risk profile associated with this contract, considering it's for an FFRDC?

The risk profile for this contract, involving the operation of an FFRDC like JPL, is characterized by several factors. Technical risks are inherent in cutting-edge space exploration and research, including mission failures, instrument malfunctions, and unforeseen scientific challenges. Cost risks exist, particularly with the CPFF structure, requiring diligent NASA oversight to manage expenditures. Schedule risks can arise from the complexity of space missions and R&D timelines. However, the long-standing relationship between NASA and Caltech/JPL, coupled with JPL's established expertise and infrastructure, mitigates some risks associated with contractor capability and institutional knowledge. The primary risks revolve around ensuring continued scientific and technological advancement while maintaining cost-effectiveness and mission success.

How does this contract contribute to NASA's broader strategic objectives in space exploration and Earth science?

This contract is fundamental to NASA's strategic objectives, as it underpins the operation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a key institution for space science and robotic exploration. JPL's work directly supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) by conducting research and developing missions related to Earth science, planetary science, astrophysics, and heliophysics. For example, JPL is instrumental in developing and operating spacecraft that study Earth's climate, explore other planets, and observe the universe. The contract ensures that NASA has a dedicated, world-class research and development center capable of tackling complex scientific challenges and driving innovation in space technology, thereby fulfilling NASA's mandate to explore the unknown and expand human knowledge.

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: $30,589,174

Exercised Options: $30,589,174

Current Obligation: $19,922,016

Actual Outlays: $48,465

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: 2014-09-29

Current End Date: 2019-09-30

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

Last Modified: 2022-02-08

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