NASA's $204M LASSO Contract Awarded to Amentum Services Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $204,060,048 ($204.1M)
Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2017-08-01
End Date: 2023-08-18
Contract Duration: 2,208 days
Daily Burn Rate: $92.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES AND OPERATIONS (LASSO)
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32899
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $204.1 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES AND OPERATIONS (LASSO) Key points: 1. The contract, valued at over $204 million, supports laboratory services and operations. 2. Amentum Services Inc. is the sole awardee, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is substantial, spanning over 2200 days, suggesting long-term needs. 4. The sector involves testing laboratories and services, a critical area for NASA's research and development.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $204M over approximately 6 years suggests a significant investment. Benchmarking against similar large-scale laboratory support contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the duration and scope indicate a substantial, potentially fair, price for the services rendered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The presence of multiple bidders, though not explicitly stated, is implied by this award type.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to maximize taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and higher quality services.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA research and development activities. Ensures continuity of essential laboratory operations. Potential for technological advancements stemming from supported research. Impacts scientific community through research infrastructure. Job creation within the scientific and technical support sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 92 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is extensive, requiring ongoing monitoring.
- Cost-plus contract type can incentivize higher spending if not managed closely.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical NASA mission objectives.
- Experienced contractor likely to deliver reliable services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' sector, a vital component of scientific research and development. Spending in this area is often substantial for agencies like NASA, supporting complex experimental and analytical needs.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. The large value and nature of the services suggest it may be primarily awarded to larger, established firms.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve NASA's contracting officers and potentially an Inspector General to ensure performance, cost control, and adherence to contract terms. Regular reporting and performance reviews are standard oversight mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- Testing Laboratories and Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed stringently.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight and performance management.
- Lack of specific small business participation noted.
- Potential for scope creep over the contract's extended period.
Tags
testing-laboratories-and-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, fl, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $204.1 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF LABORATORY SUPPORT SERVICES AND OPERATIONS (LASSO)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, INC..
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 $204.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-08-01. End: 2023-08-18.
What specific laboratory services are included under the LASSO contract, and how do they align with NASA's current and future mission priorities?
The LASSO contract encompasses a broad range of laboratory support services and operations essential for NASA's scientific research and development. This includes maintaining laboratory facilities, providing specialized equipment, conducting tests and analyses, and supporting various research projects. The specific services are tailored to align with NASA's ongoing and future mission objectives, such as space exploration, aeronautics research, and Earth science initiatives, ensuring that the laboratory infrastructure effectively supports the agency's strategic goals.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns, ensuring taxpayer value?
The CPFF structure, while allowing for flexibility, necessitates robust oversight to manage costs. NASA employs several mechanisms, including detailed cost reporting requirements, regular audits, and performance-based milestones. Contracting officers closely monitor expenditures against the fixed fee and established cost ceilings. Any deviations or potential overruns are subject to rigorous review and justification, with penalties or adjustments potentially applied if contractor performance or cost management is deemed inadequate, thereby safeguarding taxpayer interests.
How does the performance of Amentum Services, Inc. on this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar laboratory support services, particularly regarding efficiency and innovation?
Assessing Amentum's performance against industry benchmarks requires access to detailed performance metrics and cost data, which are not publicly available. However, the contract's continuation under full and open competition suggests satisfactory performance to date. Benchmarking would typically involve comparing key performance indicators such as turnaround times for tests, equipment uptime, cost efficiency per service unit, and successful implementation of innovative solutions or process improvements against industry standards and competitor performance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: NNK17600289R
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC
Address: 20501 SENECA MEADOWS PKWY STE 300, GERMANTOWN, MD, 20876
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $235,083,890
Exercised Options: $235,083,890
Current Obligation: $204,060,048
Actual Outlays: $154,406,752
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 198
Total Subaward Amount: $47,867,406
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-08-01
Current End Date: 2023-08-18
Potential End Date: 2023-08-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-23
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