NASA Awards Columbia University $19.3M for Earth Science Data Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,361,615 ($19.4M)
Contractor: THE Trustees of Columbia University in the City of NEW York
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2003-07-15
End Date: 2008-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,843 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: PROVIDE SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA&APPLICATION CENTER(SEDAC) FOR THE EARTH
Place of Performance
Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10019
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $19.4 million to THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK for work described as: PROVIDE SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA&APPLICATION CENTER(SEDAC) FOR THE EARTH Key points: 1. Columbia University secured a significant contract for vital Earth science data services. 2. The award was sole-sourced, raising questions about potential price discovery. 3. Long-term support for critical data infrastructure presents a potential risk if not managed effectively. 4. The contract falls within the R&D sector, focusing on physical and engineering sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $19.3 million over five years suggests a substantial investment. Without comparable contracts or detailed cost breakdowns, assessing the pricing against similar services is difficult. The 'Cost No Fee' structure implies the government will reimburse actual costs, making oversight crucial.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price competition and may result in higher costs than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract. The justification for sole-sourcing needs careful review to ensure it was appropriate.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to taxpayers paying more than necessary for these essential Earth science data support services.
Public Impact
Ensures continued access to and support for crucial Earth science data. Supports research and development in climate change and environmental monitoring. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award impacts taxpayer funds. Long-term contract may lock in specific technologies or approaches.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Potential for cost overruns with 'Cost No Fee' contract type.
- Long-term duration may reduce flexibility.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential support for critical Earth science data.
- Supports a reputable academic institution with relevant expertise.
- Long-term commitment ensures stability for data center operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract supports the Socioeconomic Data & Application Center (SEDAC) for NASA, focusing on Earth science data. The R&D sector, particularly in physical and engineering sciences, often involves long-term, specialized support contracts. Benchmarks for similar data center support services are difficult to ascertain without more specific details on the scope of work.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded to a large university and does not appear to have any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses. The nature of the specialized research support services likely makes it difficult for small businesses to compete directly.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Cost No Fee' contract type necessitates robust oversight from NASA to ensure that costs incurred by Columbia University are reasonable, allocable, and allowable. Regular audits and performance reviews are critical for accountability and to prevent potential cost overruns.
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
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for cost overruns due to 'Cost No Fee' structure.
- Lack of transparency regarding justification for sole-sourcing.
- Long contract duration may limit future flexibility.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ny, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $19.4 million to THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK. PROVIDE SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE SOCIOECONOMIC DATA&APPLICATION CENTER(SEDAC) FOR THE EARTH
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
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 $19.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-07-15. End: 2008-07-31.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive approaches considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, critical urgency, or a lack of other responsible sources. For this NASA contract, the specific reason for not competing it needs to be documented and publicly accessible. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if taxpayer funds were used efficiently or if a more competitive process could have yielded better value.
How does NASA ensure cost control and value for money under the 'Cost No Fee' contract structure with Columbia University?
NASA employs rigorous oversight mechanisms for 'Cost No Fee' contracts. This includes detailed review of incurred costs, regular audits, and performance monitoring to ensure services are delivered effectively and within budget. Benchmarking against similar services and negotiating rates are key to controlling costs and ensuring value, though specific benchmarks for this contract are not publicly detailed.
What is the long-term strategy for maintaining and updating the Earth science data infrastructure supported by this contract?
The long-term strategy involves ensuring the continued operational integrity and relevance of the SEDAC. This includes planning for technological upgrades, data accessibility improvements, and alignment with evolving scientific needs. The current contract's duration suggests a focus on immediate operational support, with future strategies likely dependent on ongoing funding and NASA's broader Earth science objectives.
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: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)
Contractor Details
Address: 1700 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,361,615
Exercised Options: $19,361,615
Current Obligation: $19,361,615
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-07-15
Current End Date: 2008-07-31
Potential End Date: 2008-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-07-11
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