NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract for research and development valued at over $82.7 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $82,751,803 ($82.8M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2016-03-25

End Date: 2019-02-04

Contract Duration: 1,046 days

Daily Burn Rate: $79.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF EUROPA LANDER 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: 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.

Place of Performance

Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91109

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $82.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF EUROPA LANDER 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 RELATI… Key points: 1. Contract supports NASA's Science Mission Directorate across Earth, planetary, and astrophysics. 2. Focus on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Contractor is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), indicating specialized capabilities. 4. Performance period spans from March 2016 to February 2019. 5. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, common for R&D projects. 6. Work is designated via task orders, allowing flexibility in research direction.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $82.7 million for a multi-year R&D effort appears reasonable given the specialized nature of FFRDC work. Benchmarking against similar large-scale, long-term research contracts is challenging due to the unique FFRDC structure and NASA's specific mission objectives. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure is typical for R&D where final costs may not be precisely predictable, but it necessitates careful oversight to ensure cost efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed and was awarded directly to the California Institute of Technology, which operates the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) 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. This sole-source approach is justified by the unique capabilities and established role of JPL within NASA's research infrastructure.

Taxpayer Impact: While not competed, the sole-source nature is standard for FFRDCs, ensuring continuity of specialized research capabilities critical to NASA's mission, rather than seeking the lowest price through competition.

Public Impact

Benefits NASA's scientific research goals, advancing knowledge in Earth science, planetary science, and astrophysics. Services delivered include research and development in advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences. Geographic impact is national, supporting NASA's overall scientific endeavors. Workforce implications involve highly skilled scientists, engineers, and researchers at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts if not rigorously managed.
• Sole-source award limits opportunities for other research institutions to contribute and potentially offer innovative solutions.

Positive Signals

• Award to a well-established FFRDC (JPL) ensures access to specialized expertise and infrastructure.
• Contract aligns with NASA's long-term strategic research objectives.
• Task order structure allows for adaptive research focus based on evolving scientific priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for such specialized R&D is dominated by a few key institutions, including FFRDCs like JPL, which are uniquely positioned to undertake complex, long-term scientific missions. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of FFRDC operations and NASA's specific mission requirements, but significant government investment in space exploration and scientific research is a consistent trend.

Small Business Impact

As this contract is a sole-source award to an FFRDC (JPL), there are no direct small business set-aside provisions. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on JPL's internal procurement practices and the specific requirements of the task orders issued under this agreement. The primary focus is on leveraging the unique capabilities of the FFRDC rather than broad small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the NASA Management Office (NMO) through the Contracting Officer, who issues task orders and monitors performance. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific government oversight frameworks designed to ensure accountability and alignment with federal research objectives. Transparency is maintained through NASA's contract reporting mechanisms, and while no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned for this particular contract, the NASA OIG generally oversees NASA's operations and expenditures.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

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

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $82.8 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF EUROPA LANDER 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

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 $82.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-03-25. End: 2019-02-04.

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

JPL, operated by the California Institute of Technology, has a long history of receiving significant funding from NASA for space exploration and scientific research. Annual funding levels can fluctuate based on specific mission cycles, new project starts, and the completion of existing ones. Historically, JPL's budget has often been in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, reflecting its role as a primary center for robotic space missions and planetary science. This particular contract, valued at over $82.7 million from 2016-2019, represents a portion of that broader historical investment. Analyzing year-over-year spending reveals NASA's sustained commitment to JPL's capabilities, though specific amounts are subject to the agency's budgetary priorities and the portfolio of active projects.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure impact cost control for R&D projects like this?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure allows the contractor (JPL) to be reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. For R&D projects where the scope and final costs are inherently uncertain, CPFF can be advantageous as it incentivizes the contractor to perform the work without being penalized by unforeseen cost increases. However, it places a significant burden on the government to meticulously monitor and audit costs to prevent overruns and ensure that only reasonable and necessary expenses are reimbursed. Effective oversight, clear definition of allowable costs, and regular performance reviews are crucial to managing costs effectively under a CPFF arrangement and achieving value for taxpayer money.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate the success of NASA's R&D contracts with FFRDCs?

NASA typically evaluates R&D contracts with FFRDCs like JPL using a combination of technical, schedule, and cost performance metrics. Technical KPIs often include achieving scientific objectives, successful mission operations (e.g., data acquisition, instrument performance), adherence to scientific protocols, and the quality and impact of research publications. Schedule KPIs focus on meeting milestones and delivery dates for research phases or mission components. Cost KPIs involve managing expenditures within the allocated budget, justifying cost variances, and demonstrating efficient use of resources. Beyond these, NASA also assesses the contractor's innovation, problem-solving capabilities, and contribution to the agency's long-term strategic goals.

What is the significance of JPL being designated as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)?

JPL's designation as an FFRDC signifies its unique role as a government-owned, contractor-operated research facility. FFRDCs are established to meet long-term research and development needs that are sensitive, complex, or require a level of continuity and objectivity not easily provided by the private sector alone. This designation allows JPL to maintain specialized expertise, infrastructure, and a strategic focus aligned with NASA's mission, free from the short-term market pressures faced by commercial firms. It fosters a collaborative relationship where JPL acts as a trusted agent for NASA, undertaking critical research and development tasks, often in areas of national importance like space exploration and Earth observation.

Are there specific mechanisms in place to ensure accountability and transparency for FFRDC contracts like this one?

Accountability and transparency for FFRDC contracts are ensured through several mechanisms. NASA, as the sponsoring agency, exercises oversight through its Contracting Officers and program managers, who monitor performance, review progress reports, and approve task orders. FFRDCs are subject to government audits, and their operations are often guided by specific charters that define their relationship with the government and outline reporting requirements. While direct competition is absent, the justification for FFRDC use is rooted in their ability to provide objective advice and specialized capabilities. Transparency is also achieved through public reporting of NASA's contract actions and research outcomes, although the internal workings of FFRDC management may be less visible than those of fully competed contracts.

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: $169,487,178

Exercised Options: $169,487,178

Current Obligation: $82,751,803

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: 2016-03-25

Current End Date: 2019-02-04

Potential End Date: 2019-02-04 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-08-29

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