California Institute of Technology — Federal Contractor Profile

Caltech Secures $119 Billion in Federal Contracts, Focusing on Competitive Bidding

Contractor Overview

Total Contract Value: $11,899,517,144,542 ($11.9T)

Total Awards: 16633

Company Profile

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a leading research institution with a significant presence in federal government contracting, particularly in the areas of scientific research, technology development, and engineering solutions. With a total contract value of $118.9952 billion and 16,633 contracts, Caltech demonstrates a robust and diverse portfolio of work across various government agencies. The institute's core capabilities include advanced research in physics, engineering, and technology, which are leveraged to support a wide range of government initiatives. Notably, Caltech has not engaged in any sole-source contracts, indicating a strong commitment to competitive bidding processes. However, the absence of recent contract data suggests that the institute may be focusing on long-term, established relationships rather than pursuing new contracts frequently. Caltech's track record includes significant contributions to space exploration, defense, and scientific research, underscoring its strategic importance to the federal government. The company's contract patterns reveal a focus on maintaining long-term relationships with key agencies, which is a testament to its reliability and performance. Compared to industry peers, Caltech stands out as a dominant player in niche areas of research and development, leveraging its expertise to secure competitive contracts and deliver high-value solutions to the government.

Specializations

  • Space Exploration
  • Defence Technology
  • Advanced Materials
  • Biotechnology
  • Renewable Energy
  • Quantum Computing
  • Robotics
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Computational Science

Contractor Metrics

Average Contract Size: $0

Competitive Win Rate: 100%

Agency Concentration: moderate

Growth Trajectory: expanding

Sole Source Rate: 0%

Recompete Rate: 80%

Competitive Position

Caltech is a dominant player in niche areas of research and development, particularly in advanced technology and scientific research. The institute leverages its expertise to secure competitive contracts and deliver high-value solutions to the government. Its strong performance and reliability have established it as a trusted partner for key agencies, making it a formidable competitor in the federal contracting landscape.

Value to Taxpayers

Caltech provides significant value to taxpayers through its contributions to space exploration, defense, and scientific research. The institute's focus on competitive bidding ensures that contracts are awarded through transparent processes, which helps to maintain cost-effectiveness. However, the high average contract size and the absence of recent contracts suggest that the company may be focusing on long-term, established relationships rather than pursuing new contracts frequently, which could impact the pace of innovation and cost efficiency.

Agency Relationships

Caltech has a strong relationship with multiple agencies, including NASA, DARPA, and the Department of Energy. These agencies rely on Caltech for cutting-edge research and development in areas such as space exploration, defense technology, and renewable energy. While this diversification is beneficial, there is a risk of dependency on a few key agencies, which could pose challenges if these relationships were to weaken or if new opportunities arise.

Red Flags

  • No recent contracts indicate a potential focus on long-term, established relationships rather than pursuing new opportunities.
  • The absence of sole-source contracts suggests a strong commitment to competitive bidding, but it may also limit the institute's ability to secure contracts quickly in response to urgent needs.
  • The moderate agency concentration could pose dependency risks if key relationships were to weaken or if new opportunities arise.

Green Flags

  • 100% competitive win rate indicates a strong reputation and reliability in the competitive bidding process.
  • Diverse agency portfolio suggests a broad range of clients and opportunities for growth.
  • Strong performance history and track record of delivering high-value solutions to the government.

Key Contracts

Caltech has secured several significant contracts that highlight its capabilities and strategic direction. One notable contract is with NASA for the development of advanced materials and technologies for space exploration. This contract underscores Caltech's expertise in cutting-edge research and its ability to deliver innovative solutions. Another key contract involves the Department of Energy for the development of renewable energy technologies. These contracts not only demonstrate Caltech's commitment to advancing scientific research but also its strategic focus on addressing critical national challenges. The consistent performance and delivery of high-value solutions in these contracts reveal Caltech's strong capabilities and reliability, which are crucial for maintaining its position as a leading federal contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY do for the federal government?

Caltech provides advanced research, technology development, and engineering solutions to support the federal government in areas such as space exploration, defense, and scientific research. The institute leverages its expertise in physics, engineering, and technology to deliver high-value solutions and support critical national initiatives.

How much taxpayer money does CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY receive?

Caltech has secured a total of $118.9952 billion in federal contracts, with an average contract size of $715,416,169. This significant funding reflects the institute's importance in federal research and development efforts.

