NASA's $29.5M contract with Caltech for JPL research and development shows a long-term partnership

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,470,930 ($29.5M)

Contractor: California Institute of Technology

Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Start Date: 2016-06-14

End Date: 2018-09-30

Contract Duration: 838 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: IGF::CL::IGF MAIA (MULTI-ANGLE IMAGER FOR AEROSOLS 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 $29.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY for work described as: IGF::CL::IGF MAIA (MULTI-ANGLE IMAGER FOR AEROSOLS 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 RE… Key points: 1. This contract represents a significant investment in scientific research and development, focusing on areas like Earth science and planetary science. 2. The FFRDC model, utilized here with JPL, allows for specialized, long-term research capabilities for the government. 3. The contract's duration and cost indicate a substantial commitment to ongoing scientific inquiry. 4. Performance is tied to task orders, suggesting flexibility in research direction based on NASA's evolving science plan. 5. The 'not competed' status is typical for FFRDC agreements, reflecting a unique, established relationship. 6. The focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences aligns with NASA's core mission objectives.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $29.5 million over approximately two years for research and development at a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) like JPL is substantial. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the unique nature of FFRDCs, the cost appears to align with the specialized expertise and infrastructure required for advanced scientific research. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure suggests that NASA is paying for the effort and expertise, with a fixed fee for profit, which is common for R&D where exact costs can be uncertain.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, which is standard practice for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) like the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). FFRDCs are established to provide long-term, specialized research and development capabilities to the government, and their unique relationship with sponsoring agencies like NASA necessitates a sole-source award. This approach ensures continuity and leverages the established expertise and infrastructure of the FFRDC.

Taxpayer Impact: For taxpayers, the lack of competition in FFRDC contracts means that the price is determined through negotiation and established agreements rather than market-driven bidding. However, the value is intended to be derived from the unique, long-term capabilities and specialized knowledge that only an FFRDC can provide.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are NASA and the scientific community, gaining access to advanced research capabilities at JPL. Services delivered include research and development in Earth science, planetary science, and potentially other areas outlined in NASA's Science Mission Directorate plan. The geographic impact is primarily centered around the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, but the scientific findings have global implications. Workforce implications include the employment of highly skilled scientists, engineers, and technical personnel at JPL.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

• Lack of competition inherent in FFRDC agreements could limit opportunities for other research institutions.
• The CPFF contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not closely monitored by the agency.

Positive Signals

• The FFRDC model ensures access to specialized, long-term research capabilities critical for NASA's mission.
• The contract supports cutting-edge scientific research with potential for significant discoveries.
• The established relationship with JPL provides a stable platform for ongoing scientific endeavors.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences except Biotechnology). This sector is characterized by innovation and scientific discovery. NASA's spending in this area is crucial for advancing space exploration, Earth observation, and fundamental scientific understanding. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish due to the unique nature of FFRDCs, but NASA's overall R&D budget is substantial, reflecting the importance of this sector to national priorities.

Small Business Impact

This contract is with the California Institute of Technology, operating the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). FFRDCs are typically large institutions and are not directly subject to small business set-aside requirements. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, but they would be at the discretion of JPL and dependent on the specific research tasks and procurement needs, rather than being a mandated component of the prime contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the NASA Management Office (NMO) through contracting officers who issue task orders and monitor performance. As an FFRDC, JPL operates under specific agreements that include oversight mechanisms designed to ensure alignment with NASA's strategic goals and responsible use of federal funds. Transparency is facilitated through NASA's reporting requirements and the public nature of scientific research outcomes, though the internal workings of the FFRDC are subject to its specific charter.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

• Sole-source award typical for FFRDCs, but requires strong oversight.
• Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts necessitate diligent cost monitoring.

Tags

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $29.5 million to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY. IGF::CL::IGF MAIA (MULTI-ANGLE IMAGER FOR AEROSOLS 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

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 $29.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-06-14. End: 2018-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for this specific contract or similar FFRDC agreements with NASA?

Historical spending data for this specific contract shows a total award of $29,470,930.18, with an award date of June 14, 2016, and an estimated completion date of September 30, 2018, indicating a duration of approximately 2 years. For FFRDC agreements in general, NASA typically enters into long-term agreements with its FFRDCs, such as JPL and the MITRE Corporation. These agreements often involve significant annual funding that can fluctuate based on program priorities and task order issuance. While this specific contract represents a defined period and budget, NASA's overall commitment to its FFRDCs is ongoing and substantial, often spanning decades and involving billions of dollars in cumulative funding across various research and development initiatives. Analyzing historical spending requires looking at the cumulative funding profiles of FFRDCs rather than individual, time-bound contracts like this one.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) structure impact the overall value and risk for NASA in this R&D contract?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) structure is common for research and development contracts where the scope of work can be uncertain and subject to change. For NASA, this structure means they reimburse the contractor (Caltech/JPL) for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing the contractor's profit. This provides flexibility, allowing NASA to adapt research directions as scientific understanding evolves without constant renegotiation of the profit margin. The risk for NASA lies in potential cost overruns if the contractor's actual costs exceed initial estimates significantly, although the fixed fee provides some predictability on profit. The value is derived from accessing specialized expertise and facilities at JPL, which might be more costly or impossible to replicate internally. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to assess the success of research conducted under this contract?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for research conducted under this contract are not explicitly detailed in the provided data. However, for NASA R&D contracts, particularly those involving FFRDCs like JPL, success is typically measured by a combination of factors. These often include the successful completion of research objectives outlined in task orders, the quality and impact of scientific publications and presentations, the development of new technologies or methodologies, and contributions to NASA's broader mission goals (e.g., advancements in Earth science, planetary exploration). Progress reviews, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications serve as critical assessment tools. The ultimate measure of success often lies in the scientific discoveries made and their contribution to the body of knowledge and future space exploration endeavors.

What is the track record of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as a contractor for NASA, particularly concerning FFRDC management?

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has a long and distinguished track record of managing the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA, dating back to its inception. JPL is a premier FFRDC renowned for its contributions to space exploration, Earth science, and astronomy. Caltech's management of JPL is widely regarded as highly successful, characterized by scientific excellence, technological innovation, and the successful execution of numerous complex space missions. NASA consistently relies on Caltech's expertise to operate JPL, entrusting it with critical research and development tasks. This enduring partnership, spanning decades, underscores Caltech's strong performance and reliability as a contractor in managing a vital government research asset.

Are there any potential risks associated with the sole-source nature of this FFRDC contract, beyond the typical considerations?

While the sole-source nature of FFRDC contracts is standard and necessary for their intended purpose, potential risks can still exist. One risk is complacency; without competitive pressure, there's a theoretical possibility that the contractor might become less innovative or efficient over time, though this is mitigated by NASA's oversight and the FFRDC's inherent mission focus. Another risk relates to 'scope creep' if task orders are not tightly managed, potentially leading to costs exceeding initial expectations without a clear competitive benchmark. Furthermore, reliance on a single entity for specialized capabilities means that any disruption at the FFRDC (e.g., funding instability, major technical challenges, or loss of key personnel) could significantly impact NASA's programs. Ensuring robust communication and clear performance expectations within the FFRDC agreement is vital to mitigate these risks.

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: $95,732,566

Exercised Options: $95,732,566

Current Obligation: $29,470,930

Actual Outlays: $56,098

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: 2016-06-14

Current End Date: 2018-09-30

Potential End Date: 2018-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-03-31

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