NASA's $25.6M Aircraft Operations Systems Support Contract Awarded to Leidos, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,583,238 ($25.6M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2001-08-24
End Date: 2006-08-31
Contract Duration: 1,833 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS SYSTEMS SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77058
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $25.6 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS SYSTEMS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Leidos, Inc. secured a significant contract for aircraft operations systems support. 2. The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competition. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract spans over 5 years, indicating a long-term commitment. 4. The primary NAICS code suggests a focus on custom computer programming services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $25.6M over 5 years averages around $5.1M annually. Without specific benchmarks for similar aircraft operations systems support contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess if this pricing is excellent or concerning.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This approach limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible value for this significant expenditure.
Public Impact
NASA's reliance on a single vendor for critical aircraft operations systems. Potential for increased costs due to the absence of competitive bidding. Impact on the broader aerospace IT services market by limiting opportunities for other vendors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Long contract duration without clear performance metrics.
- Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Positive Signals
- Established vendor with potential for specialized expertise.
- Consistent support for critical NASA operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. The $25.6M value over five years is substantial for this type of specialized support, especially for a government agency like NASA.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Leidos, Inc., a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this sole-source award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny. Further oversight is needed to understand the justification for not competing the contract and to ensure accountability for the funds expended.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of Competition
- Potential for Overpricing
- Limited Transparency
- Vendor Lock-in Risk
- Accountability Concerns
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, tx, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $25.6 million to LEIDOS, INC.. AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS SYSTEMS SUPPORT
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 $25.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2001-08-24. End: 2006-08-31.
What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of qualified sources. Without access to NASA's procurement documentation, it's impossible to determine the exact reasons. However, sole-source awards inherently bypass the competitive process, which is designed to ensure the government receives the best value and price through market forces.
How does the cost of this contract compare to similar aircraft operations systems support contracts awarded competitively?
Benchmarking this contract's cost against similar, competitively awarded contracts is crucial for assessing value. If comparable services were procured at a lower price through competition, it suggests this sole-source award may have been less cost-effective for taxpayers. A detailed cost-benefit analysis would be required to make a definitive comparison.
What performance metrics and oversight mechanisms are in place to ensure Leidos, Inc. is effectively delivering the required aircraft operations systems support?
Effective oversight requires clearly defined performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and mechanisms for addressing deficiencies. For a contract of this duration and value, robust reporting requirements and independent evaluations of service delivery are essential to ensure NASA's operational needs are met efficiently and effectively.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10260 CAMPUS POINT DR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,682,392
Exercised Options: $25,682,392
Current Obligation: $25,583,238
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2001-08-24
Current End Date: 2006-08-31
Potential End Date: 2006-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-04
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