NASA's $132M R&D Contract with DYNAMC Corp: A Decade of Life Sciences Research
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $132,016,865 ($132.0M)
Contractor: Dynamac Corporation
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2001-12-13
End Date: 2011-02-28
Contract Duration: 3,364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: LIFE SCIENCES
Place of Performance
Location: ORLANDO, BREVARD County, FLORIDA, 32899
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $132.0 million to DYNAMAC CORPORATION for work described as: LIFE SCIENCES Key points: 1. Significant investment in life sciences R&D over a decade. 2. DYNAMC Corporation was the sole awardee. 3. Contract type suggests potential for cost overruns. 4. Focus on research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus award fee structure can incentivize performance but also carries inherent risk of higher final costs compared to fixed-price contracts. Without specific performance metrics and award fee payouts, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is generally positive for price discovery. However, the long duration and specific nature of R&D may have limited the number of truly competitive bids.
Taxpayer Impact: The long-term nature and R&D focus mean taxpayer funds are invested in scientific advancement, with potential for future economic or societal returns, but direct cost-effectiveness is hard to quantify upfront.
Public Impact
Investment in cutting-edge life sciences research. Potential for breakthroughs impacting health, environment, or technology. Long-term commitment to scientific exploration by NASA.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost-plus award fee structure can lead to higher costs.
- Long contract duration (over 9 years) increases risk exposure.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Focus on critical R&D in life sciences.
- Significant contract value indicates substantial project scope.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but often involves higher risk and longer payoff periods compared to more established sectors.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This could be due to the specialized nature of the R&D or the size and complexity of the contract, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and cost-plus nature warrant close oversight to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively towards achieving research objectives. NASA's oversight mechanisms would be critical.
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-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
- No small business participation
- Potential for cost overruns
- Sole awardee despite full and open competition
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, fl, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $132.0 million to DYNAMAC CORPORATION. LIFE SCIENCES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DYNAMAC CORPORATION.
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 $132.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-12-13. End: 2011-02-28.
What were the key performance milestones and award fee criteria that guided DYNAMC Corporation's performance and NASA's payments under this contract?
The specific performance milestones and award fee criteria are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, for Cost Plus Award Fee contracts, these would be outlined in the contract's Statement of Work. They often relate to achieving specific research objectives, meeting deadlines, demonstrating technical progress, and overall contractor performance as assessed by the government.
Given the 'full and open competition' award, what factors might have led to a single awardee (DYNAMC Corporation) for such a substantial, long-term R&D contract?
Factors contributing to a single awardee could include the highly specialized nature of the life sciences R&D, requiring unique expertise or facilities possessed by DYNAMC. The contract's complexity, long duration, and specific technical requirements might have also deterred other potential bidders or made DYNAMC the only offeror meeting all stringent criteria.
How did the 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences' (NAICS 541710) spending by NASA align with its broader strategic goals during the contract period (2001-2011)?
During 2001-2011, NASA's strategic goals included advancing space exploration, understanding the universe, and applying space technology for Earth benefits. Life sciences R&D contracts like this would align with understanding human health in space, potential extraterrestrial life, and using biological research for Earth-based applications, contributing to scientific knowledge and technological innovation.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Dynamac International, Inc (UEI: 074828419)
Address: 1901 RESEARCH BLVD STE 220, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $133,984,405
Exercised Options: $133,984,405
Current Obligation: $132,016,865
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-12-13
Current End Date: 2011-02-28
Potential End Date: 2011-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-09-16
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