NASA awards $16.5M for propulsion R&D to Auburn University, citing sole-source justification
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,460,297 ($16.5M)
Contractor: Auburn University
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2019-03-26
End Date: 2025-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,288 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: RAPID ANALYSIS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROPULSION (RAMPT) PROJECT
Place of Performance
Location: AUBURN UNIVERSITY, LEE County, ALABAMA, 36849
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $16.5 million to AUBURN UNIVERSITY for work described as: RAPID ANALYSIS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROPULSION (RAMPT) PROJECT Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive price discovery. 2. Research and Development focus in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 3. Long contract duration of 2288 days suggests a significant project scope. 4. No small business set-aside noted, potentially impacting small business participation. 5. Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type indicates potential for cost overruns. 6. Project located in Alabama, potentially benefiting the local economy.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $16.5 million for R&D is difficult to benchmark without more specific details on the project's deliverables and scope. As a sole-source award, there is no direct comparison to other bids for this specific project. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, while common for R&D, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not managed tightly. Without further information on Auburn University's historical performance on similar NASA contracts or industry benchmarks for propulsion R&D, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. The justification for this approach is not detailed in the provided data. Sole-source awards can sometimes be appropriate for highly specialized research or when a single entity possesses unique capabilities. However, they limit the opportunity for competitive bidding, which typically drives down prices and fosters innovation through market forces.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price due to the lack of competition. The absence of a competitive process means there's less pressure on the contractor to optimize costs and efficiency.
Public Impact
Auburn University, as the contractor, will benefit from this funding for its research activities. The project aims to advance research and development in propulsion technologies. The geographic impact is primarily in Alabama, where Auburn University is located. The contract supports scientific and engineering workforce development at the university. Advancements in propulsion technology could have broader implications for aerospace and defense sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential for cost savings.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not carefully managed.
- Lack of small business participation noted, potentially missing opportunities for subcontracting.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential scope creep or changing research needs.
Positive Signals
- Award to a university suggests a focus on fundamental research and knowledge creation.
- NASA's investment in propulsion R&D is critical for future space exploration and technology.
- The project aligns with NASA's strategic goals in advanced technology development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. The market for propulsion technology R&D is highly specialized, involving a mix of academic institutions, government labs, and private aerospace companies. Spending in this area is driven by national priorities in space exploration, defense, and advanced transportation. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in NASA's broader R&D portfolio and defense research budgets, often involving multi-year, high-value awards for complex technological advancements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting goals for small businesses mentioned. This suggests that the primary focus was on the capabilities of Auburn University. While this may be appropriate given the specialized nature of the R&D, it means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors, are likely limited. This could represent a missed opportunity to foster small business innovation within the aerospace R&D ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under NASA's contracting and program management offices. As a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, regular financial reviews and progress reporting would be expected to ensure adherence to the fixed fee and manage costs. Transparency might be limited due to the sole-source nature and the proprietary aspects often associated with R&D. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Programs
- Aerospace Propulsion Technology Development
- University Research Grants
- Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure carries inherent cost overrun risk.
- Limited transparency on specific research objectives and deliverables.
- No explicit small business subcontracting requirements noted.
Tags
nasa, research-and-development, propulsion, auburn-university, alabama, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, definitive-contract, large-contract, university-research
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $16.5 million to AUBURN UNIVERSITY. RAPID ANALYSIS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROPULSION (RAMPT) PROJECT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AUBURN UNIVERSITY.
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 $16.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-03-26. End: 2025-06-30.
What specific propulsion technologies is Auburn University expected to research under this contract?
The provided data does not specify the exact propulsion technologies Auburn University is expected to research. The contract falls under the broad category of 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)' with a focus on 'RAPID ANALYSIS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROPULSION (RAMPT) PROJECT'. This suggests a focus on advanced propulsion systems, potentially including areas like novel engine designs, advanced materials for propulsion, or innovative manufacturing techniques for propulsion components. Further details would likely be found in the contract's statement of work or associated technical documentation, which are not included in the provided summary data.
What is the historical track record of Auburn University in securing and performing on NASA contracts, particularly in R&D?
Historical data on Auburn University's performance on NASA contracts is not provided in the summary. However, as a large research university, Auburn has a history of engaging in federally funded research, including grants and contracts from agencies like NASA. Its ability to secure this sole-source award suggests a pre-existing relationship or recognized expertise relevant to NASA's propulsion R&D needs. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing NASA's contract databases for past awards to Auburn, including performance ratings, any past performance issues, and the types of projects undertaken. Without this specific historical context, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record for this particular contract.
How does the $16.5 million contract value compare to typical NASA R&D investments in propulsion technology?
The $16.5 million contract value for propulsion R&D is a significant investment, but its comparability depends heavily on the specific scope and duration of the research. NASA's budget for R&D is substantial, with individual projects ranging from smaller grants to multi-billion dollar programs. Propulsion research is a critical area, often requiring long-term, substantial funding for fundamental breakthroughs and technology maturation. This $16.5 million award, spanning over six years, suggests a focused effort on a particular aspect of propulsion technology. To benchmark it accurately, one would need to compare it against other NASA contracts for similar R&D efforts in propulsion, considering factors like the technological maturity targeted, the number of research institutions involved, and the overall program objectives.
What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for R&D?
The primary risks associated with a sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract for R&D are twofold. Firstly, the sole-source nature eliminates the benefit of competition, meaning NASA may not achieve the lowest possible price or the most innovative solution that a competitive bidding process might yield. There's a reduced incentive for the contractor to aggressively control costs if the government agrees to cover all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Secondly, the CPFF structure itself carries inherent risk. While the fixed fee provides some cost certainty for the contractor, the government bears the risk of cost overruns. If the R&D proves more complex or expensive than initially estimated, the total contract cost to NASA could significantly exceed the initial projections. Effective oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks.
What are the potential long-term implications of this contract for advancements in propulsion technology?
This contract has the potential to significantly advance propulsion technology, depending on the specific research undertaken by Auburn University. Investments in R&D are crucial for developing next-generation capabilities that can enhance space exploration, enable faster and more efficient travel, and potentially lead to new commercial applications. If the RAMPT project yields breakthroughs in areas like fuel efficiency, thrust generation, or novel propulsion methods (e.g., electric, nuclear, or advanced chemical rockets), it could pave the way for future missions, reduce operational costs, and maintain U.S. leadership in aerospace innovation. The long duration suggests a commitment to exploring complex challenges, which is often necessary for fundamental advancements in a field as demanding as propulsion.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › ECONOMIC GROWTH/PRODUCTIVITY R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 80MSFC19R0002
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 107 SAMFORD HALL, AUBURN, AL, 36849
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public)
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,508,259
Exercised Options: $16,508,259
Current Obligation: $16,460,297
Actual Outlays: $16,338,590
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 27
Total Subaward Amount: $10,560,662
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-03-26
Current End Date: 2025-06-30
Potential End Date: 2025-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-11
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