NASA awards $62.6M for Simulation Facilities Technical Services to Northrop Grumman
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $62,638,451 ($62.6M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Information Technology Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 1999-11-15
End Date: 2011-09-15
Contract Duration: 4,322 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR SIMULATION FACILITIES
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $62.6 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC for work described as: TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR SIMULATION FACILITIES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a large, established defense contractor. 2. Long contract duration (12 years) suggests a stable, ongoing need. 3. Cost-plus award fee contract type can incentivize performance but requires careful oversight. 4. No small business participation noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), which allows for reimbursement of costs plus a fee that can be adjusted based on performance. This structure can lead to higher overall costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not managed tightly, but it is suitable for complex services where cost is difficult to define upfront.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to compete. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it aims to secure the best possible pricing through market forces.
Public Impact
Supports critical simulation capabilities for NASA's missions. Long-term contract provides stability for a key technology provider. Potential for cost overruns exists with CPAF contracts if performance incentives are not well-defined or monitored.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus award fee contract type
- Long contract duration
- No small business participation
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Awarded to established contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting simulation facilities. Spending in this area is crucial for research, development, and testing across various government agencies, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific technical requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract did not involve small business participation. While full and open competition was used, there's an opportunity missed to leverage small businesses for specialized technical services.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates robust oversight from NASA to ensure that award fees are justified by contractor performance and that costs remain reasonable. Regular performance reviews and audits are critical for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPAF structure
- Lack of small business participation
- Long contract duration may indicate lack of competitive re-evaluation
- Performance metrics and oversight effectiveness are key unknowns
Tags
national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $62.6 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC. TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR SIMULATION FACILITIES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC.
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 $62.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1999-11-15. End: 2011-09-15.
What specific simulation capabilities are being supported, and how critical are they to NASA's current and future mission objectives?
The contract supports technical services for simulation facilities, which are vital for testing spacecraft, astronaut training, and aerodynamic analysis. These capabilities are critical for ensuring mission success and safety, particularly for complex projects like deep space exploration and advanced aeronautics research. The specific simulation types are not detailed but generally encompass environmental, flight, and mission simulations.
How effectively has NASA managed the Cost Plus Award Fee structure to ensure optimal performance and cost control over the contract's lifespan?
Effective management of a CPAF contract hinges on clear performance metrics and objective evaluation criteria. NASA's ability to control costs and drive performance would depend on the rigor of its oversight, the clarity of the award fee plan, and the frequency of performance reviews. Without specific performance data, it's difficult to definitively assess effectiveness, but the long duration suggests a level of satisfaction or necessity.
What was the rationale for not including small business set-asides or participation goals, given the potential for specialized technical services?
The rationale for not including small business participation is not explicitly stated in the provided data. While full and open competition was utilized, agencies often have goals for small business subcontracting. The absence of noted small business involvement might indicate that the prime contractor did not subcontract to small businesses, or that the specific technical requirements were best met by the large incumbent.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation (UEI: 967356127)
Address: 2411 DULLES CORNER PARK, HERNDON, VA, 11
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $90,923,362
Exercised Options: $90,923,362
Current Obligation: $62,638,451
Timeline
Start Date: 1999-11-15
Current End Date: 2011-09-15
Potential End Date: 2011-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-10-22
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