NOAA Awards $2.1M for Space Systems R&D to Aerospace Corp, Sole-Source
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,122,100 ($2.1M)
Contractor: THE Aerospace Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2023-05-06
End Date: 2027-05-05
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPACE SYSTEMS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT / ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR STAR
Place of Performance
Location: COLLEGE PARK, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20740
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $2.1 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION for work described as: SPACE SYSTEMS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT / ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR STAR Key points: 1. Significant contract for specialized space systems research and development. 2. Sole-source award to The Aerospace Corporation raises questions about competition. 3. Long-term contract (4 years) suggests critical, ongoing need. 4. Focus on physical, engineering, and life sciences R&D, excluding nano/biotech.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $2.1M over four years is difficult to benchmark without specific deliverables. Given the sole-source nature, pricing assessment is limited. However, for specialized R&D, this amount may be reasonable if the scope is well-defined and the contractor is uniquely qualified.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The Aerospace Corporation. This method limits price discovery and potentially reduces competitive pressure, which could lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition in this sole-source award may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if the contract had been competitively bid.
Public Impact
Impacts national capabilities in space systems research and development. Potential for advancements in space technology and scientific understanding. Ensures continuity of specialized engineering support for NOAA's space missions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) can incentivize cost overruns.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical R&D needs for space systems.
- Long-term engagement suggests strategic importance.
- Contractor has specialized expertise in the field.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the R&D sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to space systems. Spending benchmarks for such specialized R&D are highly variable, depending on the specific technological advancements sought and the unique expertise required.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. Given the specialized nature of space systems R&D, opportunities for small businesses may be limited, or subcontracting opportunities were not explicitly sought or awarded.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the effective use of funds and the achievement of R&D objectives, especially given the sole-source nature and cost-plus contract type. The Department of Commerce and NOAA should monitor progress closely.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- No small business participation.
- Lack of transparency in justification for sole-source award.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $2.1 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION. SPACE SYSTEMS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT / ENGINEERING SUPPORT FOR STAR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-05-06. End: 2027-05-05.
What specific R&D objectives does this contract aim to achieve, and how will their successful completion be measured?
The contract aims to provide engineering support for space systems research and development. Measuring success will likely involve milestones related to research progress, prototype development, technical reports, and successful integration of findings into NOAA's space programs. Specific metrics should be detailed in the contract's statement of work to ensure accountability and track progress effectively.
Given the sole-source award, what justification was provided to ensure the contractor's unique qualifications and fair pricing?
A sole-source award typically requires a strong justification demonstrating that only one contractor can meet the government's needs due to unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or proprietary technology. The government should have conducted a thorough price analysis to ensure the negotiated price was fair and reasonable, even without direct competition.
What is the potential long-term impact of this R&D on NOAA's operational capabilities and future space missions?
This R&D is expected to enhance NOAA's capabilities in areas such as satellite technology, data acquisition, and space-based observation systems. Successful outcomes could lead to improved weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and other critical earth science missions, ultimately benefiting national security and public safety.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL 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: 2310 E EL SEGUNDO BLVD, EL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,779,089
Exercised Options: $2,175,617
Current Obligation: $2,122,100
Actual Outlays: $1,136,726
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1332KP22DNEEG0002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-05-06
Current End Date: 2027-05-05
Potential End Date: 2028-05-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
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