NASA awards $8.69M R&D contract to Media Fusion, LLC for materials, equipment, and supplies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,686,204 ($8.7M)
Contractor: Media Fusion, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-10-23
End Date: 2025-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,803 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TASK ORDER 80MSFC21F0012 AWARDED AGAINST SRACES CONTRACT 80MSFC21D0011
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35816
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $8.7 million to MEDIA FUSION, LLC for work described as: MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TASK ORDER 80MSFC21F0012 AWARDED AGAINST SRACES CONTRACT 80MSFC21D0011 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. The contract has a duration of 1803 days, spanning from late 2020 to late 2025. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating a set cost for the services. 4. This is a delivery order against a larger SRACES contract. 5. The contract is not set aside for small businesses. 6. The primary place of performance is Alabama.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $8.69 million over approximately five years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific deliverables or comparable contracts for similar R&D services, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, but the overall value depends heavily on the successful execution of the research and development objectives. Benchmarking against similar R&D contracts within NASA or other agencies would be necessary for a more robust evaluation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded, suggesting a potentially limited pool of bidders. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed, which makes it difficult to fully assess the impact on competition. A more open competition typically leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in less aggressive pricing than a fully open solicitation, potentially costing taxpayers more than if a wider range of vendors had been able to bid.
Public Impact
The contract supports research and development activities within NASA, potentially leading to advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The primary beneficiary is NASA, which will receive materials, equipment, and supplies for its R&D initiatives. The place of performance is Alabama, suggesting potential economic benefits and workforce implications within that state. The specific scientific or technological advancements resulting from this contract are not detailed, making it hard to quantify broader public impact beyond supporting federal R&D goals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition could lead to higher prices.
- Lack of detail on specific R&D outcomes makes assessing true value difficult.
- The exclusion of sources in the competition process warrants further investigation.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Contract supports critical R&D functions for NASA.
- Performance is located within the United States (Alabama).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. This is a broad category encompassing a wide range of scientific inquiry. The market for R&D services is competitive, with many firms specializing in various scientific disciplines. NASA is a significant investor in R&D, and contracts like this are crucial for advancing its mission. Benchmarking R&D spending can be complex due to the specialized nature of the work, but annual federal R&D obligations are in the hundreds of billions.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, it does not directly contribute to the small business contracting goals. The award to a single entity, Media Fusion, LLC, means that opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors on this specific award are not explicitly mandated.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a delivery order against a larger contract (SRACES), the underlying contract likely has established oversight mechanisms. Transparency regarding the specific R&D deliverables and progress would depend on NASA's reporting requirements and public disclosure policies. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- SRACES Contract Vehicle
- Materials and Supplies Procurement
- Scientific Research Services
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may impact price.
- Scope of R&D activities not fully detailed.
- Contractor performance history not provided.
Tags
research-and-development, nasa, alabama, delivery-order, firm-fixed-price, limited-competition, materials-equipment-supplies, physical-sciences, engineering, life-sciences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $8.7 million to MEDIA FUSION, LLC. MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TASK ORDER 80MSFC21F0012 AWARDED AGAINST SRACES CONTRACT 80MSFC21D0011
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MEDIA FUSION, 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 $8.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-10-23. End: 2025-09-30.
What specific research and development activities will Media Fusion, LLC undertake under this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES TASK ORDER' related to 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).' However, the specific nature of the R&D activities, the types of materials and equipment to be procured, or the scientific objectives are not detailed in the summary data. Further investigation into the task order details or associated documentation would be required to understand the precise scope of work, such as whether it involves basic research, applied research, experimental development, or the procurement of specialized scientific instruments and consumables for NASA's internal R&D projects.
How does the $8.69 million contract value compare to similar R&D contracts awarded by NASA or other federal agencies?
Benchmarking this $8.69 million contract requires comparing it to similar R&D procurements. NASA's total R&D obligations typically run into the billions annually, making this a relatively small portion of their overall R&D spending. However, for specific task orders or contracts focused on materials, equipment, and supplies for R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, this value could be considered moderate. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze contracts with similar scope, duration (1803 days), and service type (R&D support) awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense, NSF, or NIH. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent, fair, or questionable value.
What are the potential risks associated with this contract, given the 'limited competition' award basis?
The primary risk associated with a 'limited competition' award, specifically 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' is the potential for reduced price competition. When fewer vendors are allowed to bid, the government may not achieve the most favorable pricing. This could lead to higher costs for taxpayers. Additionally, the exclusion of certain sources might indicate a lack of market research or potential barriers to entry for qualified vendors. There's also a risk that the government may not have accessed the most innovative solutions available in the market if a broader range of companies were not considered. The specific reasons for excluding sources would need to be understood to fully assess the associated risks.
What is the track record of Media Fusion, LLC in performing federal R&D contracts?
Information regarding the specific track record of Media Fusion, LLC in performing federal R&D contracts is not detailed in the provided summary data. To assess their performance history, one would need to examine past federal contract awards to this company, including contract values, performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports), and any history of contract modifications, disputes, or terminations. Understanding their experience in the specific scientific domains covered by this NASA contract (physical, engineering, and life sciences) would be crucial. A positive track record with successful delivery on similar R&D support contracts would increase confidence in their ability to execute this current award effectively.
How does this contract align with NASA's broader strategic goals in research and development?
This contract, focused on 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences,' directly aligns with NASA's core mission, which heavily relies on scientific and technological advancement. NASA's strategic goals often include pushing the boundaries of space exploration, aeronautics, and Earth science, all of which require robust R&D capabilities. The procurement of materials, equipment, and supplies supports the infrastructure necessary for conducting experiments, developing new technologies, and analyzing data. While the specific R&D outcomes are not detailed, the contract's existence suggests it contributes to NASA's ongoing efforts in innovation and discovery within these critical scientific fields.
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 › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4951 CENTURY ST NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35816
Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,632,093
Exercised Options: $9,632,093
Current Obligation: $8,686,204
Actual Outlays: $8,397,247
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 80MSFC21D0011
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-10-23
Current End Date: 2025-09-30
Potential End Date: 2025-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-17
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