NASA's $104.6M Independent Software Validation Contract Awarded to Averstar, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $104,614,489 ($104.6M)
Contractor: Averstar. Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-10-01
End Date: 2005-10-31
Contract Duration: 761 days
Daily Burn Rate: $137.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: INDEPENDENT CERIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF NASA PR OGRAM SOFTWARE_(TRANSFERRED TO GSFC 9/27/00)
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRMONT, MARION County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26554, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $104.6 million to AVERSTAR. INC. for work described as: INDEPENDENT CERIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF NASA PR OGRAM SOFTWARE_(TRANSFERRED TO GSFC 9/27/00) Key points: 1. The contract value is substantial at $104.6 million. 2. Averstar, Inc. secured this contract. 3. The contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services. 4. This was a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar independent validation and verification contracts is needed to assess pricing effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair market value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently, though the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure warrants monitoring for potential cost escalations.
Public Impact
NASA's reliance on independent validation highlights the critical nature of software integrity for space missions. The duration of the contract (over two years) suggests a significant and ongoing need for these services. The award to Averstar, Inc. impacts the IT services sector, specifically in specialized areas like software validation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money.
- Small business participation is not indicated, potentially missing opportunities for smaller firms.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
- Independent validation is crucial for ensuring the reliability of NASA's software.
- The contract duration suggests a sustained need for critical IT services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending benchmarks for independent software validation and verification services for large government agencies like NASA can vary significantly based on project complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (ss=false, sb=false). This suggests that the prime contractor is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses may have been limited unless they were subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was transferred to GSFC on 9/27/00, indicating a potential history and previous oversight. Further review of contract modifications and performance reports would be necessary to fully assess ongoing oversight and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- No specific performance metrics provided.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Contract duration is significant, requiring sustained oversight.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, wv, dca, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $104.6 million to AVERSTAR. INC.. INDEPENDENT CERIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF NASA PR OGRAM SOFTWARE_(TRANSFERRED TO GSFC 9/27/00)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AVERSTAR. 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 $104.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-10-01. End: 2005-10-31.
What specific metrics were used to evaluate the effectiveness of Averstar's independent validation services?
The provided data does not specify the metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of Averstar's services. Typically, such metrics would include defect detection rates, accuracy of validation reports, adherence to timelines, and overall impact on software quality and mission success. Without these, assessing the true value for money is challenging.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the risk of cost overruns for this NASA contract?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure carries a moderate risk of cost overruns. While the fee is fixed, the government bears the cost of all allowable expenses. If the contractor's costs exceed projections, the government pays more. Effective oversight and detailed cost tracking are crucial to mitigate this risk.
What is the potential impact of this contract on the overall reliability of NASA's program software?
The contract's purpose is independent certification and validation, which is designed to enhance the reliability of NASA's program software. By providing an objective assessment, it aims to identify and rectify potential issues before they impact critical missions, thereby increasing overall software dependability and reducing mission risks.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11955 FREEDOM DRIVE, SUITE 10000, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $110,142,882
Exercised Options: $110,142,882
Current Obligation: $104,614,489
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-10-01
Current End Date: 2005-10-31
Potential End Date: 2005-10-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-09-28
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