NASA awards $2.8M for project management support, with R&D focus in physical and engineering sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,833,137 ($2.8M)
Contractor: THE Aerospace Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-06-26
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,192 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.4K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MSC PROJECT FORMULATION SUPPORT- ASSISTANCE TO HELP LEAD THE DAY TO DAY PROJECT MANAGEMENT (INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT PLANS, SEMPS) OF SEVERAL PROJECTS WITHIN THE MSC OFFICE PORTFOLIO.
Place of Performance
Location: EL SEGUNDO, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90245
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $2.8 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION for work described as: MSC PROJECT FORMULATION SUPPORT- ASSISTANCE TO HELP LEAD THE DAY TO DAY PROJECT MANAGEMENT (INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT PLANS, SEMPS) OF SEVERAL PROJECTS WITHIN THE MSC OFFICE PORTFOLIO. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on project formulation and day-to-day management for multiple projects within the MSC office portfolio. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 3. The award was not competed, raising questions about potential value for money and market price discovery. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 indicates a focus on Research and Development. 5. The contract duration is 1192 days, spanning from June 2023 to September 2026. 6. The contractor, The Aerospace Corporation, is a well-established entity in the aerospace sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns and comparison to similar project management support contracts. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure necessitates close oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with the fixed fee. Given the lack of competition, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing reflects market rates or offers optimal value for money. Further analysis of the contractor's historical performance and fee structure would be beneficial.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple potential offerors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities or when circumstances preclude full and open competition. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to leverage market forces to achieve the best possible price and terms.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there is no competitive pressure to drive down prices. It also reduces transparency in the procurement process.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA's Mission Support Directorate (MSC) office, which will receive enhanced project management capabilities. Services delivered include assistance with project plan development and day-to-day project management for several key initiatives. The geographic impact is primarily within NASA's operational centers, likely in Texas (Johnson Space Center) where MSC is headquartered. Workforce implications may include the utilization of specialized project management personnel from the contractor, potentially augmenting NASA's internal teams.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition may result in less favorable pricing for the government.
- CPFF contract type requires robust oversight to control costs and prevent overruns.
- Scope definition for project management support needs to be precise to avoid scope creep.
Positive Signals
- The Aerospace Corporation has a strong track record in supporting aerospace and defense projects.
- Focus on R&D aligns with NASA's core mission and strategic objectives.
- Clear project management support can lead to more efficient execution of NASA initiatives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The aerospace industry, a significant part of this sector, relies heavily on complex project management for its missions. Comparable spending in this area often involves specialized technical support and program management services, with contract values varying widely based on project scope and duration. NASA's overall R&D spending is substantial, and contracts like this are crucial for enabling its scientific and exploratory endeavors.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the sole-source nature of the award and the specialized services required, it is unlikely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses will be a primary focus unless specifically mandated by the prime contractor or NASA. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be necessary to determine any potential impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the NASA contracting officer and the technical point of contact within the MSC office. Accountability measures will be tied to the performance metrics outlined in the contract and the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, but contract details and performance reports are typically available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Mission Support Directorate Operations
- Aerospace Engineering Services
- Research and Development Project Management
- NASA Science Mission Directorate Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and potential for cost savings.
- CPFF contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Potential for scope creep if project management support is not clearly defined.
Tags
nasa, mission-support, project-management, research-and-development, cost-plus-fixed-fee, sole-source, aerospace-corporation, california, federal-contract, r&d-services, engineering-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $2.8 million to THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION. MSC PROJECT FORMULATION SUPPORT- ASSISTANCE TO HELP LEAD THE DAY TO DAY PROJECT MANAGEMENT (INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT PLANS, SEMPS) OF SEVERAL PROJECTS WITHIN THE MSC OFFICE PORTFOLIO.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION.
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 $2.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-26. End: 2026-09-30.
What is The Aerospace Corporation's track record with NASA on similar project management support contracts?
The Aerospace Corporation has a long-standing relationship with NASA and has supported numerous complex projects across various directorates. While specific details on past project management support contracts are not readily available in the public domain without extensive database searches, the organization is known for its expertise in systems engineering, technical analysis, and program management within the aerospace domain. Their historical performance with NASA generally indicates a capability to deliver on technical and programmatic requirements. Further analysis would involve reviewing NASA's contract award databases for specific past performance evaluations and contract histories related to project formulation and management support.
How does the $2.83 million contract value compare to similar project management support contracts awarded by NASA or other federal agencies?
Directly comparing the $2.83 million value is difficult without a precise definition of 'project management support' and the specific deliverables. However, for R&D-focused agencies like NASA, contracts for specialized technical and program management support can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, duration, and scope. Contracts for formulation support and day-to-day project management, especially for multiple projects, often fall within this mid-range. The duration of 1192 days (over three years) at this value suggests a moderate level of effort per project, which appears reasonable for specialized R&D support. Benchmarking against contracts with similar NAICS codes (541715) and contract types (CPFF) would provide a more robust comparison.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for project management support?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source CPFF contract are twofold. Firstly, the sole-source nature eliminates competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher costs than if the contract were competed. The government may not achieve the best possible price or value. Secondly, the CPFF structure, while providing flexibility, carries inherent risks of cost overruns. The contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. If costs escalate beyond initial estimates, the government bears the burden, and the fixed fee remains constant. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the contractor remains incentivized to control expenses.
How effective is project management support in ensuring the successful execution of NASA's R&D projects?
Effective project management support is critical for the successful execution of NASA's R&D projects, which are often characterized by high complexity, long timelines, and significant technical challenges. Strong project management ensures that projects stay on schedule, within budget, and meet their technical objectives. This includes rigorous planning, risk management, resource allocation, stakeholder communication, and quality control. By providing dedicated support for project formulation and day-to-day management, NASA aims to enhance the efficiency and success rates of its diverse portfolio of research initiatives, ultimately contributing to the achievement of its scientific and exploratory goals.
What are the historical spending patterns for project management support services within NASA's Mission Support Directorate?
Historical spending patterns for project management support services within NASA's Mission Support Directorate (MSC) are not publicly detailed in a readily accessible format. However, NASA as a whole consistently invests significant resources in program and project management to oversee its complex missions. Spending in this area typically fluctuates based on the number and scale of ongoing projects and the need for specialized expertise. Contracts for project formulation, planning, and execution support are common across various NASA centers. Analyzing historical data would require deep dives into NASA's contract databases, looking at trends in contract types, durations, and values for services categorized under project management, engineering support, and R&D assistance.
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: 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: 2310 EAST 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: $3,142,304
Exercised Options: $3,142,304
Current Obligation: $2,833,137
Actual Outlays: $2,396,718
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80GSFC19D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-26
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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