NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract for WFIRST Coronagraph awarded to California Institute of Technology for over $40M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,066,837 ($40.1M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2016-04-26

End Date: 2019-12-19

Contract Duration: 1,332 days

Daily Burn Rate: $30.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) CORONAGRAPH 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 $40.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) CORONAGRAPH 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. This contract establishes the operational relationship for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). 2. JPL's primary mission under this agreement is to support NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) in achieving its scientific objectives. 3. The contract focuses on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. 4. The work is performed under task orders issued by the NASA Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers. 5. The contract duration is 1332 days, indicating a significant, long-term research endeavor. 6. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee, common in R&D.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $40 million for an FFRDC supporting a major space telescope project appears reasonable given the scope and complexity. FFRDCs are established for long-term strategic research and development, and their funding reflects this. Benchmarking against other FFRDC agreements would provide further context, but the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) is standard for R&D where exact costs can be unpredictable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract is not competed as it establishes the operational relationship for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). FFRDCs are specifically established to provide long-term, strategic research and development capabilities to the government, often with a single designated contractor due to their unique nature and mission.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards for FFRDCs are generally accepted as a necessary mechanism to ensure continuity and specialized expertise for critical government research initiatives. Taxpayers benefit from the dedicated, long-term strategic capabilities that FFRDCs provide.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Science Mission Directorate and the scientific community, who will receive data and insights from the WFIRST Coronagraph. The contract enables the development and operation of advanced scientific instruments for space exploration. The geographic impact is national, with research and development centered at JPL in California, but the scientific findings will have global implications. The workforce implications include employment for highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technicians at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Potential for cost overruns inherent in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts for complex R&D projects.
• Reliance on a single FFRDC (JPL) for critical research may pose a risk if unforeseen issues arise with the contractor's capabilities or operations.

Positive Signals

• Established FFRDC (JPL) with a proven track record in space exploration and scientific research.
• Clear mission alignment with NASA's Science Mission Directorate objectives.
• Contract structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) is appropriate for the R&D nature of the work, allowing flexibility.
• Long contract duration suggests a stable, long-term commitment to a critical scientific endeavor.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical sciences and engineering for space applications. The market for FFRDCs is specialized, with a limited number of entities capable of fulfilling such roles. NASA's investment in projects like the WFIRST Coronagraph is crucial for advancing astronomical research and maintaining U.S. leadership in space science. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve other large-scale R&D contracts for major scientific instruments or space missions.

Small Business Impact

As this contract is a sole-source award to an FFRDC (JPL), there are no direct small business set-aside provisions. However, JPL, as a contractor, may engage small businesses as subcontractors for specific components or services, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem. The primary focus here is on the FFRDC's capabilities rather than direct small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the NASA Management Office (NMO) Contracting Officers, who issue task orders and monitor performance. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific agreements that include oversight mechanisms to ensure alignment with government objectives. Transparency is maintained through regular reporting and reviews, though detailed public disclosure of R&D specifics may be limited for proprietary or national security reasons. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to ensure efficient and ethical use of funds.

Related Government Programs

• NASA Science Mission Directorate
• James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
• Hubble Space Telescope
• Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST)

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award to FFRDC
• Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type

Tags

research-and-development, nasa, california, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, ffrdc, space-exploration, astronomy, science, instrument-development

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $40.1 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF WIDE FIELD INFRARED SURVEY TELESCOPE (WFIRST) CORONAGRAPH 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 $40.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-04-26. End: 2019-12-19.

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

Analyzing historical spending for JPL under NASA contracts requires access to detailed contract databases and historical financial reports. However, as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), JPL consistently receives significant funding from NASA for its core missions in space exploration and scientific research. Its annual budgets are typically in the hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars, reflecting its role in managing and executing complex, long-term projects like planetary missions and advanced telescope development. The specific contract for the WFIRST Coronagraph represents a portion of this larger funding allocation, dedicated to a particular scientific instrument. Trends would likely show sustained investment in core areas like Earth science, planetary science, and astrophysics, with fluctuations based on the initiation and completion phases of major projects.

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

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is common for research and development projects where the scope of work and final costs are not precisely predictable at the outset. Under CPFF, the contractor (JPL) is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize their profit margin, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. However, it also places the risk of cost overruns primarily on the government. Effective oversight by NASA is crucial to ensure that costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable, and that the fixed fee remains appropriate for the level of effort and risk involved. Regular reviews and audits are essential to maintain cost control.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of JPL's work under this contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a contract like this, supporting the WFIRST Coronagraph, would likely focus on technical performance, schedule adherence, and budget management. For technical performance, KPIs might include the successful development and testing of coronagraph components, achieving specified optical and scientific performance metrics, and meeting integration requirements with the telescope. Schedule adherence would be measured by the timely completion of milestones outlined in task orders. Budget management KPIs would involve tracking actual costs against projected budgets and ensuring that expenditures remain within allocated limits. NASA's oversight would involve regular progress reviews, technical assessments, and financial audits to monitor these KPIs and ensure the project's success.

What is the strategic importance of the WFIRST Coronagraph project to NASA's long-term scientific goals?

The Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST), including its coronagraph instrument, is strategically vital to NASA's long-term scientific goals, particularly in the fields of exoplanet detection and characterization, and understanding dark energy. The coronagraph specifically is designed to directly image exoplanets, enabling detailed studies of their atmospheres and the potential for habitability. This capability is a significant step beyond current exoplanet detection methods. Furthermore, WFIRST's wide field of view and infrared sensitivity are crucial for mapping the distribution of dark matter and dark energy, two of the biggest mysteries in cosmology. Success in these areas will shape the future direction of astrophysical research and our understanding of the universe.

How does the FFRDC designation of JPL influence its operational and contractual relationship with NASA?

The Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) designation of JPL creates a unique, long-term, and strategic relationship with NASA. Unlike typical contractor relationships, FFRDCs are established to provide specialized, objective technical advice and capabilities that are not readily available in the private sector or within the government itself. This designation allows for a more collaborative and integrated approach, fostering deep institutional knowledge and continuity. JPL, as an FFRDC, operates under specific charter agreements that define its mission, governance, and relationship with its sponsoring agency (NASA). This structure facilitates long-term planning, protects intellectual property, and ensures that JPL remains focused on national interests rather than commercial profit motives, providing a stable resource for critical research and development.

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: $115,800,918

Exercised Options: $115,800,918

Current Obligation: $40,066,837

Actual Outlays: $97,472

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: 2016-04-26

Current End Date: 2019-12-19

Potential End Date: 2019-12-19 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2022-02-02

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