Is CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY good value for taxpayer money?

Caltech provides significant value through its contributions to space exploration, defense, and scientific research. The institute's focus on competitive bidding ensures cost-effectiveness, but the high average contract size and the absence of recent contracts suggest a focus on long-term, established relationships, which could impact the pace of innovation and cost efficiency.

How does CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY win its contracts?

Caltech secures its contracts through a strong commitment to competitive bidding, with a 100% competitive win rate. The institute leverages its expertise in advanced research and technology development to deliver high-value solutions, which are highly valued by federal agencies.

What agencies use CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY most?

Caltech has a strong relationship with multiple agencies, including NASA, DARPA, and the Department of Energy. These agencies rely on Caltech for cutting-edge research and development in areas such as space exploration, defense technology, and renewable energy. The diverse agency portfolio suggests a broad range of clients and opportunities for growth.

What are the risks of relying on CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY?

While Caltech is a trusted partner for key agencies, there is a risk of dependency on a few key agencies, which could pose challenges if these relationships were to weaken or if new opportunities arise. The absence of recent contracts suggests a focus on long-term, established relationships rather than pursuing new opportunities, which could impact the pace of innovation and cost efficiency.

How does CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY compare to similar contractors?

Caltech stands out as a dominant player in niche areas of research and development, particularly in advanced technology and scientific research. The institute leverages its expertise to secure competitive contracts and deliver high-value solutions to the government, making it a formidable competitor in the federal contracting landscape. However, its focus on long-term, established relationships may limit its ability to respond quickly to urgent needs or new opportunities compared to more agile competitors.

Recent Federal Contracts

California Institute of Technology has over 25 federal contracts on record. Below are the largest awards:

ContractAgencyAmountType
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract for Europa Clipper Project exceeds ...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$2.9BN/A
NASA's Mars Science Laboratory contract awarded to California Institute of Te...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$1.7BN/A
NASA's Mars Sample Return Phase A contract awarded to Caltech for $159M, focu...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$1.6BN/A
NASA's Deep Space Network Contract with Caltech for JPL Operations Exceeds $1...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$1.4BN/A
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract for Mars Science Rover Project Phas...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$1.4BN/A
NASA's Deep Space Network contract awarded to Caltech for $1.4B over 9 years.National Aeronautics and Space Administration$1.4BN/A
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract for Mars Science Rover Project exce...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$1.3BN/A
NASA's NEO Surveyor Project Awarded $855.8M to Caltech for Physical Science R&DNational Aeronautics and Space Administration$855.9MN/A
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for FFRDC operations e...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$809.7MN/A
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech exceeds $807M for R&D ...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$807.8MN/A
NASA's $797M contract with Caltech for Jet Propulsion Laboratory operations s...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$796.7MN/A
NASA's NISAR Mission Awarded $775M to Caltech for Physical Science R&DNational Aeronautics and Space Administration$775.1MN/A
NASA's $765M Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for R&D in physi...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$765.5MN/A
NASA's JUNO Phase B contract awarded to Caltech for $651.6M, a sole-source R&...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$651.6MN/A
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech totals over $564M for ...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$564.2MN/A
NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope contract awarded to Caltech for $487M, highlig...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$486.9MN/A
NASA awards $470M for Technology Support to California Institute of Technolog...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$469.6MN/A
NASA's $455M Cassini Project with Caltech: A 7-Year R&D Endeavor in Space Exp...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$455.5MN/A
NASA Awards $415M R&D Contract to Caltech for Physical, Engineering, and Life...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$414.8MN/A
NASA's $393M Space Interferometry Contract with Caltech: A Deep Dive into R&D...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$393.1MN/A
NASA's WFIRST Coronagraph Contract with Caltech Totals $391.5M for JPL Operat...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$391.5MN/A
NASA's $388M Jet Propulsion Laboratory contract with Caltech for R&D in Earth...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$388.3MN/A
NASA's $363.8M Jet Propulsion Laboratory Contract with Caltech: FFRDC Operati...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$363.8MN/A
NASA's JPL contract with Caltech for SMAP mission totals $323.7M, supporting ...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$323.7MN/A
NASA's GRACE-FO Contract with Caltech for JPL Operations Totals $319M, Focuse...National Aeronautics and Space Administration$319.2MN/A

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