NASA's $100M contract for Terrestrial Physics Lab support awarded to Science Systems and Applications, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $100,268,219 ($100.3M)
Contractor: Science Systems and Applications, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-01-15
End Date: 2009-07-31
Contract Duration: 2,389 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY RESOURCES, INCLUDING PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IN ORDER TO MET THE PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK REQUIREMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE LABORATORY OF TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS LABORATORY (LTP). THIS SUPPORT IS CATEGORIZED IN FIVE MAJOR AREAS: SCIENCE, COMPUTING, SCIENCE INSTRUMENTATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION. 1. SCIENCE RESEARCH WHICH INCLUDES HYPOTHESIS VERIFICATION, MODELING AND SIMULATION, AND RESEARCH INITIATIVES 2. COMPUTING WHICH INCLUDES SYSTEMS (COMPUTING AND NETWORK) AND SCIENCE PROCESSING OPERATIONS 3. SCIENCE INSTRUMENTATION WHICH INCLUDES MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (TECHNICAL AND ASSEMBLY), ELECTRONIC DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND ANALYSIS, OPTICAL DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND ANALYSIS, LASER AND ELECTRO-OPTICAL DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND ANALYSIS, BENCH CHECKOUT EQUIPMENT, AND LABORATORY AND FIELD EXPERIMENTS 4. ADMINISTRATION WHICH INCLUDES EDUCATION AND OUTREACH, TECHNICAL WRITING, MEDIA DEVELOPMENT, PROJECTS, MEETINGS, VISITS, AND CONSULTATIONS, ORGANIZATION, PROPERTY, SAFETY, AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT 5. CALIBRATION&VALIDATION WHICH INCLUDES ALGORITHM AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTERIZATION AND MODELING, DATA ANALYSIS, DATA VALIDATION, LABORATORY AND FIELD ACTIVITIES, LOGISTICS, AND REPORTING
Place of Performance
Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20771
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $100.3 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC. for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY RESOURCES, INCLUDING PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IN ORDER TO MET THE PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK REQUIREMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE LABORATORY OF TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS LABORATORY (LT… Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 2. Cost Plus Award Fee contract type suggests performance incentives. 3. Support covers science research, computing, instrumentation, administration, and calibration. 4. The contract duration is approximately 6.5 years.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure can lead to higher costs if performance incentives are aggressively met. Benchmarking against similar science support contracts is needed to assess value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating a competitive process but with specific source exclusions. This method aims for best value but may limit the pool of potential bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is intended to secure favorable pricing, but the Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Supports critical scientific research in terrestrial physics. Encompasses a broad range of activities from research to instrumentation. Potential for advancements in understanding Earth and space sciences. Long-term support ensures continuity of laboratory operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
- Exclusion of sources may limit competition and potentially impact price.
- Contract duration is long, requiring sustained oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process.
- Supports vital scientific research.
- Clear categorization of support areas.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the scientific research and development sector, specifically supporting laboratory operations. Spending benchmarks for similar science support services can vary widely based on the complexity and scope of research.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the contractor is Science Systems and Applications, Inc. Further analysis is needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracted or if the prime contractor is an SMB.
Oversight & Accountability
The Cost Plus Award Fee contract type necessitates robust oversight to ensure performance targets are met efficiently and that award fees are justified. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Testing Laboratories and Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost creep due to Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
- Limited transparency on source exclusion rationale.
- Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
- Performance metrics for award fees need clear definition and monitoring.
Tags
testing-laboratories-and-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, md, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $100.3 million to SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY RESOURCES, INCLUDING PERSONNEL, FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND MATERIALS, UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IN ORDER TO MET THE PERFORMANCE-BASED WORK REQUIREMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THE LABORATORY OF TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS LABORATORY (LTP). THIS SUPPORT IS CATEGORIZED IN FIVE MAJOR AREAS: SCIENCE, COMPUTING, SCIENCE INSTRUMENTATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION. 1. SCIENCE RESEARCH WHICH INCLUDES HYPOTHESIS VERIFICATION, MODELING AND S
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, 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 $100.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-01-15. End: 2009-07-31.
What specific performance metrics are used to determine award fees under this Cost Plus Award Fee contract, and how do they align with the scientific objectives of the Terrestrial Physics Laboratory?
The contract details should specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to award fees. These metrics likely relate to the successful completion of research initiatives, timely delivery of computing services, and quality of science instrumentation development. Effective alignment ensures that contractor incentives directly support NASA's mission goals and maximize the value derived from taxpayer investment.
What were the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in this 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award, and did this exclusion potentially impact the final contract price?
The exclusion of sources typically occurs due to reasons such as proprietary technology, unique capabilities, or prior performance issues. While intended to ensure the best fit for the requirement, such exclusions can limit the competitive landscape. A thorough review of the source selection documentation would clarify the rationale and assess any potential impact on price discovery and overall value for money.
How effectively does the awarded contract structure incentivize innovation and cost-efficiency in scientific research and instrumentation development for the Terrestrial Physics Laboratory?
The Cost Plus Award Fee structure aims to incentivize performance by offering additional profit for exceeding targets. However, its effectiveness in driving innovation and cost-efficiency depends heavily on the clarity and measurability of the award criteria. If criteria are well-defined and focus on both scientific advancement and fiscal responsibility, it can be effective. Conversely, poorly defined criteria may lead to unintended consequences or inflated costs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
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: $101,895,455
Exercised Options: $101,895,455
Current Obligation: $100,268,219
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-01-15
Current End Date: 2009-07-31
Potential End Date: 2009-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-09-23
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