NASA Awards $30.1M for Laboratory and Analysis Services to Alutiiq Essential Services LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,112,183 ($30.1M)
Contractor: Alutiiq Essential Services LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2020-11-02
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,944 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SERVICES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: GENERAL LABORATORY, METROLOGY ASSURANCE, MEASUREMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION, GAS AND MATERIAL ANALYSIS, ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY, AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM.
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $30.1 million to ALUTIIQ ESSENTIAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SERVICES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: GENERAL LABORATORY, METROLOGY ASSURANCE, MEASUREMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION, GAS AND MATERIAL ANALYSIS, ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY, AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on diverse laboratory and analysis services, including metrology and GIS. 2. Alutiiq Essential Services LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract has a firm fixed price structure. 4. Spending spans across multiple years, ending in February 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $30.1M over approximately 5.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar contracts for comprehensive laboratory and analysis services is difficult without more granular data on specific service components and their market rates.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition approach. This method may impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition, potentially leading to less competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed price structure provides cost certainty for taxpayers, but the limited competition might mean the government is not achieving the lowest possible price.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA operations requiring specialized laboratory and analytical capabilities. Ensures accuracy and reliability of measurements and material analysis for space missions. Geographic Information System services contribute to mapping and spatial data management. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term need for these essential services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price provides budget predictability.
- Long contract duration indicates sustained need for services.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically testing laboratories. The value is significant for this niche, suggesting a substantial requirement for specialized scientific support within NASA.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (sb: false). This suggests that larger, established firms were likely the primary bidders or that the contract scope did not lend itself to small business subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' clause implies a justification for limiting the competitive pool, which would be subject to review.
Related Government Programs
- Testing Laboratories and Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for higher costs due to limited competition.
- No small business participation identified.
- Contract duration extends over multiple fiscal years.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical services.
Tags
testing-laboratories-and-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ms, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $30.1 million to ALUTIIQ ESSENTIAL SERVICES LLC. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE SERVICES IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: GENERAL LABORATORY, METROLOGY ASSURANCE, MEASUREMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION, GAS AND MATERIAL ANALYSIS, ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY, AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALUTIIQ ESSENTIAL SERVICES 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 $30.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-11-02. End: 2026-02-28.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the quality and accuracy of the laboratory and metrology assurance services provided under this contract?
The contract likely specifies performance work statements (PWS) detailing quality assurance requirements, including calibration standards, measurement uncertainty budgets, and proficiency testing. NASA's internal quality assurance teams would monitor adherence to these standards through regular audits and performance reviews, ensuring the reliability of data critical for mission success.
How does the limited competition impact the government's ability to secure innovative solutions or cost-saving measures in laboratory services?
Limited competition can restrict the influx of novel approaches and potentially higher-value solutions that might emerge from a broader, unrestricted bidding process. While the current contractor may offer efficiencies, the absence of broader market engagement could mean missed opportunities for disruptive technologies or more cost-effective service delivery models.
What is the long-term strategic value of consolidating these diverse laboratory and analysis services under a single contract?
