NASA awards $15.5M contract to University of Colorado for research services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,510,817 ($15.5M)
Contractor: THE Regents of the University of Colorado
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 1999-11-15
End Date: 2003-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,293 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Place of Performance
Location: BOULDER, BOULDER County, COLORADO, 80302
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $15.5 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a university research institution, suggesting specialized expertise. 2. Long duration (1293 days) indicates a significant, ongoing project. 3. No small business participation noted, potentially limiting broader economic impact. 4. Cost-plus-fee contract type requires careful monitoring of expenses.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is 'COST NO FEE', which can be difficult to benchmark against fixed-price contracts. The award amount of $15.5M over approximately 3.5 years suggests a substantial research effort.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for research services, with the value for money dependent on the success and impact of the research outcomes.
Public Impact
Supports scientific research and development in areas relevant to NASA's mission. Potential for advancements that could benefit the public through technological or scientific breakthroughs. Funding a university research project may foster academic-industry partnerships.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
- Cost-plus-fee structure requires robust oversight to control expenditures.
- Lack of small business involvement.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable university suggests potential for high-quality research.
- Long contract duration allows for in-depth project development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically supporting scientific research for a federal agency. Benchmarks for similar university research contracts vary widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract. This suggests that the primary contractor is likely a large institution, and opportunities for small businesses may be limited to subcontracting roles, if any.
Oversight & Accountability
Given the limited competition and cost-plus-fee structure, robust oversight by NASA is crucial to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer funds and the successful completion of research objectives. Performance monitoring and financial audits will be key.
Related Government Programs
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Cost-plus-fee contract type
- Lack of small business participation
- Potential for cost overruns
Tags
national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, co, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $15.5 million to THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO.
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 $15.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1999-11-15. End: 2003-05-31.
What specific research area does this contract support, and what are the expected outcomes?
The specific research area is not detailed in the provided data. However, as it's with NASA, it likely pertains to space exploration, aeronautics, or related scientific fields. Expected outcomes would typically include research findings, data analysis, prototypes, or scientific publications contributing to NASA's mission objectives.
What is the justification for limiting competition on this $15.5M research contract?
The justification for limited competition is not provided. Typically, such justifications might include the unique capabilities of the contractor, urgent needs, or specific research requirements that only one entity can fulfill. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the limited competition was appropriate or if it led to a less favorable price.
How will NASA ensure the effectiveness and value of the research conducted under this cost-plus-fee contract?
NASA will likely ensure effectiveness through rigorous performance monitoring, regular progress reviews, and milestone tracking. For a cost-plus-fee contract, strict financial oversight, including audits of expenditures, is essential to control costs and verify that funds are used appropriately and efficiently towards achieving the research goals.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 914 BROADWAY ST, BOULDER, CO, 02
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,277,050
Exercised Options: $22,277,050
Current Obligation: $15,510,817
Timeline
Start Date: 1999-11-15
Current End Date: 2003-05-31
Potential End Date: 2003-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-05-20
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