NASA Awards $42.8M Engineering Services Contract to ATK Space Systems via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $42,851,908 ($42.9M)
Contractor: ATK Space Systems LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2005-06-22
End Date: 2006-12-31
Contract Duration: 557 days
Daily Burn Rate: $76.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: DUE TO PROCUREMENT LINE ITEM LIMITATIONS, THIS ESTABLISHES A NEW CONTRACT NUMBER EFFECTIVE 6/21/2005.CREATED SOLELY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROCUREMENT LINE ITEMS
Place of Performance
Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23681
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $42.9 million to ATK SPACE SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: DUE TO PROCUREMENT LINE ITEM LIMITATIONS, THIS ESTABLISHES A NEW CONTRACT NUMBER EFFECTIVE 6/21/2005.CREATED SOLELY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROCUREMENT LINE ITEMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services, totaling $42.8 million. 2. ATK Space Systems LLC is the contractor, with NASA as the agency. 3. Procurement method was 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources'. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Award Fee, indicating performance-based incentives. 5. The contract duration is 557 days, ending December 31, 2006.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $42.8 million for 557 days of engineering services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of aerospace work. Benchmarking against similar NASA contracts for engineering support would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The procurement was conducted under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a competitive process was intended. However, the specific reason for excluding sources needs further clarification to fully assess price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests efforts to secure fair pricing, but the exact taxpayer impact is difficult to quantify without detailed cost breakdowns.
Public Impact
Supports critical space exploration and research initiatives. Leverages private sector expertise for complex engineering challenges. Potential for technological advancements and spin-off innovations. Ensures continued operation and development of NASA programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reason for 'Exclusion of Sources' needs clarification.
- Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring of performance metrics.
- Contract established due to line item limitations, suggesting potential administrative inefficiencies.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Contract awarded to a known entity in the space sector.
- Clear end date for contract performance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector crucial for government agencies like NASA. Spending in this area is benchmarked against the agency's historical investments in research, development, and program support.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to ATK Space Systems LLC and does not specify any small business participation. Further investigation would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Oversight would focus on ensuring ATK Space Systems meets performance requirements and manages costs effectively under the Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of clarity on source exclusion.
- Potential for cost overruns with CPAF if not closely monitored.
- Contract created due to line item limitations may indicate process issues.
- No explicit mention of small business subcontracting.
Tags
engineering-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, va, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $42.9 million to ATK SPACE SYSTEMS LLC. DUE TO PROCUREMENT LINE ITEM LIMITATIONS, THIS ESTABLISHES A NEW CONTRACT NUMBER EFFECTIVE 6/21/2005.CREATED SOLELY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PROCUREMENT LINE ITEMS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ATK SPACE SYSTEMS LLC.
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 $42.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-06-22. End: 2006-12-31.
What was the specific justification for excluding sources in this 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' procurement?
The justification for excluding sources needs to be detailed in the contract's procurement file. Typically, such exclusions are based on specific technical requirements, existing proprietary data, or urgent needs where only a limited number of sources can realistically meet the demand within the required timeframe.
How does the Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure impact the contractor's incentive to control costs and maximize efficiency?
A CPAF contract provides for the reimbursement of allowable costs plus an incentive fee that is based on the contractor's performance against a predetermined baseline. This structure incentivizes the contractor to exceed performance expectations while also managing costs, as the award fee is tied to achieving specific metrics and objectives.
What is the long-term strategic value of this engineering services contract for NASA's mission objectives?
This contract likely supports specific NASA missions or programs by providing essential engineering expertise. Its strategic value lies in enabling the agency to leverage specialized skills for complex projects, potentially accelerating research, development, and operational capabilities, thereby advancing NASA's broader goals in space exploration and scientific discovery.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems LLC (UEI: 618705925)
Address: 5050 POWDER MILL RD, BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $121,622,547
Exercised Options: $121,622,547
Current Obligation: $42,851,908
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-06-22
Current End Date: 2006-12-31
Potential End Date: 2007-08-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-07-16
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