NASA's $48.6M SAR DAAC contract to University of Alaska Fairbanks lacks competition, raising cost concerns
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $48,606,891 ($48.6M)
Contractor: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2018-10-01
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $26.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: UNDER THE SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL MANAGE AND OPERATE THE SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR DAAC. THESE TASKS INCLUDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE, DEVELOPMENT, USER SERVICES, PRODUCT GENERATION, DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, DATA ACQUISITION, DATA PROCESSING, ARCHIVE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCIENCE DATA AND PRODUCTS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY AND RELATED SCIENCE SUPPORT AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRBANKS, FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR County, ALASKA, 99775
State: Alaska Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $48.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS for work described as: UNDER THE SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL MANAGE AND OPERATE THE SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR DAAC. THESE TASKS INCLUDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE, DEVELOPMENT, USER SERVICES, PRODUCT GENERATION, DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, DATA ACQUISITION, DA… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on managing and operating the Synthetic Aperture Radar Data Active Archive Center (DAAC). 2. Key activities include systems engineering, data management, product generation, and user services. 3. The contract is for Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 4. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is the sole contractor, with no indication of small business participation.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which typically means the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs but receives no fee. This structure can limit incentives for cost efficiency. Benchmarking is difficult without specific cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. Without competition, there is no price discovery mechanism to ensure the government is receiving the best value. The rationale for sole-sourcing is not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there was no market pressure to drive down prices.
Public Impact
Essential climate and Earth science data will be managed and distributed. Researchers rely on this data for understanding Earth's systems and climate change. The continuity of these critical data services is ensured through this contract.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for cost inefficiencies
- No small business participation
Positive Signals
- Essential scientific data management
- Long-term operational support
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for scientific advancement and understanding complex systems like Earth's climate.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. This represents a missed opportunity to support small business growth within the R&D sector.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by NASA, which has established oversight mechanisms for its research and data management activities. However, the sole-source nature warrants close monitoring of expenditures and performance.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
- Potential for cost overruns without competition.
- No small business participation.
- Limited transparency on justification for sole-sourcing.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ak, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $48.6 million to UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS. UNDER THE SCOPE OF THIS CONTRACT, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL MANAGE AND OPERATE THE SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR DAAC. THESE TASKS INCLUDE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE, DEVELOPMENT, USER SERVICES, PRODUCT GENERATION, DATA AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, DATA ACQUISITION, DATA PROCESSING, ARCHIVE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SCIENCE DATA AND PRODUCTS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY AND RELATED SCIENCE SUPPORT AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS.
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 $48.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-10-01. End: 2023-09-30.
What is the justification for awarding this critical data management contract on a sole-source basis?
The provided data does not include the justification for the sole-source award. Typically, sole-sourcing is reserved for situations where only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. A thorough review of the justification is needed to ensure it aligns with federal procurement regulations and that competition was not feasible.
How can NASA ensure cost-effectiveness and value for taxpayer money in a sole-source R&D contract?
NASA can implement robust cost-reimbursement controls, detailed performance metrics, and regular audits to monitor expenditures. Establishing clear deliverables and milestones, coupled with strong program management, can help ensure the contractor remains focused on efficient execution. Independent cost estimates and benchmarking against similar services, where possible, are also crucial.
What is the long-term strategy for ensuring competitive sourcing of essential data management services like the SAR DAAC?
NASA should explore opportunities to introduce competition in future contract actions for the SAR DAAC, perhaps by breaking down the services into smaller components or by conducting market research to identify potential new sources. A phased approach or a transition plan could facilitate a move towards a more competitive environment over time, ensuring sustained value.
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 › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC18R0016
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: University of Alaska Systems
Address: 903 KOYUKUK DR, FAIRBANKS, AK, 99775
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $48,606,891
Exercised Options: $48,606,891
Current Obligation: $48,606,891
Actual Outlays: $41,949,544
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-10-01
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-02-14
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