NASA's $170.8M SMAS II Contract Supports GSFC Safety and Mission Assurance
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $170,860,741 ($170.9M)
Contractor: Axient LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-09-01
End Date: 2025-01-31
Contract Duration: 2,709 days
Daily Burn Rate: $63.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SMAS II PROVIDES SUPPORT TO GSFC PROJECTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS, AND THE INDEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE, AUDIT, REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND MISSION OPERATIONS ACTIVITIES ON-SITE AND AT SUPPLIER FACILITIES. THIS INCLUDES MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL RISK RELATED TO PROJECT OPERATIONS.
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $170.9 million to AXIENT LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SMAS II PROVIDES SUPPORT TO GSFC PROJECTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS, AND THE INDEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE, AUDIT, REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND MISSION OPERATIONS ACTIVITIES ON-SITE AND AT SUPPLIER FACILITIE… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical safety and mission assurance for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). 2. AXIENT LLC holds the contract, valued at $170.8 million. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a structured procurement process. 4. The contract spans R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding biotechnology. 5. This contract is crucial for managing institutional risk in project operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $170.8M over its period of performance appears reasonable for comprehensive safety and mission assurance support. Benchmarking against similar large-scale R&D support contracts would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a competitive process was used, but with specific criteria for participation. This method aims to ensure fair pricing while potentially focusing on specialized capabilities.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests efforts to secure value for taxpayer funds, though the exact cost-effectiveness requires ongoing monitoring.
Public Impact
Ensures the safety and success of critical NASA space missions. Supports advanced research and development in engineering and physical sciences. Contributes to managing risks associated with complex space projects. Provides independent oversight and assessment of project development and operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical safety functions.
- Scope creep could increase the overall contract value beyond initial estimates.
Positive Signals
- Clear objective for safety and mission assurance.
- Competitive procurement process utilized.
- Long-term contract duration allows for sustained support.
- Contractor has a defined role in risk management.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is critical for technological advancement and national security, with significant government investment.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this large contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's nature, involving independent surveillance and assessment, inherently includes oversight mechanisms. NASA's internal oversight and the contract's reporting requirements are key to accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Contractor is not a small business.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Reliance on contractor for critical safety functions.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $170.9 million to AXIENT LLC. IGF::OT::IGF SMAS II PROVIDES SUPPORT TO GSFC PROJECTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE REQUIREMENTS, AND THE INDEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE, AUDIT, REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT OF DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND MISSION OPERATIONS ACTIVITIES ON-SITE AND AT SUPPLIER FACILITIES. THIS INCLUDES MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL RISK RELATED TO PROJECT OPERATIONS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AXIENT LLC.
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 $170.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-01. End: 2025-01-31.
What is the projected cost per unit of service or deliverable under this contract?
The provided data does not specify a per-unit cost. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which reimburses allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Therefore, unit costs would vary based on the specific services or deliverables rendered and are not a fixed benchmark.
What are the primary risks associated with the 'Cost Plus Fixed Fee' contract type for this project?
The primary risk with CPFF contracts is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as costs are reimbursed. While a fixed fee provides some incentive, there's a risk of cost overruns if not managed diligently by both the contractor and NASA.
How effectively does this contract ensure independent assessment of safety and mission assurance?
The contract explicitly states 'independent surveillance, audit, review and assessment,' suggesting a design for effectiveness. The success hinges on the contractor's adherence to these principles and NASA's robust oversight to ensure true independence and thoroughness.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNG16547352R
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1400 CRYSTAL DR, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $188,000,000
Exercised Options: $188,000,000
Current Obligation: $170,860,741
Actual Outlays: $169,159,093
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 35
Total Subaward Amount: $18,174,287
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-01
Current End Date: 2025-01-31
Potential End Date: 2025-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-23
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