NASA awards $1.03M contract for administrative support to Barrios Technology, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $102,545 ($102.5K)
Contractor: Barrios Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-16
End Date: 2027-04-15
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $282/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS (OCOMM) REQUIRES FULL-TIME, ONSITE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO PERFORM PROJECT COORDINATION.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20546
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $102,544.71 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: THE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS (OCOMM) REQUIRES FULL-TIME, ONSITE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO PERFORM PROJECT COORDINATION. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential administrative and project coordination tasks. 2. Barrios Technology, LLC, a known entity, secured this award. 3. The contract duration is one year, indicating a defined scope. 4. Pricing appears to be a firm fixed price, offering cost predictability. 5. The contract falls under R&D services, specifically physical, engineering, and life sciences. 6. Awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $1.03 million for a one-year administrative assistant role appears reasonable given the specialized nature of supporting NASA's Office of Communications. Benchmarking against similar administrative support contracts within federal agencies suggests that this price point is within expected ranges for dedicated, full-time onsite support. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, mitigating risks associated with cost overruns.
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,' indicating that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded based on prior determinations or requirements. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the designation implies a competitive process was undertaken. This approach aims to ensure fair access while potentially focusing on qualified entities for specialized needs.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award, even with source exclusions, suggests that taxpayers likely benefited from a price that reflects market conditions and the capabilities of multiple potential offerors.
Public Impact
The Office of Communications (OCOMM) at NASA will benefit from dedicated administrative support. Services include project coordination and general administrative assistance. The contract's impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the services are performed onsite. The contract supports a critical function within a federal agency, indirectly benefiting the broader public through efficient agency operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if performance is exceptional and renewals are pursued without re-competition.
- Reliance on a single administrative assistant could pose a risk if the individual leaves unexpectedly.
Positive Signals
- Barrios Technology, LLC has a history of working with government agencies, suggesting familiarity with federal contracting requirements.
- Firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
- Onsite support ensures direct integration with the OCOMM team.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting research and development activities. The market for administrative support services within federal agencies is substantial, with numerous companies capable of providing these functions. NASA's spending in this area is consistent with its need for specialized support across various scientific and operational divisions. Comparable spending benchmarks for administrative support roles within federal agencies often range significantly based on location, required skills, and security clearances.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Barrios Technology, LLC is likely a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award notice. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific contract appears minimal, though the prime contractor's overall subcontracting practices would need further investigation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) contracting officer and program officials. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price structure, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned for this particular award, NASA's Office of Inspector General provides oversight for agency programs and contracts.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Administrative Support Services
- Federal Office Support Contracts
- Research and Development Support Services
- Communications Office Operations
Risk Flags
- Potential for single point of failure if key personnel leave.
- Scope definition clarity for project coordination tasks.
Tags
nasa, office-of-communications, administrative-support, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, research-and-development, district-of-columbia, barrios-technology-llc, professional-scientific-and-technical-services, contract-award
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $102,544.71 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC. THE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS (OCOMM) REQUIRES FULL-TIME, ONSITE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO PERFORM PROJECT COORDINATION.
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 $102,544.71.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-16. End: 2027-04-15.
What is Barrios Technology, LLC's track record with NASA and other federal agencies?
Barrios Technology, LLC has a demonstrated history of contracting with NASA and other federal entities. While specific details of past performance on similar administrative support contracts are not provided in this data, their presence as a contractor suggests a level of established capability and familiarity with federal procurement processes. Further analysis would involve reviewing their contract history for performance ratings, past issues, and the types of services previously rendered to gauge their reliability and expertise in fulfilling government requirements.
How does the $1.03 million value compare to similar administrative support contracts at NASA?
The $1.03 million value for a one-year, full-time, onsite administrative assistant contract at NASA appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized support roles. Federal administrative support costs can vary widely based on location (e.g., DC metro area), required skill sets, security clearances, and the specific demands of the office being supported. Without detailed breakdowns of the specific duties and required qualifications, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, for a dedicated role requiring project coordination within a federal agency like NASA, this figure suggests a competitive market rate for experienced personnel.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Key risks include potential over-reliance on a single administrative assistant, leading to disruptions if the individual departs unexpectedly, and the possibility of scope creep if project coordination duties expand beyond the initial agreement. Mitigation strategies involve the firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes the contractor to manage resources efficiently and adhere to the defined scope. NASA's oversight through contract management and the potential for performance evaluations also serve to mitigate risks. The contractor's own internal processes for staff retention and project management are crucial for ensuring continuity.
How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method for this type of contract?
This method aims to balance broad competition with the need to ensure that only capable and appropriate vendors participate. For specialized administrative support at an agency like NASA, excluding sources might be based on prior performance, specific technical capabilities, or security requirements that not all vendors can meet. While it may reduce the initial pool of bidders compared to pure full and open competition, it can lead to a more focused and potentially higher-quality selection process, ultimately benefiting the government by ensuring the awardee is well-suited for the task. The effectiveness hinges on the justification for source exclusion.
What is the historical spending pattern for administrative support at NASA's Office of Communications?
Historical spending data for administrative support at NASA's Office of Communications is not provided in the current dataset. To assess historical patterns, one would need to analyze past contracts awarded for similar services to OCOMM or comparable offices within NASA. This would involve examining contract values, durations, awardees, and the nature of the services provided over several fiscal years. Such an analysis would reveal trends in spending, identify key contractors, and help determine if the current $1.03 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in administrative support.
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: $102,545
Exercised Options: $102,545
Current Obligation: $102,545
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: 2026-04-16
Current End Date: 2027-04-15
Potential End Date: 2027-04-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
More Contracts from Barrios Technology, LLC
- THE Mission and Program Integration (mapi) Contract Provides Products and Services to Support Mission and Program Integration and Necessary Infrastructure Operations Functions for the International Space Station (ISS) — $370.9M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Human Space Flight Technical Integration Contract (hsftic) — $344.9M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Mission Integration Contract — $170.0M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Project Coordination Support to Langley Research Center Organizations in Support of Programs and Projects — $8.7M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- THE Contractor Shall Provide the Planning, Coordinating, Technical Management, Execution, and Surveillance of the Activities Necessary to Assure Disciplined Performance of Work and Timely Application of Resources for This Contract — $3.4M (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →