NASA awards $5.08M for test systems and infrastructure support to TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,077,000 ($5.1M)
Contractor: TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-08-01
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,034 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TOOLS (SET2) TO 29 -THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACQUISITION, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND MAINTENANCE OF TEST SYSTEMS AND SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT (JSTAR LABORATORY) FOR THE NASA IV&V PROGRAM.
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRMONT, MARION County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26554
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $5.1 million to TMC TECHNOLOGIES OF WEST VIRGINIA CORP for work described as: SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TOOLS (SET2) TO 29 -THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACQUISITION, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND MAINTENANCE OF TEST SYSTEMS AND SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT (JSTAR LABORATORY) FOR THE NASA IV&V PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on acquisition, planning, development, and maintenance of test systems and supporting infrastructure. 2. The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can pose cost control challenges. 3. The contract duration is over 3 years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process. 5. The contractor, TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp, is based in West Virginia. 6. The contract falls under the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $5.08 million over approximately 3 years for test systems and infrastructure support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT services. However, the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure warrants careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency. Without specific benchmarks for similar JSTAR Laboratory support, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The agency's ability to manage the T&M aspects will be crucial in determining the ultimate cost-effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and service offerings. The number of bids received is not specified, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for these services.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions, maximizing the value of federal dollars spent.
Public Impact
The NASA IV&V Program benefits from enhanced test systems and supporting infrastructure. This contract supports the development and maintenance of critical IT infrastructure for NASA's verification and validation efforts. The primary beneficiaries are NASA's IV&V Program personnel who rely on these systems for their work. The geographic impact is concentrated in West Virginia, where the contractor is based.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
- Lack of specific performance metrics or KPIs in the provided data makes assessing effectiveness difficult.
- The duration of the contract (over 3 years) requires ongoing oversight to ensure continued value.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and potentially good pricing.
- Contract supports a critical NASA program (IV&V), indicating strategic importance.
- Contractor is based in West Virginia, potentially supporting regional economic development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on systems and software engineering tools and laboratory support. The market for such specialized IT services is robust, with numerous companies offering development, maintenance, and infrastructure support. NASA's IV&V Program requires highly specialized capabilities, and contracts in this area often involve significant technical expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within IT services contracts for government agencies requiring similar levels of technical support and system development.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside. The primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp chooses to engage them, or through competition for future, similar contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Specific oversight mechanisms are not detailed in the provided data, but would typically include contract performance reviews, financial monitoring, and adherence to the terms of the Time and Materials contract. Transparency would be facilitated through NASA's contract reporting systems. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- NASA IV&V Program
- Systems and Software Engineering Tools (SET2)
- IT Infrastructure Support Contracts
- Test Systems Development
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials pricing structure requires vigilant oversight to control costs.
- Scope creep potential in IT development and maintenance contracts.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure support.
- Ensuring continued relevance of technology over the contract duration.
Tags
it-services, nasa, west-virginia, time-and-materials, full-and-open-competition, bpa-call, computer-related-services, infrastructure-support, test-systems, iv-and-v-program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $5.1 million to TMC TECHNOLOGIES OF WEST VIRGINIA CORP. SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TOOLS (SET2) TO 29 -THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACQUISITION, PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND MAINTENANCE OF TEST SYSTEMS AND SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT (JSTAR LABORATORY) FOR THE NASA IV&V PROGRAM.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TMC TECHNOLOGIES OF WEST VIRGINIA CORP.
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 $5.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-08-01. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the track record of TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp with NASA or similar government agencies?
Information regarding TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp'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 successes on previous government contracts. Understanding their experience with similar IT infrastructure and test system development projects would be crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this contract effectively. Further research into their contract awards and performance reviews would be necessary to establish a detailed track record.
How does the $5.08 million contract value compare to similar NASA IV&V Program support contracts?
The $5.08 million contract value for approximately 3 years of test systems and infrastructure support for the NASA IV&V Program needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts to assess its value. Without access to a database of comparable NASA IV&V contracts, it's difficult to provide a precise comparison. However, for specialized IT support and development services for a critical program like IV&V, this value appears to be within a plausible range. The Time and Materials (T&M) nature of the contract means the final cost could vary, making direct comparison challenging without understanding the scope of work and labor hours utilized.
What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for IT infrastructure support?
The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for IT infrastructure support is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual time and materials used. If not managed diligently with strict oversight, labor hour tracking, and defined ceilings, the total cost can exceed initial estimates. This can lead to a lack of cost certainty for the government and potentially less incentive for the contractor to be efficient. For this NASA contract, effective project management and continuous monitoring of labor hours and material costs are essential to mitigate these risks.
How does the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code (541519) typically encompass the services described?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services,' is a broad category that encompasses a wide range of computer services not classified under more specific codes. This includes services such as computer systems design consulting, computer disaster recovery services, computer facilities management, and IT support services. The description of the contract – 'acquisition, planning, development, and maintenance of test systems and supporting infrastructure' – fits well within this code, as it involves the management and support of IT systems and infrastructure, which are core to computer-related services.
What is the significance of the contract being a BPA Call (Blanket Purchase Agreement Call)?
A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a simplified way to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing 'charge accounts' with qualified contractors. A BPA Call is an individual order placed against an existing BPA. This indicates that NASA likely has a pre-established BPA with TMC Technologies of West Virginia Corp, and this award is a specific call-off against that agreement. BPA Calls are typically used for smaller, recurring needs and can streamline the procurement process, offering convenience and potentially better pricing through pre-negotiated terms.
What are the potential implications of the contract duration (1034 days) on NASA's long-term IT strategy?
A contract duration of 1034 days (approximately 2.8 years) suggests that NASA views the test systems and infrastructure support as a sustained need for the IV&V Program. This implies that these systems are integral to ongoing operations and development cycles. The duration allows for a stable relationship with the contractor, potentially leading to deeper institutional knowledge and more efficient service delivery over time. However, it also necessitates careful planning for contract renewal or transition to ensure continuity and alignment with evolving IT strategies and technological advancements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
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
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Contractor Details
Address: 2050 WINNERS DR, FAIRMONT, WV, 26554
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,680,627
Exercised Options: $5,680,627
Current Obligation: $5,077,000
Actual Outlays: $4,516,416
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80GSFC21A0004
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-08-01
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2026-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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