NASA's Plum Brook Operations Support Services contract awarded at $92.4M over 15 years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $92,427,612 ($92.4M)
Contractor: Plum Brook Operations Support Group (join Venture)
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2000-04-01
End Date: 2016-03-21
Contract Duration: 5,833 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PLUM BROOK OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: SANDUSKY, ERIE County, OHIO, 44870
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $92.4 million to PLUM BROOK OPERATIONS SUPPORT GROUP (JOIN VENTURE) for work described as: PLUM BROOK OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $92.4M over 15 years. 2. Awarded to Plum Brook Operations Support Group (Joint Venture). 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Facilities Support Services sector. 5. No small business participation noted.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar facilities support services contracts is difficult without more granular data on the specific services provided.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the joint venture structure might limit the number of actual bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for a long-term facilities support contract awarded competitively.
Public Impact
Supports critical NASA operations at Plum Brook Station. Long-term contract provides stability for service provider. Potential for cost efficiencies through joint venture collaboration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving needs.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures broad market access.
- Joint venture structure may offer specialized expertise.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, which includes a wide range of services for maintaining and operating government facilities. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on the complexity and scale of the facilities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This could be due to the nature of the services required or the structure of the winning joint venture, which may not have included small business partners.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, a civilian agency with established oversight mechanisms. The long duration suggests ongoing monitoring would be crucial to ensure performance and cost control.
Related Government Programs
- Facilities Support Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Lack of small business involvement.
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or outdated services.
- Joint venture structure complexity.
Tags
facilities-support-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, oh, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $92.4 million to PLUM BROOK OPERATIONS SUPPORT GROUP (JOIN VENTURE). PLUM BROOK OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PLUM BROOK OPERATIONS SUPPORT GROUP (JOIN VENTURE).
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 $92.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2000-04-01. End: 2016-03-21.
What specific services were included in the Plum Brook Operations Support Services contract, and how do they align with NASA's core mission objectives?
The contract primarily covered facilities support services at NASA's Plum Brook Station. This likely includes maintenance, operations, and potentially specialized support for unique testing facilities. Aligning these services with NASA's mission is crucial for ensuring the effective operation of research and development infrastructure, enabling scientific discovery and technological advancement.
What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) and how was performance measured to ensure value for money throughout the contract's 15-year duration?
Detailed information on specific KPIs is not provided. However, for a contract of this nature and duration, NASA would typically establish metrics related to facility uptime, maintenance response times, safety compliance, and operational efficiency. Performance would likely be assessed through regular reviews, contractor reporting, and potentially independent evaluations to ensure the services met contractual requirements and provided good value.
Given the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, what mechanisms were in place to control costs and prevent contractor overspending over the 15-year term?
Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts require robust oversight. NASA would have likely implemented mechanisms such as detailed cost accounting standards, regular audits of contractor expenditures, and strict change order controls. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for efficiency, but continuous monitoring and negotiation by the contracting officer are essential to manage costs effectively over such a long period.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services
Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Diversitech, Inc. (UEI: 849921051)
Address: 6100 COLUMBUS AVE, SANDUSKY, OH, 44870
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $97,900,834
Exercised Options: $97,900,834
Current Obligation: $92,427,612
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2000-04-01
Current End Date: 2016-03-21
Potential End Date: 2018-02-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-02-15
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