NASA's SEAWINDS Instrument Project: $13M for OSU's R&D, awarded via full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,018,756 ($13.0M)
Contractor: Oregon State University
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2000-02-15
End Date: 2006-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,327 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND SCIENCE TEAM ACTIVITIES FOR SEAWINDS INSTRUMENT
Place of Performance
Location: CORVALLIS, BENTON County, OREGON, 97339
State: Oregon Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $13.0 million to OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY for work described as: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND SCIENCE TEAM ACTIVITIES FOR SEAWINDS INSTRUMENT Key points: 1. The project focuses on R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences, specifically for the SEAWINDS instrument. 2. Oregon State University is the contractor, with NASA as the agency. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration was substantial at 2327 days. 5. The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', indicating cost reimbursement without a fixed profit.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The 'COST NO FEE' contract type can sometimes lead to less price discipline compared to fixed-price contracts. Without a fee, the incentive for cost control might be reduced, though oversight can mitigate this.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government. The process allows multiple qualified bidders to submit proposals, fostering a competitive environment.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, though the 'COST NO FEE' structure warrants careful monitoring of expenditures.
Public Impact
Development of the SEAWINDS instrument could lead to advancements in oceanographic research and climate monitoring. The project supports scientific research and technological development within NASA's mission. Long-term data collection from SEAWINDS could inform policy and further scientific understanding of Earth's systems. The project's success relies on the expertise of the principal investigator and science team at Oregon State University.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-reimbursement contract type ('COST NO FEE') can pose risks if not managed tightly.
- Long contract duration increases exposure to potential cost overruns and scope creep.
- Lack of specific performance metrics or fee structure might reduce contractor incentive for efficiency.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- Oregon State University is a reputable research institution.
- The project aligns with NASA's scientific research and development objectives.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for innovation but can be subject to uncertainties in outcomes and cost projections. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific scientific field and project scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific involvement or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. The award to a large university research institution suggests the primary focus was on specialized scientific capabilities rather than small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'COST NO FEE' contract type necessitates strong government oversight to ensure that costs are reasonable and allocable. NASA's contracting officers and technical monitors would be responsible for reviewing expenditures and ensuring project milestones are met.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Overruns Risk (due to Cost-Reimbursement)
- Scope Creep Risk (due to long duration)
- Technological Obsolescence Risk (due to long duration)
- Lack of Contractor Financial Incentive (due to 'No Fee')
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, or, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $13.0 million to OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR AND SCIENCE TEAM ACTIVITIES FOR SEAWINDS INSTRUMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY.
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 $13.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-02-15. End: 2006-06-30.
What were the key scientific objectives of the SEAWINDS instrument, and how did they contribute to NASA's broader mission?
The SEAWINDS instrument was designed to measure ocean surface winds, a critical component for understanding weather patterns, climate change, and marine ecosystems. Its data directly supported NASA's Earth science objectives, providing vital information for climate modeling, hurricane forecasting, and global oceanographic research, thereby enhancing our understanding of Earth's complex systems.
Given the 'COST NO FEE' structure, what mechanisms were in place to manage cost risks and ensure efficient use of funds?
While 'COST NO FEE' contracts lack a direct profit incentive, NASA likely employed rigorous oversight through contract officers and technical representatives. This would involve detailed review of incurred costs, regular progress reports, and potentially performance metrics tied to scientific deliverables rather than financial targets, ensuring funds were used appropriately for research objectives.
How did the long duration of the contract (2327 days) impact the project's effectiveness and potential for innovation?
The extended duration allowed for comprehensive development, testing, and deployment of the SEAWINDS instrument, crucial for complex scientific hardware. This extended timeline could foster deeper scientific inquiry and allow for adaptation to emerging research needs. However, it also increased the risk of technological obsolescence or shifts in research priorities, requiring proactive project management.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: BASIC RESEARCH
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Oregon University System (UEI: 041268673)
Address: 15TH JEFFERSON, CORVALLIS
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,605,828
Exercised Options: $5,605,828
Current Obligation: $13,018,756
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-02-15
Current End Date: 2006-06-30
Potential End Date: 2006-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-06-28
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