Leidos Inc. contract for space science studies and assessments awarded $38.5M by NASA
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $38,536,034 ($38.5M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2000-06-01
End Date: 2005-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,039 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SPACE SCIENCE STUDIES AND ASSESSMENTS
Place of Performance
Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON (CITY) County, VIRGINIA, 23681, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $38.5 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: SPACE SCIENCE STUDIES AND ASSESSMENTS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 2. Full and open competition indicates a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of 2039 days suggests a long-term engagement for services. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control. 5. Awarded by NASA, a key agency for space exploration and scientific research. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541710 points to R&D services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $38.5 million over approximately 5.6 years for space science studies and assessments appears moderate for a federal R&D contract of this nature. Without specific benchmarks for comparable 'space science studies and assessments,' a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that NASA aimed to manage costs while ensuring the contractor had an incentive to complete the work. Further analysis would require comparing the scope of work and deliverables to similar contracts awarded by NASA or other agencies.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive indicator for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value for the funds expended on critical space science research.
Public Impact
Benefits NASA's scientific research initiatives and contributes to the understanding of space. Services delivered likely involve complex analysis, modeling, and technical assessments related to space science. Geographic impact is primarily national, supporting federal research objectives. Workforce implications include employment for scientists, engineers, and research support staff.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.
- The long duration of the contract could present challenges in adapting to evolving scientific needs or technological advancements.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- Contractor (Leidos, Inc.) is a well-established entity in government contracting.
- The contract supports critical R&D in space science, aligning with national priorities.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences as defined by NAICS code 541710. The R&D sector is a significant area of federal spending, supporting innovation and technological advancement across various scientific disciplines. NASA is a primary agency in this sector, with substantial investments in space exploration, Earth science, and aeronautics research. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other R&D contracts awarded by NASA and other science-focused agencies for similar study and assessment services.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors. However, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors to Leidos, Inc., depending on the subcontracting plan developed for this contract. The impact on the small business ecosystem would be indirect, primarily through potential subcontracting relationships.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract, NASA's contracting officers and technical monitors would be responsible for ensuring that the contractor's costs are reasonable and allowable, and that the fixed fee is earned through the satisfactory completion of the work. Transparency would be facilitated through contract reporting mechanisms, and potential issues could be addressed by NASA's Inspector General.
Related Government Programs
- NASA Research and Development Contracts
- Space Science Research Programs
- Federal Scientific and Technical Services
- Aerospace Engineering Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contracts if not managed diligently.
- Risk of scope creep or evolving research needs impacting long-term contracts.
- Dependence on contractor's technical expertise and performance.
Tags
space-science, research-and-development, nasa, leidos-inc, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, federal-contract, virginia, large-contract, science-and-technology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $38.5 million to LEIDOS, INC.. SPACE SCIENCE STUDIES AND ASSESSMENTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, 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 $38.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-06-01. End: 2005-12-31.
What is Leidos, Inc.'s track record with NASA for similar R&D contracts?
Leidos, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with NASA and other federal agencies for a wide range of services, including research and development, IT, and engineering support. Their track record with NASA typically involves large, complex projects. For R&D contracts specifically, their performance is generally viewed as competent, though like any large contractor, specific project outcomes can vary. Analyzing past performance reviews, contract modifications, and any disputes or awards associated with their previous NASA R&D work would provide a more detailed picture of their reliability and expertise in this domain. Their extensive experience suggests a strong understanding of federal acquisition regulations and scientific research requirements.
How does the $38.5 million value compare to other NASA space science study contracts?
The $38.5 million contract value for space science studies and assessments awarded to Leidos, Inc. by NASA appears to be within a moderate range for federal R&D contracts of this nature. However, a precise comparison requires detailed benchmarking against contracts with similar scopes of work, deliverables, and durations. NASA awards numerous contracts for scientific research, and values can range from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on the complexity and scale of the research. Contracts focused on fundamental research or early-stage studies might be smaller, while those involving extensive data analysis, large-scale simulations, or advanced technology development could be significantly larger. Without specific details on the 'studies and assessments' covered, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents exceptional value or is on the higher end.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for R&D?
The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for Research and Development (R&D) revolve around cost control and scope definition. For the government (NASA), the risk is that the contractor may not be sufficiently incentivized to control costs beyond what is necessary to earn the fixed fee, potentially leading to higher overall expenditures than anticipated if the initial cost estimates were inaccurate. There's also a risk that the contractor might prioritize activities that lead to the fixed fee over the most critical research objectives if not carefully managed. For the contractor, the risk lies in underestimating the costs required to complete the project, as they are guaranteed a fixed fee regardless of the actual costs incurred. This necessitates robust cost estimation and management by the contractor, and diligent oversight by the government to ensure the work is performed efficiently and effectively.
How effective are NASA's oversight mechanisms for R&D contracts like this one?
NASA generally employs robust oversight mechanisms for its R&D contracts, which are critical for ensuring scientific integrity, responsible use of funds, and achievement of mission objectives. These mechanisms typically include the appointment of Contracting Officers' Representatives (CORs) or Technical Monitors who are responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the contract, reviewing progress reports, and ensuring deliverables meet requirements. For CPFF contracts, oversight also focuses on the allowability and reasonableness of costs incurred. NASA also utilizes performance metrics, regular progress meetings, and site visits to monitor contractor performance. The agency's Inspector General's office provides an additional layer of oversight, conducting audits and investigations to detect and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
What is the historical spending trend for NASA's space science R&D over the past decade?
Historical spending trends for NASA's space science R&D over the past decade show a general commitment to advancing scientific understanding of the universe, Earth, and the solar system. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budgetary allocations, congressional appropriations, and the initiation of new major missions or research programs, NASA's space science budget has consistently represented a significant portion of its overall budget. Periods of increased spending often correlate with the development and launch of flagship missions (e.g., James Webb Space Telescope, Mars missions), while other years might see more emphasis on smaller-scale research grants, theoretical studies, and technology development. Overall, there has been a sustained investment in space science R&D, reflecting its core mission and national importance, though subject to the broader federal budget environment.
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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Space R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 611641312)
Address: ONE ENTERPRISE PARKWAY, HAMPTON, VA, 23666
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $46,000,000
Exercised Options: $38,993,174
Current Obligation: $38,536,034
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-06-01
Current End Date: 2005-12-31
Potential End Date: 2005-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2016-11-22
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