NASA Awards $178K for Astrophysics Admin Support to Barrios Technology, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $178,112 ($178.1K)
Contractor: Barrios Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-04-16
End Date: 2026-04-15
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $489/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SMD ASTROPHYSICS ADMIN SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20546
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $178,111.84 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: SMD ASTROPHYSICS ADMIN SUPPORT Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated on administrative support within the R&D sector. 2. Barrios Technology, LLC is the sole awardee for this contract. 3. The contract duration is one year, ending April 15, 2026. 4. This award falls under the R&D in Physical Sciences NAICS code.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $178,111.84 for a one-year period appears reasonable for specialized administrative support in a technical field. Benchmarking against similar contracts for astrophysics administration support would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may not yield the most competitive pricing compared to broad full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is relatively small given the contract's modest value, but the limited competition could mean slightly higher costs than a fully open process.
Public Impact
Supports critical astrophysics research administration for NASA. Ensures continuity of essential support services for scientific endeavors. Potential for specialized expertise in managing complex research projects.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may not ensure best value.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Specific administrative support for a key scientific agency.
- Clear contract end date and defined scope.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS 541715. Spending in this sector is often characterized by specialized services and long-term investments in innovation. The value is relatively low for this sector.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). There is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals or participation in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to federal oversight. The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure justification and adherence to regulations for limited competition.
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
- Limited competition raises value concerns.
- No small business participation identified.
- Justification for source exclusion requires review.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, dc, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $178,111.84 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC. SMD ASTROPHYSICS ADMIN SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, 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 $178,111.84.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-04-16. End: 2026-04-15.
What is the justification for excluding other sources in this full and open competition?
The justification for excluding other sources in a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award needs to be clearly documented by the agency. Typically, this involves demonstrating that only specific sources meet unique requirements, or that a prior contract established a basis for limited competition. Without this documentation, it raises questions about whether the most competitive pricing and innovative solutions were secured for the taxpayer.
How does Barrios Technology's pricing compare to industry benchmarks for similar astrophysics administrative support?
A thorough comparison of Barrios Technology's pricing against industry benchmarks for similar astrophysics administrative support contracts is crucial for assessing value. Factors like the specific skill sets required, the complexity of the research environment, and the level of support provided should be considered. If their rates are significantly higher than comparable contracts, it could indicate a lack of competitive pressure or an overestimation of the required resources.
What is the long-term impact of relying on a single vendor for this type of specialized administrative support?
Relying on a single vendor for specialized administrative support can create dependency and potentially limit future flexibility. While it can ensure continuity and deep institutional knowledge, it also reduces opportunities for competitive innovation and cost savings through vendor diversification. NASA should periodically reassess the need for this specific support structure and explore options for broader competition or knowledge transfer to mitigate long-term risks.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 13100 SPACE CENTER BLVD, HOUSTON, TX, 77059
Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $178,112
Exercised Options: $178,112
Current Obligation: $178,112
Actual Outlays: $125,046
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80MSFC21D0009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-04-16
Current End Date: 2026-04-15
Potential End Date: 2026-04-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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