NASA's $196M ATOM Services Contract Awarded to Amentum Technology, Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $195,918,189 ($195.9M)
Contractor: Amentum Technology, Inc.
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2009-07-01
End Date: 2016-03-31
Contract Duration: 2,465 days
Daily Burn Rate: $79.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: AEROSPACE TESTING AND FACILITIES OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (ATOM) SERVICES.
Place of Performance
Location: MOFFETT FIELD, SANTA CLARA County, CALIFORNIA, 94035
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $195.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: AEROSPACE TESTING AND FACILITIES OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (ATOM) SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Amentum Technology, Inc. for facilities support services. 2. Significant contract value of $195.9 million over its duration. 3. Procured through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract spans over 8 years, from July 2009 to March 2016. 5. Services include testing and facilities operations and maintenance.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract type is Cost Plus Incentive Fee, which allows for shared savings and cost control. The awarded amount of $195.9 million is substantial, but the incentive fee structure suggests efforts to manage costs effectively.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors are encouraged to bid.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is beneficial for taxpayers, likely resulting in a more cost-effective outcome for the services provided.
Public Impact
Supports critical aerospace testing and research infrastructure for NASA. Ensures the operational readiness and maintenance of vital facilities. Impacts the efficiency and success of national space exploration and defense programs. Provides essential services that underpin scientific advancement and technological innovation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 79 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is lengthy, potentially leading to scope creep or price increases over time.
- Cost Plus Incentive Fee contracts can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not managed tightly.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Focus on facilities operations and maintenance ensures critical infrastructure is maintained.
- Long-term contract provides stability for essential services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Facilities Support Services, a broad category encompassing maintenance, operations, and management of physical infrastructure. Spending in this sector is crucial for government agencies to maintain their operational capabilities and research facilities.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the prime contractor is Amentum Technology, Inc. There is no specific information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting goals within this contract award.
Oversight & Accountability
NASA's procurement processes are generally subject to oversight from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and internal agency review. The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator of adherence to procurement regulations.
Related Government Programs
- Facilities Support Services
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration
- Potential for cost overruns with CPIF
- Lack of specific small business participation data
- Scope creep risk over extended period
Tags
facilities-support-services, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, ca, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $195.9 million to AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.. AEROSPACE TESTING AND FACILITIES OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (ATOM) SERVICES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, 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 $195.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-07-01. End: 2016-03-31.
What specific metrics were used to evaluate the performance of Amentum Technology, Inc. under this Cost Plus Incentive Fee contract, and how did these metrics influence the final cost?
The Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) structure implies performance metrics tied to cost savings, schedule adherence, or technical milestones. NASA would have established specific targets for Amentum. Achieving or exceeding these targets would result in a lower final cost for NASA, while failing to meet them could lead to a higher cost, up to a pre-defined ceiling. Detailed performance data and the resulting fee adjustments are typically found in contract performance reports.
Given the contract's duration and scope, what are the potential risks associated with long-term facilities operations and maintenance contracts, and how were these mitigated?
Long-term contracts for facilities operations and maintenance carry risks such as technological obsolescence, unforeseen infrastructure degradation, and potential for contractor complacency. Mitigation strategies often include robust contract management, regular performance reviews, built-in mechanisms for scope adjustments, and clear exit clauses. The CPIF structure itself can incentivize proactive maintenance and efficiency to manage costs over the contract's life.
How does the $195.9 million expenditure for ATOM services compare to similar facilities support contracts awarded by other federal agencies of comparable size and mission?
Benchmarking this $195.9 million contract requires comparing it against similar facilities support services contracts for agencies with comparable infrastructure needs and operational complexity. Factors like geographic location, specific facility types (e.g., research labs vs. office buildings), and service level agreements influence costs. Without specific benchmark data for comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess if this expenditure is high or low, though the competitive award process suggests reasonable value.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Jacobs Engineering Group Inc
Address: 600 WILLIAM NORTHERN BLVD, TULLAHOMA, TN, 37388
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $240,000,000
Exercised Options: $240,000,000
Current Obligation: $195,918,189
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-07-01
Current End Date: 2016-03-31
Potential End Date: 2016-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2022-07-28
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