NASA awards $7.04M contract for scientific and technical capabilities assessment at Goddard Space Flight Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $703,825 ($703.8K)
Contractor: National Academy of Sciences
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 333 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: ASSESSMENT OF TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC CAPABILITIES AT NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20418
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $703,825 to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: ASSESSMENT OF TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC CAPABILITIES AT NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER Key points: 1. Contract awarded to National Academy of Sciences for specialized technical and scientific assessment. 2. Focus on evaluating capabilities at a key NASA research facility. 3. Contract duration spans nearly one year, indicating a focused scope. 4. Awarded as a 'Not Competed' action, raising questions about competition. 5. The contract type is 'Cost No Fee', suggesting a focus on effort rather than profit. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $7.04 million for a nearly year-long assessment of technical and scientific capabilities appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. However, without comparable contracts for similar broad assessments of NASA centers, a definitive value-for-money judgment is difficult. The 'Cost No Fee' contract type implies that the contractor will be reimbursed for allowable costs, with no additional fee, which can sometimes indicate a lower profit margin but also a focus on achieving specific objectives rather than maximizing profit. Benchmarking this against other large-scale scientific advisory contracts is challenging due to the unique scope.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded using a 'Not Competed' procedure, indicating a sole-source or limited competition procurement. The National Academy of Sciences is a unique entity often relied upon for independent scientific advice and assessments. While this may be justified by the specific expertise and independence required, it limits the opportunity for other organizations to bid and potentially offer alternative approaches or pricing. The lack of open competition means that price discovery through market forces was not fully utilized.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not benefit from the most competitive pricing due to the absence of a broad bidding process. The government relies on the unique qualifications of the selected contractor, assuming fair pricing is negotiated.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are NASA and its Goddard Space Flight Center, which will receive an independent assessment of its technical and scientific capabilities. The services delivered will involve expert evaluation, analysis, and reporting on the center's strengths, weaknesses, and future needs. The geographic impact is focused on the District of Columbia, where the National Academy of Sciences is headquartered, and indirectly on NASA's operations. The contract supports the scientific and research workforce by ensuring that critical facilities are operating at optimal levels and are equipped for future challenges.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition limits potential cost savings for taxpayers.
- Sole-source award requires strong justification for necessity and lack of alternatives.
- Cost-reimbursement structure without fee needs careful monitoring to ensure efficient use of funds.
Positive Signals
- Leverages the unique expertise and independence of the National Academy of Sciences for critical assessments.
- Focus on technical and scientific capabilities ensures alignment with NASA's mission objectives.
- Contract duration allows for a thorough and comprehensive evaluation.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services). This sector is characterized by firms providing specialized expertise and analytical services. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center is a hub for space research and development, requiring continuous assessment of its scientific and technical infrastructure. Comparable spending in this sector often involves large-scale research, engineering support, and scientific consulting for government agencies, with values varying widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. Given the nature of the work and the sole-source award to the National Academy of Sciences, it is unlikely that subcontracting opportunities for small businesses will be a significant component. The focus is on specialized scientific expertise rather than broad service delivery where small businesses typically play a larger role.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this 'Cost No Fee' contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and technical representatives within NASA. The National Academy of Sciences, as a quasi-governmental entity, has its own internal review processes. Transparency may be limited due to the sole-source nature, but NASA's Inspector General could potentially review the contract if specific concerns arise regarding the use of funds or the effectiveness of the assessment.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Operations Support
- Scientific Advisory Services
- Technical Capability Assessments
- Federal Research and Development Funding
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Cost-reimbursement contract type
Tags
nasa, goddard-space-flight-center, scientific-services, technical-services, assessment, sole-source, cost-no-fee, national-academy-of-sciences, district-of-columbia, research-and-development, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $703,825 to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. ASSESSMENT OF TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC CAPABILITIES AT NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
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 $703,825.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-02-28.
What is the track record of the National Academy of Sciences in performing similar technical and scientific capability assessments for federal agencies?
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has a long-standing reputation and extensive track record of providing independent, objective scientific and technical advice to the U.S. government. They are frequently called upon to conduct studies, assessments, and reviews across a vast array of scientific disciplines and technological areas for various federal agencies, including NASA. Their work often involves convening expert committees to analyze complex issues, evaluate research programs, assess technological readiness, and provide recommendations for future directions. For NASA specifically, the NAS has historically played a crucial role in reviewing mission concepts, evaluating scientific instruments, and assessing the overall health and direction of NASA's research and development efforts. This specific contract for Goddard Space Flight Center aligns well with their core mission and established capabilities.
How does the 'Cost No Fee' contract type impact the value proposition for NASA compared to other contract types?
The 'Cost No Fee' (CNF) contract type is a variation of a cost-reimbursement contract where the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs incurred in performing the contract, but receives no fee or profit. This type of contract is typically used when the level of risk is considered low, or when the contractor is a non-profit organization or a government-affiliated entity where profit is not an objective, such as the National Academy of Sciences. For NASA, the primary value proposition of a CNF contract is the potential for lower overall cost, as the contractor's profit motive is removed. However, it shifts the focus from incentivizing performance and efficiency through profit to ensuring that the contractor diligently performs the required effort and manages costs responsibly. Oversight is crucial to ensure that costs are reasonable and allowable, and that the objectives are met without the profit incentive driving additional effort or innovation.
What are the potential risks associated with awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The primary risk associated with a sole-source award is the potential lack of competitive pressure, which can lead to suboptimal pricing and reduced innovation. Without competing the requirement, NASA foregoes the opportunity to explore alternative solutions or potentially lower costs that other qualified organizations might offer. There's also a risk that the government may not fully understand the market's capabilities or pricing structures. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes face public scrutiny or perceptions of favoritism, even when justified by unique capabilities. To mitigate these risks, the agency must have a robust justification for the sole-source determination, demonstrating that only one source is capable of meeting the requirement, and that the negotiated price is fair and reasonable based on available data and market research.
What are the historical spending patterns for similar technical and scientific capability assessments at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center?
Analyzing historical spending for 'technical and scientific capability assessments' at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) requires careful definition of the scope. GSFC engages in extensive research and development, often involving internal assessments and external advisory services. While specific contracts labeled precisely as 'capability assessments' might be infrequent, NASA frequently procures services for program reviews, technical evaluations, independent verification and validation, and scientific advisory support. These contracts can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, duration, and the entities involved (e.g., research institutions, specialized engineering firms). Historically, NASA has utilized both competitive and sole-source mechanisms for such services, often relying on established research institutions and aerospace contractors. Without access to detailed procurement databases filtered specifically for GSFC and this precise service description, providing exact historical spending figures is challenging, but the $7.04M award appears to be within the upper range for significant, focused assessments.
How does the National Academy of Sciences' organizational structure and mission align with the objectives of assessing NASA's technical and scientific capabilities?
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is chartered by Congress to provide independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. Its mission is inherently aligned with assessing and advising on the state of scientific and technical capabilities. The NAS operates through a series of academies (National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Medicine) and the National Research Council, which convene experts from academia, industry, and government to conduct studies. This structure allows them to assemble committees with highly specialized knowledge relevant to specific scientific fields and technological domains. For a facility like NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, which is involved in a broad spectrum of space science and engineering, the NAS's ability to draw upon a diverse pool of leading experts ensures a comprehensive and credible assessment of its capabilities, fostering trust and providing actionable insights for NASA's strategic planning and operational improvements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80HQTR26FA037
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20418
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $703,825
Exercised Options: $703,825
Current Obligation: $703,825
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80HQTR22DA003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2027-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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