NASA Awards $133M for Communications Development to Axient LLC under RRSW IDIQ
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $133,396,148 ($133.4M)
Contractor: Axient LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2012-11-16
End Date: 2022-09-30
Contract Duration: 3,605 days
Daily Burn Rate: $37.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ORS RAPID RESPONSE BRANCH. COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE RRSW IDIQ CONTRACT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH ALL LABOR, SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, TRAVEL, OTHER DIRECT COSTS, AND FEES NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THE ATTACHED TASK ORDER.
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $133.4 million to AXIENT LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ORS RAPID RESPONSE BRANCH. COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE RRSW IDIQ CONTRACT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH ALL LABOR, SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, TRAVEL, OTHER DIRECT COSTS, AND FEES NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THE ATTACHED TASK ORDER. Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $133.4M for R&D services. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market availability. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can pose cost control risks. 4. Sector is R&D, a critical area for technological advancement.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. While common in R&D, it can incentivize higher costs if not closely monitored, potentially leading to less favorable pricing compared to fixed-price contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders were considered. This method generally promotes competitive pricing, but the CPFF structure may still allow for cost overruns.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for research and development, which can yield long-term benefits but requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Supports critical communications development for NASA's missions. Potential for technological advancements with broad applications. Long-term contract duration (2012-2022) indicates sustained need. Funding allocated for R&D can stimulate innovation and economic growth.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- CPFF contract type may lead to cost overruns.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Long contract duration could indicate potential for scope creep.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical R&D for a major government agency.
- Contractor has a significant award value.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically for physical, engineering, and life sciences. Spending in this area is crucial for innovation but often involves higher risk and less predictable outcomes compared to procurement of established goods or services.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the primary contractor is Axient LLC. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this specific task order, nor is the primary contractor listed as a small business itself.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers. The CPFF structure necessitates robust monitoring of costs and progress to ensure accountability and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Contracting
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Long contract duration (10 years).
- Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.
- Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, national-aeronautics-and-space-administr, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $133.4 million to AXIENT LLC. IGF::OT::IGF ORS RAPID RESPONSE BRANCH. COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE RRSW IDIQ CONTRACT. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL FURNISH ALL LABOR, SUPPLIES, MATERIALS, TRAVEL, OTHER DIRECT COSTS, AND FEES NECESSARY TO ACCOMPLISH THE REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN THE ATTACHED TASK ORDER.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AXIENT 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 $133.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-11-16. End: 2022-09-30.
What specific deliverables or milestones were established within the task order to measure progress and ensure value for the $133M investment?
The provided data does not detail the specific deliverables or milestones for this task order. A Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires clear definition of work scope and performance metrics to ensure the contractor is held accountable for progress and that the fixed fee is earned appropriately. Without these details, assessing the value realization is difficult.
How effectively did NASA manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure to control costs and mitigate risks associated with R&D expenditures?
Effective management of a CPFF contract involves rigorous oversight of contractor expenditures, regular progress reviews, and clear communication regarding scope changes. NASA's ability to control costs would depend on the diligence of its contracting officers and program managers in scrutinizing costs, ensuring alignment with the fixed fee, and preventing scope creep throughout the contract's long duration.
What was the ultimate impact of this communications development work on NASA's operational capabilities or technological advancements?
The provided data focuses on the contract's financial and administrative aspects, not its technical outcomes. To assess the impact, one would need to review NASA's program reports, technical documentation, or mission success metrics that benefited from the communications development funded by this contract.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2231 CRYSTAL DR STE 711, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $133,396,148
Exercised Options: $133,396,148
Current Obligation: $133,396,148
Actual Outlays: $32,430,660
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 144
Total Subaward Amount: $40,544,589
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNA10DF16B
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-11-16
Current End Date: 2022-09-30
Potential End Date: 2022-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-24
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