NASA Awards $231,696 for STEM Engagement Admin Support to Barrios Technology, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $231,696 ($231.7K)
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: $637/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT 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 $231,696.49 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT NEEDS ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Barrios Technology, LLC for administrative support. 2. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a specific justification. 4. The total value is $231,696.49 for a 364-day period. 5. This contract is for administrative support, not direct research.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $231,696.49 for one year of administrative support appears reasonable for specialized R&D support services. Benchmarking against similar administrative support contracts within NASA or other federal agencies would provide a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This suggests that while competition was sought, specific sources were excluded, potentially limiting the breadth of competition and impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for administrative support services, which are necessary for program operations but do not directly contribute to scientific advancement.
Public Impact
Ensures smooth operations for NASA's Office of STEM Engagement. Supports the agency's outreach and educational initiatives. Provides essential administrative functions for a critical program area.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition justification needs scrutiny.
- Potential for higher costs due to source exclusion.
Positive Signals
- Supports vital STEM engagement efforts.
- Contract duration aligns with support needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically NAICS code 541715. Spending in this category often involves specialized expertise and can vary significantly based on project scope and duration. The value here is modest for R&D support.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Barrios Technology, LLC, which is not indicated as a small business in the provided data. There is no explicit small business set-aside or subcontracting plan mentioned.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants careful review to ensure fairness and adherence to procurement 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
- Limited competition justification.
- Potential for price inflation.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
- Administrative support, not direct R&D.
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 $231,696.49 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC. OFFICE OF STEM ENGAGEMENT 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 $231,696.49.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-16. End: 2027-04-15.
What was the specific justification for excluding sources in this full and open competition?
The justification for excluding sources under a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award is typically documented in the contract file. Common reasons include specific technical requirements, prior performance, or unique capabilities that only a limited number of vendors possess. A thorough review of the contract's Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) or equivalent documentation is necessary to understand the rationale and assess its validity.
What is the risk of inflated pricing due to the limited competition method?
There is a moderate risk of inflated pricing when competition is limited, even if initially advertised as 'full and open.' Excluding specific sources, even with justification, can reduce the number of bidders, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing. The government's negotiation strategy and the presence of adequate price competition among the remaining eligible bidders are crucial mitigating factors.
How effectively does this administrative support contribute to NASA's STEM engagement goals?
The effectiveness of this administrative support hinges on the quality and efficiency of the services provided by Barrios Technology, LLC. Well-executed administrative functions are crucial for the seamless operation of STEM engagement programs, enabling program managers to focus on outreach and educational activities. Performance metrics and regular evaluations will be key to assessing the actual contribution to NASA's goals.
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: $463,393
Exercised Options: $463,393
Current Obligation: $231,696
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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