Consolidating these services under one contract can streamline management, reduce administrative overhead, and potentially achieve economies of scale. It ensures a consistent approach to critical support functions like metrology and environmental analysis, vital for maintaining the integrity and success of NASA's complex missions and research endeavors.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services
Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 80SSC020R0002
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 300 ALIMAQ DR, KODIAK, AK, 99615
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,362,044
Exercised Options: $36,362,044
Current Obligation: $30,112,183
Actual Outlays: $29,314,517
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $2,206,303
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-11-02
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
More Contracts from Alutiiq Essential Services LLC
- Idiq DS Opo-T- TO-01 Training Task Order — $272.6M (Department of State)
- IRM IT U.S. Embassy Baghdad Iraq&consulates — $49.3M (Department of State)
- Facility Maintenance Support Services (fmss) TO-003 Facility Managers (FMS) and Operations&maintenance Transition Coordinators (omtcs) — $23.8M (Department of State)
- Sully Compound Non-Personal Services Contract to Provides Logistics Coordinator Subject Matter Expert Services for Personnel and Cargo Arriving and Departing Iraq — $6.8M (Department of State)
- Fmss Regional Support Center Task Order — $3.8M (Department of State)
Other National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracts
- International Space Station — $22.4B (THE Boeing Company)
- TAS::80 0124::TAS Design, Development, Test&evaluation of Project Orion — $15.5B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- Provide Developmental Hardware and Test Articles, and Manufacture and Assemble Ares I Upper Stages. the Upper Stage (US) Element IS an Integral Part of the Ares I Launch Vehicle and Provides the Second Stage of Flight. the US Element IS Responsible for the Roll Control During the First Stage Burn and Separation; and Will Provide the Guidance and Navigation, Command and Data Handling, and Other Avionics Functions for the Ares I During ALL Phases of the Ascent Flight. the US Element IS a NEW Design That Emphasizes Safety, Operability, and Minimum Life Cycle Cost. the Overall Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (ddt&e), Production, and Sustaining Engineering Efforts Include Activities Performed by Three Organizations; the Nasa Design Team (NDT), the Upper Stage Production Contractor (uspc) and the Instrument Unit Production Contractor (iupc). for Clarity, the Uspc Will BE Referred to AS the Contractor Throughout This Document. Nasa IS Responsible for the Integration of the Primary Elements of the Ares I Launch Vehicle Including: the First Stage, US Including Instrument Unit (IU), and US Engine; and Will Also Integrate the Ares I Launch Vehicle AT the Launch Site. Nasa IS Responsible for the Ddt&e, Including Technical and Programmatic Integration of the US Subsystems and Government-Furnished Property. Nasa Will Lead the Effort to Develop the Requirements and Specifications of the US Element, the Development Plan and Testing Requirements, and ALL Design Documentation, Initial Manufacturing and Assembly Process Planning, Logistics Planning, and Operations Support Planning. Development, Qualification, and Acceptance Testing Will BE Conducted by Nasa and the Contractor to Satisfy Requirements and for Risk Mitigation. Nasa IS Responsible for the Overall Upper Stage Verification and Validation Process and Will Require Support From the Contractor. the Contractor IS Responsible for the Manufacture and Assembly of the Upper Stage Test Flight and Operational Upper Stage Units Including the Installation of Upper Stage Instrument Unit, the Government-Furnished US Engine, Booster Separation Motors, and Other Government-Furnished Property. a Description of the Nasa Managed and Performed Efforts IS Contained in the US Work Packages and Will BE Made Available to the Contractor to Ensure Their Understanding of the Roles and Responsibilities of the NDT, Iupc, and Contractor During the Design, Development, and Operation of the US Element. the US Conceptual Design Described in the Uso-Clv-Se-25704 US Design Definition Document (DDD) IS the Baseline Design for This Contract. the Contractors Early Role Will BE to Provide Producibility Engineering Support to Nasa VIA the Established US Office Structure and to Provide Inputs Into the Final Design Configuration, Specifications, and Standards. Nasa Will Transition the Manufacturing and Assembly, Logistics Support Infrastructure, Configuration Management, and the Sustaining Engineering Functions to the Contractor AT the KEY Points During the Development and Implementation of the Program Currently Planned to Occur NO Later Than 90 Days After the Completion of the Following Major Milestones: Manufacturing and Assembly US Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Logistics Support Infrastructure US PDR Configuration Management US Critical Design Review CDR) Sustaining Engineering US Design Certification Review (DCR) After the Completion of an Orderly Transition of Roles and Responsibilities to the Contractor, Nasa Will Assume an Insight Role Into the Contractors Production, Sustaining Engineering, and Operations Support of the Ares I US Test Program and Flight Hardware. After DCR, the Contractor Will BE Responsible for Sustaining Engineering PER SOW Section 4.7, AS Necessary to Maintain and Support the US Configuration and for Production and Operations Support — $10.5B (THE Boeing Company)
- Space Program Operations Contract (spoc) — $8.5B (United Space Alliance, LLC)
- Joint Us/Russian Human Space Flight Activities — $4.7B (Russia Space Agency)
View all National Aeronautics and Space Administration contracts →