GSA awards $28.8M contract for unmanned space vehicle cost modeling to Tecolote Research, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,847,420 ($28.8M)

Contractor: Tecolote Research, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2022-10-28

End Date: 2025-10-28

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: UNMANNED SPACE VEHICLE COST MODEL USCM

Place of Performance

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

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $28.8 million to TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC. for work described as: UNMANNED SPACE VEHICLE COST MODEL USCM Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Firm fixed-price contract type indicates predictable costs for the government. 4. The contract duration is 1096 days, spanning over three years. 5. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contractor, Tecolote Research, Inc., has a track record in aerospace and defense support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $28.8 million over three years for specialized R&D services appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar contracts for cost modeling and simulation in the aerospace sector would provide a more precise value assessment. Given the specialized nature of developing cost models for unmanned space vehicles, the pricing is likely competitive within this niche market. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost uncertainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service likely managed a robust solicitation process to ensure fair and broad participation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down prices through market forces and encourages a wider range of solutions, potentially leading to more cost-effective outcomes.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is likely the U.S. government, specifically agencies involved in space exploration and defense, who will utilize the cost model. The services delivered include the development and refinement of a cost model for unmanned space vehicles. The geographic impact is national, supporting federal research and development initiatives. Workforce implications may include employment for specialized engineers, mathematicians, and cost analysts at Tecolote Research, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the complexity of unmanned space vehicle systems is underestimated.
Risk of the cost model becoming outdated quickly due to rapid advancements in space technology.
Dependence on a single contractor for a critical cost modeling tool.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits the government's exposure to cost increases.
Award to an established contractor with relevant expertise in cost analysis.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained development and refinement of the model.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on engineering and physical sciences related to aerospace. The market for specialized cost modeling and simulation services for advanced systems like unmanned space vehicles is niche but critical for program planning and budgeting within defense and civilian space agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within large aerospace R&D procurements or specialized engineering support contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses are unlikely to be direct beneficiaries of this prime contract. However, there may be opportunities for small businesses to subcontract with Tecolote Research, Inc., depending on the specific technical requirements and the contractor's subcontracting plan, though this is not explicitly detailed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NASA Cost Estimating Handbook
DoD Cost Analysis Improvement Group (CAIG)
Space Force acquisition programs
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) projects

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Model obsolescence risk
Contractor performance variability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $28.8 million to TECOLOTE RESEARCH, INC.. UNMANNED SPACE VEHICLE COST MODEL USCM

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 $28.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-10-28. End: 2025-10-28.

What is Tecolote Research, Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly in cost modeling and aerospace?

Tecolote Research, Inc. has a significant history of performing work for U.S. government agencies, particularly within the Department of Defense and NASA. Their expertise often lies in advanced engineering, scientific research, and specialized analysis, including cost estimation, modeling, and simulation. They have supported numerous complex programs, often involving aerospace and defense systems. While specific details on past cost modeling contracts for unmanned space vehicles are not provided here, their general profile suggests they are a capable contractor for this type of specialized R&D work. Reviewing their contract history on federal procurement databases would offer more granular insights into their performance and experience in this specific domain.

How does the $28.8 million contract value compare to similar R&D contracts for cost modeling in the aerospace sector?

The $28.8 million contract value for a three-year period for developing a cost model for unmanned space vehicles appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized R&D services in the aerospace sector. However, a precise comparison is difficult without knowing the exact scope, complexity, and specific deliverables. Contracts for developing sophisticated modeling and simulation tools for cutting-edge technologies can vary widely. Factors such as the level of detail required, the integration with existing systems, and the novelty of the technology being modeled all influence cost. Generally, R&D contracts of this nature, especially those involving advanced engineering and scientific analysis, command significant investment due to the specialized expertise and resources required.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include the potential for the cost model to become outdated rapidly due to the fast pace of innovation in unmanned space vehicle technology, and the possibility of underestimating the complexity of the systems being modeled, leading to cost or schedule overruns. Mitigation strategies likely include the firm fixed-price contract type, which shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor. The contract's duration allows for iterative development and updates. Furthermore, the GSA's oversight and the contractor's presumed expertise in aerospace cost analysis are intended to ensure the model remains relevant and accurate. Clear performance metrics and regular reviews would further mitigate risks.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach likely to be in ensuring value for money for this specific R&D contract?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally effective in ensuring value for money for R&D contracts by fostering a competitive environment that encourages multiple contractors to offer their best technical solutions and pricing. This method allows the government to select from a broad range of qualified bidders, increasing the likelihood of finding a contractor that offers both high-quality services and competitive pricing. For a specialized area like unmanned space vehicle cost modeling, this approach maximizes the chances of identifying a firm with unique expertise and efficient methodologies. The resulting competition should drive down costs compared to a sole-source or limited-source award, thereby enhancing overall value for the taxpayer.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar R&D services related to aerospace cost modeling by the GSA or other agencies?

Historical spending patterns for R&D services related to aerospace cost modeling by agencies like GSA, DoD, and NASA show significant investment in developing and maintaining sophisticated analytical tools. These contracts often range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope and duration. Agencies frequently procure services for developing simulation software, predictive maintenance models, and lifecycle cost estimation tools for complex platforms, including aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft. Spending can fluctuate based on new program starts, technological advancements, and budget allocations. The GSA, through its various contract vehicles, facilitates such procurements across the federal government, consolidating demand and leveraging purchasing power.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the development of future unmanned space vehicle technologies?

This contract has the potential to significantly impact the development of future unmanned space vehicle technologies by providing a more accurate and reliable tool for cost estimation. Accurate cost models are crucial for program planning, budgeting, and decision-making. By enabling better foresight into the financial requirements of developing and operating these vehicles, the cost model can help program managers make more informed choices about design trade-offs, technology investments, and mission feasibility. This, in turn, can accelerate the development cycle, reduce financial risks associated with ambitious projects, and ultimately foster greater innovation and deployment of advanced unmanned space capabilities.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFPA22R0065

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $145,031,561

Exercised Options: $67,740,362

Current Obligation: $28,847,420

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20DU436

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline