NASA awards $13.3M contract for scientific support at GISS facility in New York City
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,347,022 ($13.3M)
Contractor: Autonomic Integra LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-03-01
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE GISS FACILITY IN NEW YORK CITY, NY.
Place of Performance
Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10025
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $13.3 million to AUTONOMIC INTEGRA LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE GISS FACILITY IN NEW YORK CITY, NY. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential scientific support services for NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for flexibility but requires careful cost monitoring. 4. The duration of the contract is 4 years, suggesting a long-term need for these services. 5. The contractor, Autonomic Integra LLC, will provide services for the GISS facility located in New York. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 categorizes this as Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 7. The contract value of $13.3 million is spread over the 4-year period.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $13.3 million over four years averages to approximately $3.3 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar R&D support contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure suggests that costs will be monitored closely, with a fixed fee providing some predictability for the contractor's profit. The number of bids received (6) indicates a reasonable level of interest and potential for competitive pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. Six bids were received, suggesting a healthy level of competition for this requirement. The competitive nature of the procurement is expected to drive more favorable pricing and service terms for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently by allowing the government to select the best value offer from a range of qualified contractors, rather than being limited to a single source.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA scientists and researchers at the GISS facility, who will receive critical support services. Services delivered include scientific support and related activities essential for the operation and research conducted at GISS. The geographic impact is concentrated in New York City, NY, where the GISS facility is located. The contract supports specialized scientific roles, potentially impacting the local scientific workforce in the New York area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee.
- The specific details of the 'related services' are not fully elaborated, which could present scope creep risks if not clearly defined.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical scientific support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- The contract has a defined period of performance (4 years), allowing for consistent support.
- The fixed fee component of the contract provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for scientific support services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. NASA's GISS facility is a key research center, and contracts like this are crucial for maintaining its operational capacity and advancing scientific discovery. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature of the scientific support required, but R&D services often represent a significant investment for government agencies.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the GISS facility. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of allowable costs and the contractor's performance against the fixed fee. Transparency is expected through regular reporting requirements stipulated in the contract. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, NASA's Office of Inspector General typically oversees agency contracts for fraud, waste, and abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Scientific and Technical Support Services
- Federal Research Facilities Operations
- Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Operations
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts.
- Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure value for money.
- Scope definition clarity to prevent scope creep.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, new-york-city, definitive-contract, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, scientific-support, federal-facility, medium-value-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $13.3 million to AUTONOMIC INTEGRA LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE GISS FACILITY IN NEW YORK CITY, NY.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AUTONOMIC INTEGRA 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 $13.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-03-01. End: 2027-02-28.
What is the track record of Autonomic Integra LLC with NASA or similar government agencies?
Information regarding Autonomic Integra LLC's specific track record with NASA or other government agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or commendations. Federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would typically hold this information. Understanding their past performance is crucial for evaluating the risk associated with this new award and ensuring successful project execution.
How does the annual cost of this contract compare to similar scientific support contracts at other NASA centers or federal agencies?
The annual cost for this contract averages approximately $3.3 million ($13.3M / 4 years). Direct comparison to similar contracts is difficult without knowing the precise scope of 'scientific support and related services.' However, R&D support contracts can vary widely based on specialization, required expertise, and location. For instance, contracts supporting large-scale experimental facilities or advanced computational research might command higher annual costs. A detailed benchmark analysis would involve identifying contracts with comparable NAICS codes, service descriptions, and agency types, then normalizing for factors like geographic cost of living and contract duration.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics used to evaluate Autonomic Integra LLC's performance under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics for this contract. Typically, Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts include performance standards related to the quality of scientific support, adherence to project timelines, effective resource management, and compliance with safety and reporting requirements. NASA contracting officers and technical monitors would establish these KPIs, which are then used to assess the contractor's progress and determine the final payment, particularly concerning the fixed fee. These metrics are essential for ensuring the government receives the expected value and that research objectives are met.
What is the potential impact of the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type on overall project costs and contractor incentives?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type means the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure is often used when the exact costs cannot be easily predicted, offering flexibility. For the government, the risk is that actual costs could exceed initial estimates, although the fixed fee provides some cost ceiling predictability. For the contractor, the incentive is to control costs to maximize profit, as the fee is fixed regardless of the final cost. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure costs remain reasonable and allocable to the contract.
Are there any historical spending patterns with Autonomic Integra LLC or for scientific support at GISS that this contract aligns with or deviates from?
The provided data does not include historical spending patterns for Autonomic Integra LLC or for scientific support at the GISS facility. To assess this, one would need to examine previous contracts awarded to Autonomic Integra LLC, particularly those with NASA, and review historical expenditures for scientific support services at GISS. Understanding these patterns would help determine if this $13.3 million contract represents an increase, decrease, or consistent level of investment in these services. It would also provide context for the current contract's value and scope relative to past requirements.
What specific scientific disciplines or research areas will Autonomic Integra LLC be supporting at the GISS facility?
The data indicates the contract is for 'scientific support and related services for the GISS facility' and falls under NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). While GISS is known for climate change research, atmospheric science, and astrophysics, the specific disciplines supported by this contract are not detailed. The 'related services' could encompass a broad range, from laboratory assistance and data analysis to computational support and administrative tasks for researchers. A more granular understanding of the SOW (Statement of Work) would clarify the exact scientific areas being supported.
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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80GSFC22R0003
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 101 LAKEFOREST BLVD, STE 375, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20877
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,134,122
Exercised Options: $16,696,388
Current Obligation: $13,347,022
Actual Outlays: $10,891,736
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-03-01
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2027-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
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