NASA's Stennis Space Center UESC Project Awarded for $3.28M to Mississippi Power Company
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,281,924 ($3.3M)
Contractor: Mississippi Power CO
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2021-10-01
End Date: 2026-05-29
Contract Duration: 1,701 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Energy
Official Description: STENNIS SPACE CENTER (SSC) CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES (COF)ENERGY CONSERVATION PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVESTMENT GRADE AUDIT (IGA) DATE 8/27/2021 OF THE MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY (MPC) UTILITY ENERGY SERVICES CONTRACT (UESC).
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $3.3 million to MISSISSIPPI POWER CO for work described as: STENNIS SPACE CENTER (SSC) CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES (COF)ENERGY CONSERVATION PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVESTMENT GRADE AUDIT (IGA) DATE 8/27/2021 OF THE MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY (MPC) UTILITY ENERGY SERVICES CONTRACT (UESC). Key points: 1. This contract focuses on energy conservation at Stennis Space Center. 2. The sole awardee is Mississippi Power Company, indicating a lack of competition. 3. Potential risks include limited price discovery due to the sole-source nature. 4. The project falls under the broader 'Energy' sector, specifically utility services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $3.28M for an energy conservation project appears reasonable given the scope and duration. However, without specific benchmarks for similar UESC projects or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise valuation is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to Mississippi Power Company, likely due to the existing utility relationship and the Investment Grade Audit (IGA) performed by them. This limits price discovery and competitive pressure.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this project. While energy conservation can lead to long-term savings, the lack of competition may result in a higher initial cost than a competitive procurement.
Public Impact
Energy efficiency improvements at a major NASA facility. Potential for reduced operational costs for the Stennis Space Center. Supports federal goals for energy conservation and sustainability. Investment in infrastructure at a key national research and development site.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for higher costs due to lack of competitive bidding.
- Contract duration is substantial (over 5 years).
Positive Signals
- Focus on energy conservation aligns with sustainability goals.
- Potential for long-term operational cost savings.
- Leverages existing utility provider relationship.
Sector Analysis
This contract is within the Energy sector, specifically utility energy services. UESC contracts are common for federal facilities to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs, often leveraging existing utility provider expertise and infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award. The contract was awarded directly to Mississippi Power Company, a large utility provider.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Oversight would involve monitoring project progress, ensuring adherence to the IGA recommendations, and verifying energy savings achieved over the contract period.
Related Government Programs
- Electric Power Distribution
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition may lead to inflated pricing.
- Reliance on sole-source provider could limit flexibility.
- Effectiveness of energy savings depends on accurate IGA and implementation.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Tags
electric-power-distribution, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ms, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $3.3 million to MISSISSIPPI POWER CO. STENNIS SPACE CENTER (SSC) CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES (COF)ENERGY CONSERVATION PROJECT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVESTMENT GRADE AUDIT (IGA) DATE 8/27/2021 OF THE MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY (MPC) UTILITY ENERGY SERVICES CONTRACT (UESC).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MISSISSIPPI POWER CO.
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 $3.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-10-01. End: 2026-05-29.
What specific energy conservation measures are included in the project, and what are the projected energy savings?
The contract details are based on an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) by Mississippi Power Company. Specific measures would be outlined in that audit and the subsequent contract. Projected savings are crucial for justifying the investment and should be clearly defined and measurable to ensure the project's value.
How was the 'fairness' of the sole-source price determined without competitive bidding?
Price fairness in sole-source contracts is typically assessed through comparison with historical data, industry benchmarks, or by reviewing the contractor's cost breakdown. For UESC contracts, the price is often evaluated against the projected cost savings to ensure the investment is economically justified and provides value.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the projected energy savings are realized and verified?
UESC contracts usually include Measurement and Verification (M&V) plans to track energy consumption and savings. NASA's oversight would involve regular reporting from Mississippi Power Company and potentially independent verification to ensure the promised energy savings are achieved and the taxpayer investment is sound.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Utilities › Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution › Electric Power Distribution
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › UTILITIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Southern CO Services Inc
Address: 2992 W BEACH, GULFPORT, MS, 39501
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,281,924
Exercised Options: $3,281,924
Current Obligation: $3,281,924
Actual Outlays: $3,271,852
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00P15BSD1136
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-05-29
Potential End Date: 2026-05-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-28
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