GSA awards $18.8M contract for Space Systems Advisory Services to Tecolote Research, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,768,130 ($18.8M)

Contractor: Tecolote Research, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-06-01

End Date: 2025-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SAF2 - ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES FOR SPACE AND MISSILE SYSTEMS CENTER ATLAS X DIVISION

Place of Performance

Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $18.8 million to TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC. for work described as: SAF2 - ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES FOR SPACE AND MISSILE SYSTEMS CENTER ATLAS X DIVISION Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 2. Tecolote Research, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Contract duration is 5 years, ending May 2025. 4. NAICS code 541712 indicates R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 5. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency. Benchmarking against similar R&D advisory contracts is recommended.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' suggests a competitive process was initiated, but specific details on source exclusion are not provided. This could impact price discovery if fewer than expected sources were considered.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized R&D advisory services, with the ultimate impact on program efficiency and effectiveness yet to be fully determined.

Public Impact

Supports critical Space and Missile Systems Center operations. Aims to enhance technological advancements in space and missile systems. Potential for innovation and improved defense capabilities. Long-term contract may indicate sustained need for expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detail on 'exclusion of sources' in competition.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process.
Supports a critical defense sector.
Long-term engagement suggests value and need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical and engineering sciences related to space and missile systems. Spending in this area is crucial for national security and technological advancement, often involving specialized expertise and long-term investments.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Tecolote Research, Inc., is not listed as a small business. Therefore, there is no direct small business participation evident in this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial for the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Space and Missile Systems Center to ensure Tecolote Research, Inc. meets performance expectations and manages costs effectively under the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
Limited transparency on source exclusion criteria.
Lack of defined performance metrics in provided data.
Sole awardee may limit future competitive pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $18.8 million to TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC.. SAF2 - ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES FOR SPACE AND MISSILE SYSTEMS CENTER ATLAS X DIVISION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-01. End: 2025-05-31.

What specific criteria were used to exclude sources during the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process, and how did this impact the final price?

The specific criteria for excluding sources are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such exclusions might be based on specialized capabilities, past performance, or security clearances. Understanding these criteria is vital to assess if the exclusion limited competition unduly and potentially inflated the contract price beyond what a broader competition might have yielded.

How does the $18.8 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract align with industry benchmarks for similar R&D advisory services, and what are the key cost drivers?

Without specific benchmarks for comparable R&D advisory services in the space and missile sector, it's difficult to definitively assess cost alignment. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts inherently carry risk of cost growth. Key cost drivers likely include labor rates for highly specialized personnel, indirect costs, and potential for scope adjustments. Rigorous oversight is needed to manage these drivers.

What are the measurable performance outcomes expected from Tecolote Research, Inc. under this contract, and how will their effectiveness be evaluated?

The provided data does not specify measurable performance outcomes or evaluation metrics. Effectiveness will likely be assessed through deliverables, adherence to project milestones, quality of technical advice provided, and contribution to the Space and Missile Systems Center's objectives. Clear performance standards and regular reviews are essential for accountability.

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 › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFPA20R0001

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 420 S FAIRVIEW AVE STE 201, GOLETA, CA, 93117

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,901,560

Exercised Options: $20,901,560

Current Obligation: $18,768,130

Actual Outlays: $-17,235

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 18

Total Subaward Amount: $12,298,089

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS619

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline