NASA's Astrobiology Research Services Contract Awarded to Lockheed Martin for $325M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $324,957,507 ($325.0M)
Contractor: Lockheed Martin Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2002-07-23
End Date: 2014-10-31
Contract Duration: 4,483 days
Daily Burn Rate: $72.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS SERVICES FOR THE ASTROBIOLOGY SPACE&RESEARCH SERVICES - THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO SUPPORT SCIENCE, SPACE, EXPLORATION EFFORTS THROUGH DISCRETE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS. AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER (ARC) THE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS DIRECTORATE CONDUCTS AND MANAGES PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND DEVELOPS AND EXECUTES MISSIONS. SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS SPAN MULTIPLE DIRECTORATES AT ARC, OTHER NASA CENTERS AND NASA HEADQUARTERS. IN ORDER FOR THE VARIOUS DIRECTORATES TO DEVELOP, MANAGE AND EXECUTE PROGRAMS WITHIN ITS MISSION AREA, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IS REQUIRED IN THE AREAS OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, PROGRAM SUPPORT, COLLABORATIVE TECHNOLOGIES, ENGINEERING, HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH.
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $325.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN SERVICES, LLC for work described as: PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS SERVICES FOR THE ASTROBIOLOGY SPACE&RESEARCH SERVICES - THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO SUPPORT SCIENCE, SPACE, EXPLORATION EFFORTS THROUGH DISCRETE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS. AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER (ARC) THE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS DIRECTORATE CONDUCTS A… Key points: 1. Contract supports critical science and exploration efforts at NASA Ames Research Center. 2. Broad scope includes program management, engineering, and educational outreach. 3. Long duration (2002-2014) suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services. 4. Sector is R&D, a key area for technological advancement and scientific discovery.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $325 million over 12 years indicates a significant investment. Without specific per-unit cost data or comparable contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult, but the scale suggests substantial resource allocation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely led to a fair market price. The definitive contract type implies a clear scope and pricing structure.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to advance scientific research and space exploration, which can yield long-term benefits in knowledge and technological innovation.
Public Impact
Supports cutting-edge astrobiology research, potentially leading to discoveries about life beyond Earth. Invests in NASA's mission to explore space and advance scientific understanding. Funds research and development crucial for future space missions and technological advancements. Contributes to educational outreach, inspiring future scientists and engineers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration could lead to potential cost overruns if not managed effectively.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge efficiency.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure can incentivize performance but requires careful oversight.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical national goals in space exploration and scientific discovery.
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Long-term contract indicates a sustained and important need for these services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation and maintaining a technological edge, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific research focus.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). This suggests that the scale and complexity of the services required were likely beyond the capacity of most small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitate robust oversight from NASA to ensure cost control and effective performance. Regular reviews and audits would be critical for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to long contract duration.
- Complexity of managing services across multiple NASA centers.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical R&D support.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires diligent oversight to prevent inefficiency.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $325.0 million to LOCKHEED MARTIN SERVICES, LLC. PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS SERVICES FOR THE ASTROBIOLOGY SPACE&RESEARCH SERVICES - THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO SUPPORT SCIENCE, SPACE, EXPLORATION EFFORTS THROUGH DISCRETE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS. AT NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER (ARC) THE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS DIRECTORATE CONDUCTS AND MANAGES PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND DEVELOPS AND EXECUTES MISSIONS. SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS SPAN MULTIPLE DIRECTORATES AT ARC, OTHER NASA CENTERS AND NASA HEADQUARTERS. IN ORDER FOR THE VARIOUS DIRECTORATES TO DEVELOP, MANAGE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LOCKHEED MARTIN 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 $325.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-07-23. End: 2014-10-31.
What specific performance metrics were used to determine award fees for Lockheed Martin, and how did they align with NASA's research objectives?
The specific performance metrics for the Cost Plus Award Fee structure are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, these metrics would be tied to achieving specific research milestones, project deliverables, adherence to budget and schedule, and overall scientific impact. NASA would have established these criteria in the contract to ensure Lockheed Martin's efforts directly contributed to the agency's astrobiology and space exploration goals, with award fees contingent on meeting or exceeding these defined objectives.
How does the $325 million expenditure compare to other NASA R&D contracts of similar scope and duration in the physical and life sciences?
Benchmarking this $325 million expenditure against similar NASA R&D contracts is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of historical contract values and scopes. However, given the 12-year duration and the broad range of services (program management, engineering, outreach), this figure appears substantial, reflecting the complexity and long-term nature of astrobiology research. It suggests a significant investment in a specialized scientific field.
What were the primary risks identified during the full and open competition process, and how were they mitigated by NASA and Lockheed Martin?
Primary risks during a full and open competition for a contract of this nature could include technical challenges in research, potential cost overruns, schedule delays, and ensuring effective collaboration across multiple NASA centers. NASA would mitigate these by clearly defining requirements, establishing robust evaluation criteria, and negotiating contract terms that incentivize performance and cost control. Lockheed Martin, as the contractor, would mitigate risks through detailed project planning, risk management processes, and leveraging their expertise in space and research services.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Lockheed Martin Corp (UEI: 834951691)
Address: 2339 ROUTE 70 WEST, FLOOR 3W, CHERRY HILL, NJ, 08002
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $128,475,061
Exercised Options: $123,631,442
Current Obligation: $324,957,507
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-07-23
Current End Date: 2014-10-31
Potential End Date: 2014-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-09-04
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