NASA Awards $44M for R&D Support Services to AI Signal Research Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $44,074,553 ($44.1M)
Contractor: AI Signal Research Inc
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2002-02-15
End Date: 2007-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,870 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: CUSTOMER AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (CAER) DIRECTORATE SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35805
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $44.1 million to AI SIGNAL RESEARCH INC for work described as: CUSTOMER AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (CAER) DIRECTORATE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $44.07 million for R&D support services is significant. 2. AI Signal Research Inc. secured this contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 4. The R&D sector is crucial for innovation but can be subject to performance risks.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $44.07 million over 5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts would be necessary for a precise pricing assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
Full and open competition was utilized, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure may lead to costs exceeding initial estimates if not managed closely.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for critical R&D support, with the expectation of value derived from the research outcomes. Competition aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development activities for NASA. Potential for advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Contract duration of over 5 years indicates long-term investment in specific R&D areas.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract type can lead to higher than anticipated costs.
- Long contract duration may not adapt well to rapidly changing R&D needs.
- No small business participation noted.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition ensures a broad range of potential bidders.
- Contract supports NASA's core mission of scientific advancement.
- AI Signal Research Inc. has a contract history with the agency.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector. Spending in this area is vital for technological advancement and national competitiveness, often characterized by high innovation potential but also inherent project risks.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this contract award, as the 'sb' field is false. This suggests the prime contractor is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for subcontracting to small businesses were not explicitly mandated or pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by NASA, a federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. However, the Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure accountability and prevent potential overspending.
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 Incentive Fee contract type.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Long contract duration may limit flexibility.
- Potential for cost overruns if not closely managed.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, al, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $44.1 million to AI SIGNAL RESEARCH INC. CUSTOMER AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS (CAER) DIRECTORATE SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AI SIGNAL RESEARCH 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 $44.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2002-02-15. End: 2007-03-31.
What specific R&D areas does this contract support, and how do they align with NASA's strategic goals?
The contract supports 'Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences.' While the specific R&D areas are not detailed, they likely align with NASA's broader objectives in space exploration, aeronautics, and scientific discovery. A deeper dive into the Statement of Work would clarify the strategic alignment and expected outcomes.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for AI Signal Research Inc. under this Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract?
The specific KPIs are not provided in the data. However, for a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract, KPIs typically relate to achieving specific research milestones, adhering to budget targets (with incentives for cost savings), and meeting quality standards. NASA's contracting officers would be responsible for defining and monitoring these KPIs to ensure contractor performance and value.
How does the $44 million contract value compare to typical R&D support service contracts of similar scope and duration?
Without more specific details on the scope of services and the exact nature of the R&D, a direct comparison is difficult. However, $44 million over five years ($8.8 million annually) for specialized R&D support services to a major agency like NASA appears to be within a reasonable range, especially considering the potential for complex scientific endeavors.
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) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE (V)
Contractor Details
Address: 3411 TRIANA BLVD SW, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 05
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,617,788
Exercised Options: $44,617,788
Current Obligation: $44,074,553
Timeline
Start Date: 2002-02-15
Current End Date: 2007-03-31
Potential End Date: 2007-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-02-12
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