NASA's SOMD awards $382K contract for administrative support to Barrios Technology, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $382,733 ($382.7K)
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: $1.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPACE OPERATIONS MISSION DIRECTORATE (SOMD) NEEDS ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20546
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $382,732.76 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: SPACE OPERATIONS MISSION DIRECTORATE (SOMD) NEEDS ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. Key points: 1. Barrios Technology, LLC, a private company, secured the contract. 2. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. The award method was 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources', indicating a competitive process. 4. The contract value is relatively small, suggesting a focused scope of administrative support.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $382,732.76 for a 364-day period appears reasonable for specialized administrative support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for R&D administrative support would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources'. This method suggests that while competition was sought, specific sources may have been excluded, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The relatively low contract value of $382,732.76 suggests a minimal direct impact on taxpayers, primarily covering essential administrative functions.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational efficiency for NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate. Supports critical administrative functions necessary for mission success. Provides employment opportunities within the administrative support sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to exclusion of sources.
- Risk of administrative support costs exceeding benchmarks if not closely monitored.
Positive Signals
- Contract awarded through a competitive process.
- Clear definition of administrative support services required.
- Fixed-price contract type helps control costs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for administrative support. Spending in this area is crucial for enabling scientific and engineering endeavors, but benchmarks can vary widely based on the specific research focus and support needs.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that Barrios Technology, LLC, is not a small business. Therefore, this specific contract does not appear to directly benefit small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to oversight by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Inspector General. The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' method warrants scrutiny to ensure fairness and adherence to regulations.
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
- Potential for limited competition due to exclusion of sources.
- Need for clear performance metrics to ensure value for money.
- Reliance on a single contractor for essential administrative functions.
- Administrative support costs could escalate if not managed effectively.
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 $382,732.76 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC. SPACE OPERATIONS MISSION DIRECTORATE (SOMD) NEEDS ADMINISTRATIVE 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 $382,732.76.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-16. End: 2027-04-15.
What specific administrative functions are included in this contract, and how do they align with the SOMD's core mission objectives?
The contract specifies administrative support for the Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD). While the exact functions are not detailed here, they likely encompass tasks such as scheduling, record-keeping, travel arrangements, and general office management. These functions are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the directorate, allowing personnel to focus on core mission objectives related to space exploration and operations.
What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in the 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' award method?
The exclusion of sources in a 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' award typically occurs when specific capabilities or past performance are required that only a limited number of contractors possess. For this administrative support contract, reasons could include specialized knowledge of NASA's internal systems, security clearances, or a proven track record with similar complex organizations. A thorough justification would be required to ensure this exclusion did not unduly limit competition.
How does the pricing structure for this administrative support contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar services within the federal government?
Without specific details on the labor categories and rates within the $382,732.76 firm-fixed-price contract, a direct comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging. However, for administrative support services, federal agencies often utilize established wage determinations and market research to ensure fair and reasonable pricing. The fixed-price nature suggests that Barrios Technology, LLC, has assumed the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator if the price is competitive.
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: $464,589
Exercised Options: $464,589
Current Obligation: $382,733
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: 2026-04-09
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