NASA Awards $50.5K for History Symposium Hosting to National Academy of Sciences
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $50,500 ($50.5K)
Contractor: National Academy of Sciences
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2023-11-20
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,045 days
Daily Burn Rate: $48/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: HOSTING NASA HISTORY SYMPOSIUM AT NAS
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20418
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $50,500 to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: HOSTING NASA HISTORY SYMPOSIUM AT NAS Key points: 1. The contract value is $50.5K, awarded to a well-established organization. 2. Lack of competition raises questions about potential overpayment and missed opportunities. 3. The duration of the award (nearly 3 years) seems long for a symposium. 4. Spending is within the 'Professional Organizations' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $50.5K for hosting a symposium is difficult to benchmark without more details on the scope and services provided. However, the lack of competition suggests potential for a higher price than if multiple bids were considered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and was awarded via a Purchase Order. The 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation implies a limited competition approach, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The taxpayer impact is likely negative due to the potential for a non-competitive award to result in a higher price than a fully competed contract.
Public Impact
Public funds are being used to support a historical symposium. The National Academy of Sciences, a reputable institution, will receive the funds. Transparency in the procurement process could be improved to ensure best value for taxpayers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Long contract duration for a symposium
- Lack of detailed scope for price benchmarking
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable organization
- Supports historical preservation and dissemination
Sector Analysis
This award falls within the professional services sector, specifically supporting organizational events. Benchmarks for similar symposium hosting contracts are not readily available, but typically involve venue, catering, and logistical support.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to a small business. The National Academy of Sciences is a large, established institution, indicating no direct benefit to small businesses in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a Purchase Order, which generally has less stringent oversight than larger contract vehicles. Further review of the justification for limited competition would be beneficial.
Related Government Programs
- Professional Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition.
- Unclear justification for limited competition.
- Extended contract duration for a single event.
- Lack of detailed scope for value assessment.
Tags
professional-organizations, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, dc, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $50,500 to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. HOSTING NASA HISTORY SYMPOSIUM AT NAS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.
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 $50,500.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-11-20. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific services are included in the $50.5K award for hosting the symposium?
The provided data does not detail the specific services included in the $50.5K award. Typically, symposium hosting involves venue rental, catering, audiovisual equipment, speaker arrangements, and promotional materials. A comprehensive understanding of these elements is crucial for assessing the value and appropriateness of the price.
What was the justification for not competing this award under SAP?
The data indicates the contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. The specific justification for this decision is not provided. Typically, reasons could include urgency, a sole source provider, or specific agency requirements. Understanding this justification is key to assessing the procurement's fairness and potential cost-effectiveness.
How does the 1045-day duration align with typical symposium hosting requirements?
A duration of 1045 days (approximately 2.8 years) for hosting a single symposium appears unusually long. Symposia are typically one-time events. This extended duration might suggest the award covers multiple events, ongoing support, or planning over an extended period, which warrants further clarification.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations › Professional Organizations
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 80NSSC24853801Q
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20418
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $50,500
Exercised Options: $50,500
Current Obligation: $50,500
Actual Outlays: $35,223
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-11-20
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2026-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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