NOAA's $17.5M contract for mission control center support awarded to Science Systems and Applications, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,477,196 ($17.5M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2007-09-20
End Date: 2013-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,019 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.7K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY)
Sector: IT
Official Description: OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT OF THE U.S. MISSION CONTROL CENTER AND THE SARSAT SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES
Place of Performance
Location: MORNINGSIDE, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20746
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $17.5 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT OF THE U.S. MISSION CONTROL CENTER AND THE SARSAT SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES Key points: 1. Contract provides essential operations, maintenance, and technical support for critical U.S. space-based search and rescue systems. 2. The award was a competitive delivery order, indicating a degree of market engagement. 3. Contract duration spans over five years, suggesting a need for sustained support. 4. The contractor, Science Systems and Applications, Inc., has a track record in aerospace and IT services. 5. The services are vital for the SARSAT system, which aids in locating individuals in distress. 6. The contract value appears moderate for a multi-year IT support service.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $17.5 million over five years for operations, maintenance, and technical support of a mission control center and the SARSAT system appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for critical infrastructure would provide further context. The specific services delivered are essential for national safety and search and rescue operations, suggesting a high value proposition for the government. Without detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the sustained nature of the support implies a recognized need and potentially competitive pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting that it was competed under a broader contract vehicle. The 'full-and-open' competition level implies that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The presence of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing. The specific number of bidders for this delivery order is not detailed, but the competitive nature is a positive indicator.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering price reductions and encouraging innovation among potential contractors.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are individuals requiring search and rescue assistance, as the SARSAT system is crucial for locating them. The contract ensures the continuous operation and maintenance of the U.S. Mission Control Center and the SARSAT system. Geographic impact is national, as the SARSAT system covers the United States and its territories. Workforce implications include the employment of technical personnel for system operations and maintenance by the contractor.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if maintenance needs are underestimated.
- Risk of vendor lock-in if transition to a new system or contractor is complex.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical infrastructure support.
Positive Signals
- Contractor's experience in similar IT and aerospace support services.
- Competitive award process suggests potential for good value.
- Long-term nature of the contract indicates a stable requirement and potential for efficiency gains.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology and Professional Services sector, specifically focusing on IT services and support for specialized government systems. The market for such services is characterized by a mix of large aerospace and defense contractors, as well as specialized IT firms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) relies on such contracts to maintain critical operational infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other government contracts for IT support of mission-critical systems, particularly those involving satellite operations or command and control.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific delivery order was not explicitly provided in the data. However, the 'full-and-open' competition suggests that small businesses could have participated if they met the qualifications. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether any small businesses were prime contractors or significant subcontractors on this award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement, including service level agreements and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Satellite Operations Support
- Mission Control Systems Maintenance
- Search and Rescue Technology
- IT Infrastructure Services
- Aerospace Systems Support
Risk Flags
- Potential for service disruption if contractor performance degrades.
- Long-term reliance on a single vendor could limit future flexibility.
- Need for continuous monitoring of system performance and contractor adherence to SLAs.
Tags
it-services, operations-and-maintenance, mission-control, search-and-rescue, sarsat-system, department-of-commerce, noaa, competitive-delivery-order, science-systems-and-applications-inc, maryland, federal-contract, it-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $17.5 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT OF THE U.S. MISSION CONTROL CENTER AND THE SARSAT SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-09-20. End: 2013-03-31.
What is the specific technical expertise Science Systems and Applications, Inc. brings to the SARSAT system and Mission Control Center operations?
Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) has a documented history of providing technical support services to government agencies, particularly in areas related to aerospace, satellite operations, and IT infrastructure. For the SARSAT system and Mission Control Center, this likely includes expertise in maintaining complex software and hardware systems, ensuring data integrity, managing real-time operations, and providing technical troubleshooting. Their experience may encompass knowledge of satellite communication protocols, ground station operations, and the specific requirements for emergency beacon detection and location services. The company's background in scientific and engineering services suggests a capability to handle the technical intricacies of these critical systems, ensuring their reliability and effectiveness in supporting search and rescue missions.
How does the cost of this contract compare to similar IT support contracts for mission-critical government systems?
Directly comparing the cost of this $17.5 million, five-year contract to other IT support contracts for mission-critical systems requires access to detailed cost data and contract specifics for comparable awards. However, on an annual basis, the contract averages approximately $3.5 million. This figure needs to be evaluated against the complexity and criticality of the services provided. Contracts for maintaining national security systems, complex scientific research infrastructure, or large-scale IT networks can range significantly in cost. Factors such as the number of personnel required, the level of security clearance, the 24/7 operational demands, and the specialized technical skills needed all influence pricing. Without specific benchmarks for similar NOAA or NASA mission control support contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a high or low cost, but it appears within a plausible range for sustained, critical IT support.
What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single contractor for the operations and maintenance of the SARSAT system?
The primary risks associated with relying on a single contractor, Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI), for the SARSAT system and Mission Control Center operations include potential vendor lock-in, reduced negotiating leverage for future contracts, and the risk of service disruption if the contractor faces financial difficulties or operational failures. If SSAI's performance falters or if they are unable to fulfill their contractual obligations, the continuity of critical search and rescue support could be jeopardized. Furthermore, a lack of ongoing competition might lead to complacency or less aggressive pricing in subsequent contract renewals. The government mitigates some of these risks through robust contract oversight, performance metrics, and contingency planning, but the inherent dependence on one entity remains a key consideration for such vital national infrastructure.
What is the historical spending pattern for the SARSAT system and Mission Control Center support by NOAA?
Analyzing the historical spending patterns for the SARSAT system and Mission Control Center support by NOAA would involve examining contract awards over previous years. This specific contract, awarded in 2007 with an end date in 2013, represents a significant investment over its duration. To understand the broader pattern, one would need to look at prior contracts for similar services, potentially with different contractors, and subsequent contracts awarded after 2013. Trends might reveal whether NOAA has consistently used competitive delivery orders, the average contract values over time, and the typical duration of such support agreements. Understanding this history can help assess whether current spending aligns with past investments and if there have been significant shifts in cost or scope.
How effective is the SARSAT system in fulfilling its mission of aiding search and rescue operations, and how does this contract contribute to that effectiveness?
The SARSAT system is a globally recognized and highly effective component of international search and rescue efforts, utilizing a network of satellites to detect and locate emergency distress signals from aircraft, ships, and individuals. Its effectiveness is measured by the number of lives saved and the speed at which rescue can be initiated. This contract directly contributes to the system's effectiveness by ensuring the continuous, reliable operation and maintenance of the U.S. Mission Control Center and the associated SARSAT ground infrastructure. Without the dedicated technical support provided by Science Systems and Applications, Inc., the system's ability to receive, process, and relay distress alerts would be compromised, potentially delaying or preventing life-saving rescue operations. Therefore, the contract is fundamental to maintaining the system's operational readiness and its life-saving capabilities.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY) (2)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10210 GREENBELT RD STE 600, LANHAM, MD, 20706
Business Categories: Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,504,945
Exercised Options: $17,477,196
Current Obligation: $17,477,196
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DOCCM130105CT0047
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-09-20
Current End Date: 2013-03-31
Potential End Date: 2013-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-08-02
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