NASA Awards $172.6M Contract for FOD Support to Barrios Technology, LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $172,582 ($172.6K)
Contractor: Barrios Technology, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2025-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $474/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: FOD SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $172,581.93 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: FOD SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Barrios Technology, LLC for FOD Support. 2. The contract falls under R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Full and open competition was used after excluding other sources. 4. The contract has a duration of 364 days. 5. The award is a Cost Plus Incentive Fee type.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $172.6M for a 364-day duration needs further benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The competition method was 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This suggests that while open competition was intended, specific sources were excluded, potentially limiting the competitive landscape and impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The impact on taxpayers is moderate, as the use of a limited competition method may not have secured the absolute lowest price achievable through unrestricted open competition.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development activities for NASA. Ensures operational safety and efficiency through FOD support. Potential for technological advancements stemming from the R&D focus. Contract duration of nearly a year indicates ongoing support needs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition method could impact cost-effectiveness.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure requires careful oversight to control spending.
- Small business participation is not indicated (sb: false).
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a specific company for specialized support.
- Contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing requirement.
- Focus on R&D aligns with NASA's mission.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but can be complex to benchmark due to the specialized nature of the work and varying contract types.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation (sb: false) was not a factor in this award. This suggests the prime contractor is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses may be limited to subcontracting roles.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract requires robust oversight from NASA to ensure that the contractor meets performance objectives while controlling costs effectively. Monitoring the incentive structure is key to accountability.
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 may reduce cost-effectiveness.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee requires diligent oversight.
- No explicit small business participation noted.
- Contract duration is relatively short (364 days), requiring potential follow-on actions.
- Specific R&D focus makes direct cost benchmarking challenging.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, delivery-order, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $172,581.93 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC. FOD 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 $172,581.93.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific R&D activities does FOD Support entail, and how does this contract contribute to NASA's broader research goals?
FOD Support likely refers to Foreign Object Debris mitigation and management, crucial for safety in aerospace R&D environments. This contract enables NASA to maintain secure and efficient research facilities, preventing costly damage and delays. It directly supports the agency's mission by ensuring the integrity of research operations and the safety of personnel and equipment during critical development phases.
How does the 'limited' competition, specifically 'after exclusion of sources,' affect the overall risk profile and potential for cost savings?
Excluding sources introduces a degree of risk by narrowing the competitive pool, potentially leading to higher prices than a truly open competition might yield. The risk is mitigated if the excluded sources were genuinely incapable or if the remaining competition was robust. Cost savings are less likely to be maximized compared to full and open competition, necessitating strong negotiation and oversight by the agency.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure effectiveness?
Key performance indicators would likely focus on the effectiveness of FOD detection and removal, response times to identified debris, and adherence to safety protocols. NASA would measure these through regular audits, incident reports, and performance reviews. The incentive fee structure would be tied to exceeding baseline performance targets, ensuring the contractor is motivated to deliver high-quality support and achieve mission-critical safety objectives.
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: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 13100 SPACE CENTER BLVD STE 650, 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: $1,294,319
Exercised Options: $190,085
Current Obligation: $172,582
Actual Outlays: $9,007
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80JSC025D0069
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2032-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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