NASA Awards $193.5M R&D Contract to Barrios Technology for Softgoods Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $193,539 ($193.5K)
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: $532/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SOFTGOODS
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $193,539 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: SOFTGOODS Key points: 1. Barrios Technology, a Texas-based firm, secured a significant R&D contract. 2. The contract focuses on Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Full and open competition was conducted after excluding other sources. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, indicating performance-based incentives. 5. The award value is $193.5 million over a 364-day period.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure suggests a focus on achieving specific performance targets. Without detailed cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar R&D in softgoods, a precise pricing assessment is difficult, but the incentive mechanism aims for value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The competition method was 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' implying that while open, specific sources were initially excluded. This could limit the breadth of competition and potentially impact price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The contract's value of $193.5 million represents a significant taxpayer investment in specialized R&D. The effectiveness of this spending will depend on the successful development of softgoods technology.
Public Impact
Advancement in softgoods technology could have applications in aerospace, defense, and consumer products. Investment in R&D supports innovation and technological progress within the United States. The contract's duration and value suggest a substantial project with potential for long-term impact. NASA's continued investment in research signals commitment to scientific and engineering breakthroughs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure requires careful monitoring for cost overruns.
- Lack of specific R&D benchmarks makes value assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Significant investment in critical R&D area.
- Potential for technological innovation and spin-off applications.
- Contract awarded to a US-based small business.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research area and project scope.
Small Business Impact
Barrios Technology, LLC is identified as a small business. Awarding contracts to small businesses is a key government objective, fostering innovation and economic growth within this segment of the economy.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are subject to oversight from agencies like the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and internal audit functions. The Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight to ensure performance and cost control.
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 due to source exclusion.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee contracts can be complex to manage and may lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- The R&D nature of the contract introduces inherent uncertainty in outcomes and timelines.
- Dependence on a single small business for critical R&D could pose a supply chain risk.
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 $193,539 to BARRIOS TECHNOLOGY, LLC. SOFTGOODS
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 $193,539.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific softgoods technologies are being researched, and what are the expected deliverables?
The data provided does not specify the exact softgoods technologies under research or the precise deliverables. Further details would be needed to assess the specific scientific and commercial value. However, R&D in this area typically aims to develop advanced materials or designs with improved properties like flexibility, durability, or specialized functionality for applications in aerospace or other demanding environments.
How does the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process impact the overall risk of suboptimal pricing or innovation?
Excluding sources, even in a full and open competition context, inherently limits the pool of potential bidders. This can reduce competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher prices than might be achieved with broader competition. It also carries a risk of excluding innovative solutions from excluded entities, thereby limiting the overall innovation potential of the contract.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to the incentive fee, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure effectiveness?
The specific KPIs for the Cost Plus Incentive Fee are not detailed in the provided data. NASA will establish these metrics, likely focusing on technical milestones, performance targets, and delivery schedules related to softgoods development. Effective measurement requires clear, objective, and verifiable KPIs, along with a robust system for tracking progress and validating results against these metrics.
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: $2,543,014
Exercised Options: $373,379
Current Obligation: $193,539
Actual Outlays: $21,620
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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